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Recommended for ages 14+
Performance Dates
26 September 2026 - 27 March 2027
Run time: To be confirmed.
Includes interval
7 reviews
Top Rated Show
Reviewers highly rate this show
RENT, Jonathan Larson’s landmark rock musical, returns to London’s West End in autumn 2026 in a new revival starring Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things).
Marking 30 years since it first changed the landscape of contemporary musical theatre, RENT is one of the most influential shows of its generation, this long-awaited return brings the iconic story back to the capital where it plays at the Duke of York's Theatre from Sat 26 Sep - Sat 13 Feb 2027.
Created by Jonathan Larson, RENT is one of the most influential musicals of the modern era. Inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, it follows a group of young artists living in New York City’s East Village as they navigate love, friendship, identity, ambition, and survival during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis.
First premiering off-Broadway in 1996 before transferring to Broadway, RENT became a cultural phenomenon, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and multiple Tony Awards. Its raw storytelling and rock-infused score reshaped musical theatre for a new generation.
Now, as RENT London 2026 prepares for its long-awaited West End return, audiences can expect a revival that reintroduces its iconic and emotional story to a new era.
The upcoming RENT London revival celebrates the show’s 30th anniversary, bringing Jonathan Larson’s defining work back to the West End for a new generation of audiences.
Since its debut, RENT has become one of the most important musicals of all time, celebrated for its groundbreaking score and enduring cultural impact. Its themes of community, resilience and chosen family continue to resonate decades after its premiere.
Creator: Jonathan Larson
Whether you're discovering the show for the first time or revisiting a favourite, these FAQs cover the origins, themes and iconic songs that have made RENT the Musical a beloved modern classic.
The original Broadway cast of RENT the Musical featured many performers who had appeared in the Off-Broadway production. Anthony Rapp starred as Mark Cohen, Adam Pascal played Roger Davis, Idina Menzel portrayed Maureen Johnson, and Jesse L. Martin took on the role of Tom Collins. Daphne Rubin-Vega, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Fredi Walker and Taye Diggs also formed part of the groundbreaking ensemble. Their performances helped turn RENT into one of Broadway’s defining musicals.
"Seasons of Love" is one of the most famous songs from RENT the Musical and asks how a year should be measured. Rather than counting time by days or minutes, the song suggests that life should be measured in love, compassion and human connection. Performed by the company, it reflects many of the show's central themes and has become an anthem of hope, remembrance and community for audiences around the world.
RENT the Musical is based on La Bohème, the opera by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. While the opera is set in nineteenth-century Paris, Jonathan Larson reimagined the story in New York City's East Village during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He retained many of the original relationships and emotional conflicts while updating the story to address issues including poverty, friendship, love and the AIDS crisis.
At its heart, RENT the Musical explores love, friendship, identity and the importance of living in the moment. The show examines the struggles faced by artists and outsiders, as well as the impact of illness and loss on a close-knit community. Despite its difficult subject matter, RENT is ultimately a story about hope, acceptance and celebrating life, making it one of the most emotional and enduring musicals of the modern era.
Yes. A new RENT London revival is planned for autumn 2026. to mark the musical’s 30th anniversary.
It is a new West End production of Jonathan Larson’s RENT, returning to London for the first time in several years.
No. RENT originally premiered in 1996 and is now returning in a 30th anniversary revival.
RENT is widely regarded as a landmark musical that reshaped modern theatre with its rock score and socially conscious storytelling.
The Duke of York's Theatre in London's West End.
Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things) will play the role of Mark Cohen. Full RENT London casting details will be revealed closer to the production’s West End opening.
If you can’t get enough of RENT the Musical, there are plenty more powerful stories waiting on the West End stage. Explore our Musicals collection for more bold, emotional and unforgettable theatre. Hadestown combines haunting music with themes of struggle, love and hope, while Les Misérables shares RENT’s spirit of resilience and community. For darker themes, unforgettable music and stories about outsiders, Cabaret is another must-see.
Further casting has been announced for the upcoming West End revival of Jonathan Larson's RENT, with the remaining principal cast now revealed ahead of the musical's return this autumn.
