Rent (Guild Musical Theatre Group)
University Theatre Groups I always imagine will be a ‘hot bed’ of future talent, imagine I might see at least one or two potential West End Stars and with Guild Musical Theatre Group (University of Birmingham) I wasn’t disappointed. Jonathan Larson’s ‘Rent’ is a deceptively complex piece of theatre to deliver well but, under the prodigious direction of Tash Wills this team give it every ounce of the passion and drive it needs. Choreography from Rochelle Jack is slick and completely integrated with the on stage action, complemented every step of the way by Larson’s score, ably supplied by Musical Directors, Joe Diggle/Jude Connolly and their on stage band.
Will Jackson is engaging and lucid as Mark, vitally so as the story simply wouldn’t flow without him, joined by Joe Griffiths-Bloor as an emotionally dynamic Roger. These two characters are at the centre of an intriguing array of interwoven stories that can easily become confused if the audience isn’t totally absorbed in the performance.
Having recently lost his girlfriend, Roger becomes entwined in a relationship with the almost fatally flawed Mimi, played with delightful intensity by Claudia Sugarman. Mark on the other hand has recently been ‘dumped’ by Maureen, probably the performance of the night from Rae Doyle who is now in a relationship with the slightly domineering Joanne, portrayed perfectly by Hannah Birmingham, the ‘Take Me or Leave Me’ number is a true highlight.
Friend of both Roger and Mark is computer genius Tom Collins, played not only with deep feeling but, an equally deep and soulful voice by Jason Obiri-Yeboah. Rescued after a mugging Collins is befriended and ultimately falls in love with drag queen Angel, a notoriously difficult part to cast, yet performed exceptionally by Fergal Mullan Wilkinson. Completing the principal cast is outsider Benjamin Coffin III, previously part of this close group of friends but, having married into money and bought the building his once close allays are existing in, it his indeed he that is demanding the ‘Rent’ and played with conviction by the aptly named Ben Cammack.
Adding richly to the on stage storytelling are a talented ensemble cast including the striking voices of Zoe Farrow (additionally providing an entertaining cameo as Alexi Darling), Phillip Muya, Lauren Ramsden and Ana Richardson.
Looking for further highlights, I have to admit to a tear during Angel’s Funeral Scene which is emotionally hard hitting and diametrically opposed but, strangely equally memorable, to the party scene and La Vie Boheme.
If it’s a night of intense entertainment you’re looking for, something to light your candle or perhaps just to indulge yourself with the ‘Tango Maureen’, this is the show for you. Book a ticket quickly though as there are only three performances left to join those ‘Seasons of Love’.
Book Here
Will Jackson is engaging and lucid as Mark, vitally so as the story simply wouldn’t flow without him, joined by Joe Griffiths-Bloor as an emotionally dynamic Roger. These two characters are at the centre of an intriguing array of interwoven stories that can easily become confused if the audience isn’t totally absorbed in the performance.
Having recently lost his girlfriend, Roger becomes entwined in a relationship with the almost fatally flawed Mimi, played with delightful intensity by Claudia Sugarman. Mark on the other hand has recently been ‘dumped’ by Maureen, probably the performance of the night from Rae Doyle who is now in a relationship with the slightly domineering Joanne, portrayed perfectly by Hannah Birmingham, the ‘Take Me or Leave Me’ number is a true highlight.
Friend of both Roger and Mark is computer genius Tom Collins, played not only with deep feeling but, an equally deep and soulful voice by Jason Obiri-Yeboah. Rescued after a mugging Collins is befriended and ultimately falls in love with drag queen Angel, a notoriously difficult part to cast, yet performed exceptionally by Fergal Mullan Wilkinson. Completing the principal cast is outsider Benjamin Coffin III, previously part of this close group of friends but, having married into money and bought the building his once close allays are existing in, it his indeed he that is demanding the ‘Rent’ and played with conviction by the aptly named Ben Cammack.
Adding richly to the on stage storytelling are a talented ensemble cast including the striking voices of Zoe Farrow (additionally providing an entertaining cameo as Alexi Darling), Phillip Muya, Lauren Ramsden and Ana Richardson.
Looking for further highlights, I have to admit to a tear during Angel’s Funeral Scene which is emotionally hard hitting and diametrically opposed but, strangely equally memorable, to the party scene and La Vie Boheme.
If it’s a night of intense entertainment you’re looking for, something to light your candle or perhaps just to indulge yourself with the ‘Tango Maureen’, this is the show for you. Book a ticket quickly though as there are only three performances left to join those ‘Seasons of Love’.
Book Here
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