Rent has finally hit the Bristol stage, and with the full driving force of the 80’s rock power chord. Indeed, this is a musical that is powered very much by a striking rock music score. This serving the performance well by providing a stark backdrop to the issues dealt in Rent, of AIDS, Relationships and riots. The set also worked to intertwine with the stunning musicianship, providing a realistic gritty look (with token Graffiti) for the characters to live out their Bohemian existence. The pre-show stage looked ready for mean action, the audience feeling ready to be part of some kind of emotional roller coaster ride. Although, however much we were expected to feel like one of the bohemians that sprawl the streets of Alphabet City, the opening scenes did nothing to draw the crowd in. With issues of Aids involved as key plot, expectation makes you think the performance will start with a bang. However, a very loose opening developed. The characters appearing to be unsure of how to place themselves. 

The emergence of Adam Rickett was obviously going to be a highpoint for some (mainly the girls in the upper circle!), but his acting was lacklustre and weak, but this was not without reason because Adam was ill throughout the performance with suspect food poisoning. The entrance of the feisty character Mimi (steady on Lads) provided for the first half an element of emotion and bravado. Debbie Kurup brought to the role (as well as Bon Jovi style latex pants!) the necessary kick to spark the show; her stunning figure and voluptuous performance gave something for the straight guys to enjoy! Debbie's wonderful vocal talent stood on it's own throughout the show and her character was greatly enhanced by the Angel/Collins love affair. These other elements brought the electricity that both Roger and Mark (Damien Flood/Adam Rickett) had failed to develop. Undoubtedly though, the true colour of Bohemia was fully shown before the interval. The score and music had appeared to finally hit the performers into their roles as colourful human beings

What the second half provided was the vibrant colours to bring the meaning of the show out. Whether because of the indisposed Mr Rickett, I’m not sure. However Daniel Boys performed in sterling manner as the ‘new’ mark. As was earlier said Adam performed through illness and has suspect food poisoning, it can't be confirmed if he will be in the show for the rest of the week, however his understudy can make up for that! This half ranged in emotional depth, the death of Angel providing one of the few tearful moments.

The beginning song of Act 2, and most famous number showed the true versatility of the cast's strong vocal talent. Singing "Seasons Of Love" with such power and reality, their voices blending into a stunning moment, where the hairs on the back of your neck are standing to attention. The raunchy club scene displayed what talent the cast have when immersed in their roles. The lighting complementing well the gyrating bodies. The stage was well worked throughout this half, the scene displaying the three main love affairs was poignant and the representation worked well to depict themes based around human relationship. The production builds and picks up throughout, perhaps that was intended to represent the onset of the key themes. However, it looks more likely to be the result of a lack of professionalism. For an opening night, something was not properly working. Though the ending rewarded the audience and the themes were fully ingrained on the punters heads. The show represented fully the variety of human life, human interaction, strength of the human, and stupidity of the human. What struck myself was the colour and vibrancy of life and how we are capable of love and happiness, the show celebrated a real love for life.  

Adam did sterling work playing through illness, he gave his character a real sense of chattiness which worked so well. The problem was in any other show Adam would be brilliant, but since the cast are so truly outstanding in Rent, he does seem to be a bit weak especially in the vocal department.  Jonathan Larson's book, music and lyrics are unbelievable, managing to touch everyone in the audience with a chilling brilliance. A big well done must however go out to Mimi, Collins and Angel who were the main architects in developing the flamboyancy and bringing a touch of human soul to the Bristol stage. Rent is a celebration of life. It is an extraordinary story celebrating love, ambition and fidelity in today's unpredictable world.

The audience response sums up the show to me and with the majority giving it a well-deserved standing ovation it can't be bad! Stunning singing, brilliant book, lush lyrics, you must be sent to see Rent! 

Buy Rent's Soundtrack

Buy tickets for events:

 The Tick List

 Music

 Lyrics

 Story

 Sets

 Costumes

 Cast

 Overall
 

Sponsors