Previously announced as Mark Cohen, Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo will make his West End debut in the production. He is now joined by Travis Ross as Roger, Bella Brown as Mimi, Billy Nevers as Collins, Lazy Violet as Maureen, Danielle Fiamanya as Joanne, Jeevan Braich as Angel and Joaquin Pedro Valdes as Benny. Further casting is expected to be announced in due course
8 Jul, 2026 | By Hay Brunsdon
Johnathan Larson’s rock musical RENT returns to the West End, starring Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things) as Mark. Inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, the story follows a group of young struggling artists living in New York’s East Village during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis.
This complete song guide of RENT the musical has you covered, with the story being told through song there are some spoilers ahead so proceed with caution Bohemians…
An introduction to the characters of RENT and their daily struggles of trying to make it as an artist living in New York. Mark, a film maker with no script or inspiration shoots from his camera aimlessly. Roger tuning his guitar that he hasn’t played in a year, now trying to write one great song.
The characters Mark and Roger have been living in squalor, with no heating, no stable income and no inspiration. But, their old friend Benny allowed them to live in his building for free, but now wants them to pay last year’s rent to continue stay living there.
The gut wrenching rock ballad sung by Roger, telling his story about his battle with HIV which he contracted from his last girlfriend, who upon hearing the news committed suicide. Roger hopes to write one last song to be remembered by, before he dies.
We’re introduced to Mimi, Roger and Mark’s neighbour looking for warmth and some light after Benny cuts off the building’s power in protest. Mimi flirts with Roger who is hesitant to return any affection due to his diagnosis.
After being missing for a few days, Collins finally reaches Mark and Roger’s apartment with his new friend and lover, Angel, who saved him after being jumped in the streets. Angel in full drag and a festive outfit, shares the money she earned in a rather unconventional way.
A highly comical dance number in RENT the Musical. Mark catches news his ex-girlfriend Maureen needs assistance at the protest she has arranged against Benny’s plan to evict the homeless. Mark meets Maureen’s new lover, Joanne. The two find an unexpected rhythm together, bonding over Maureen’s bad habits of gaslighting and cheating.
Mimi’s catchy rock solo, she attempts again to seduce Roger, tempting him to come out and party with her. The song shows her wild side, which Roger disdains recognising the pattern of addiction he once fell into, which leads into the next track…
Roger reacts abrasively to Mimi’s suggestion to go out, frustrated by her distraction from his song and his inner battle whether to tell Mimi of his diagnosis and his addict past. Singing back to Roger, Mimi encourages him to seize the day with Johnathan Larson’s famous lyrics ‘no day but today.’
Sick of New York, Collins and Angel dream of opening a restaurant in Santa Fe; a simpler easygoing life, away from the draining nature of the all-work, no-play and low pay city. Can we come too?
The infamous Maureen is finally introduced to the story, performing her performance-art protest song against Benny’s wishes to evict homeless people from the building he owns. The song based on ‘Hey Diddle Diddle’ pokes fun at Benny, criticising capitalism, gentrification of New York and corporate greed.
Benny confronts his old friends after the protest, claiming he’s trying to make a better community and home for them. The song title translates to ‘The Bohemian Life,’ which references a lifestyle rejecting societal norms and conventions with the priority to live freely and creatively. The self proclaimed bohemians toast to their lives that they are perfectly happy with, throwing Benny’s offer of a ‘better life’ back in his face.
A duet with Mimi and Roger finally facing the conversation they had both been facing, with their battle with addiction and their HIV diagnoses. From this honest conversation, they realise they can be together without risking the others' health.
8 Jul, 2026 | By Alicia Bridge
The West End is sparkling this year with a line-up of world-class talent from stage, film, television and music. From gripping dramas to dazzling musicals and exciting new productions, London theatre-goers are in for an unforgettable year. Here's our guide to the biggest stars lighting up London's stages.
Stage and screen icon Vanessa Williams continues to lead the cast of The Devil Wears Prada as the formidable Miranda Priestly. Bringing glamour, comedic one-liners and undeniable star power to the hit musical, Williams remains with the production until 19 September 2026.
Eurovision favourite Sam Ryder has made his highly anticipated stage debut as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium before leading the production into its West End transfer at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane this autumn. His powerhouse vocals have already earned rave reviews in Tim Sheader's acclaimed revival. Read our review to find out why this production is one of the theatrical highlights of the year.
Jesus Christ Superstar is also welcoming an extraordinary line-up of guest stars in the role of King Herod across both its London Palladium season and subsequent Theatre Royal Drury Lane run.
