A new West End production of RENT is coming to London in autumn 2026, starring Gaten Matarazzo, best known as Dustin Henderson in Netflix’s global phenomenon Stranger Things, making his West End debut as Mark.
Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning rock musical RENT returns to London to mark its 30th anniversary, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions (Paddington) and Chris Harper Productions (Company).
RENT is playing at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London from 26 September 2026, booking to 13 February 2027.
Inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT follows a group of young artists in New York’s East Village navigating love, loss, creativity and the AIDS crisis, all set to one of musical theatre’s most beloved scores, including Seasons of Love, One Song Glory and La Vie Bohème.
Directed by 2026 Olivier Award winner Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, Paddington The Musical), the West End revival is based on his 2020 production at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester, capturing the joy, uncertainty and resilience of a generation determined to make every moment count.
More about tickets to RENT in London
Gaten Matarazzo to star in RENT
Gaten Matarazzo takes on the role of Mark in RENT, an aspiring filmmaker and the show’s central narrator, documenting the tumultuous lives of his friends and fellow artists during the AIDS crisis.
While he may be best known for Stranger Things, Matarazzo is a far more seasoned stage performer than his screen profile might suggest.
He made his Broadway debut aged eight inPriscilla, Queen of the Desert, followed by roles in the 2013 Godspell and the 2014 Broadway revival ofLes Misérables, in which he played Gavroche (a role he also took on the 25th Anniversary North American tour). He returned to Broadway in 2022 to play Jared Kleinman in Dear Evan Hansen.
Gaten’s next screen project is starring as Toby in Octet, the film adaptation of Dave Malloy’s acclaimed musical directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Further casting for RENT is to be announced soon.
RENT is Matarazzo’s first major London stage role, bringing him to the West End at a moment when his screen profile is at its peak after Stranger Things ran to a record-breaking final season in 2025.
A landmark anniversary revival
RENT last played the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 1998, running for 18 months. This new production marks the first significant London revival since, arriving in its 30th anniversary year and with the backing of Sonia Friedman Productions, one of the West End’s most prominent producing houses.
Luke Sheppard is joined in the creative team by choreographer Tom Jackson Greaves and set designer David Woodhead.
The combination of a milestone anniversary, a major producer and a star with genuine musical theatre credentials (as well as enormous screen recognition) makes this one of the most anticipated announcements of the 2026 season.
RENT at the Duke of York’s Theatre – More about tickets
Plan your visit
- Venue: Duke of York’s Theatre, London
- Dates: 26 September 2026 -13 February 2027
- Starring: Gaten Matarazzo
- Tickets: On sale here at 12 noon
Duke of York's Theatre, London
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