Treat in store for fans of rock musical Rent playing at Birmingham's Old Rep Theatre
We may have just experienced the hottest day of the year, but at the Birmingham Old Rep this week, there's a definite wintery chill in the air, writes Alison Norton.
Christmas Bells are certainly ringing as Michael Neri's production of Jonathan Larson's hit rock musical Rent hits the ground running.
Created completely in Birmingham, producer Neri has made it his mission to cast local actors from across the region to make this version of one of the most relevant musicals of today's society the West Midlands very own.
Based loosely on Puccini's opera, La Boheme, Rent is essentially about loves, lives and losses of a group of people living in New York at the turn of the millennium, kicking against the system. The show is sung throughout and so it helps if you understand the plight of the characters and their backgrounds beforehand. That said, such is the quality of the lyrics and composition, whether you are a first timer or a devoted Rent fan, there is a treat in store.
Tim Gough offered a strong performance as washed-up rock star, Roger, and together with the highly-appealing Joe Ashman in the role of Mark, produced some of the most memorable vocal moments in the show.
Rhys Owen is by no means the stereotypical Collins but received a well-deserved standing ovation for his outstanding rendition of the reprise of I'll Cover You, tugging at the heartstrings with every syllable.
James Edge produces a superior performance as Benny, perfectly capturing the arrogance and egotistical aspect of his character and, for me, gave the most natural characterisation of the night.
Tom Tilley makes the complex role of drag queen, Angel, his very own.
Catch Rent at The Old Rep Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday.