At the London Palladium, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Richard Armitage, Boy George, Layton Williams and Julian Clary each take on the role for limited engagements throughout the summer. Following the transfer to Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the celebrity casting continues with Matt Bomer, Rob Brydon, Reece Shearsmith, Bob the Drag Queen, Michael Ball, Simon Russell Beale, Omid Djalili and Layton Williams, with one final guest star still to be announced.
Find the full King Herod performance dates for both the London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane in our handy guides linked above.
Olivier Award winner Adrian Lester stars alongside acclaimed stage and screen actor Susannah Fielding in Cyrano, bringing fresh life to Edmond Rostand's timeless story of love, poetry and identity. Playing in the West End for a strictly limited season until 5 September 2026, you'll only have the summer to catch this standout production. Trust us, it’s brilliant!
Former The X Factor contestant Rachel Adedeji stars in Hadestown, the critically acclaimed musical that reimagines ancient Greek myths through a soulful, modern score. Her powerful vocals make her a standout addition to one of the West End's most celebrated productions.
Singer and West End favourite Alexandra Burke stars in I'm Every Woman, the new musical celebrating the life and music of Chaka Khan. Playing for a limited season from 22 July to 27 September 2026, it's one of this summer's biggest musical events.
Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo makes his West End debut this autumn in RENT. Best known as Dustin Henderson in the hit Netflix series, Matarazzo brings his acclaimed Broadway experience to Jonathan Larson's iconic rock musical.
8 Jul, 2026 | By Hay Brunsdon
You wanna go out tonight? After what feels like 525,600 years, RENT is coming back to the West End. From September 2026 to February 2027, the Tony Award-winning show will be playing the Duke of Yorks Theatre, with Gaten Matarazzo playing Mark.
If this is your first opportunity to see the era-defying musical, you are in for a treat! Jonathan Larson’s landmark rock musical is one of the most iconic and important theatre shows of all time. Inspired by Puccini’s La Boheme, it depicts the lives of a group of young, struggling artists in New York as they try to make ends meet while facing the realities of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Beautiful, tragic, emotional, and funny, it’s an absolute must-see for theatre lovers.
If we’re preaching to the choir and you want to find shows similar to RENT because you just love it that much, then step this way. Here are some shows like RENT that will help you bridge the gap between now and September.
2 Jul, 2026 | By Carly Clements-Yu
Gaten Matarazzo will make his West End debut in the new revival of Rent. The Stranger Things star will play Mark Cohen with initial casting, dates and venue announced today.
Matarazzo will take on the role of Mark Cohen, the aspiring filmmaker and narrator at the heart of the musical, who documents the lives of his friends in New York City’s East Village as they navigate love, creativity, poverty and the AIDS crisis in the early 1990s.
The new production of Rent will open at the Duke of York's Theatre from 26 September 2026 as the musical celebrates its 30th anniversary.
19 May, 2026 | By Hay Brunsdon
For any musicals fan, it’s highly likely that you’re a fan of the iconic musical Rent and so naturally a revival has been desperately awaited! After 525,600 minutes and then some, the news broke yesterday that a brand-new production from the Hope Mill Theatre will take place this summer for a strictly limited one-month run! Rent will be directed by Luke Sheppard who directed Spring Awakening at the Manchester theatre back in 2018. Sheppard’s most recent credits feature & Juliet which premiered at Manchester’s Opera House before transferring to the West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre.
The combination of beloved hit musical Rent and the wonderful direction of Luke Sheppard has certainly spiked the excitement for this new production! Here’s hoping that the musical follows suit of many that begin in Manchester and then transfer to London for a West End production. With summer and the Hope Mill Theatre production feeling far away, we won’t wait with bated breath just yet for a West End transfer, but we will be dreaming. Read below to see why we want Rent in London…
5 Feb, 2020 | By Jade Ali
Bruce Guthrie’s production of Jonathan Larson's heart rending multiple award winning rock musical RENT is set to run at The Other Palace (formerly the St. James Theatre) over Christmas, 8 December 2016 - 28 January 2017. After its limited run in London the show will continue to tour through the UK until closing in Kent at the end of May 2017.
18 Nov, 2016 | By Sarah Gengenbach
The legendary rock musical RENT, celebrating its incredible 20th anniversary, comes to St. James Theatre for a strictly limited run, 8 December 2016 - 28 January 2017.
7 Jun, 2016 | By Jacob Porteous