Principal cast announced for Gaten Matarazzo-led revival of RENT in the West End

The full principal cast joining Gaten Matarazzo in the 30th Anniversary production of RENT has been announced today. Matarazzo will make his West End debut as documentarian Mark Cohen in the production coming to the West End in September.

Joining the previously announced Gaten Matarazzo as Mark, will be Travis Ross as Roger, Bella Brown as Mimi, Billy Nevers as Collins, Lazy Violet as Maureen, Olivier Award nominee Danielle Fiamanya as Joanne, Jeevan Braich as Angel and Joaquin Pedro Valdes as Benny.

Producers Chris Harper and Sonia Friedman said, “One of the greatest privileges of producing theatre is discovering and championing exceptional new talent, and that’s exactly what this extraordinary young company represents. This remarkable group of actors embodies everything that has made Jonathan Larson’s RENT so enduring: individuality, honesty, fearlessness and generosity of spirit.

Further casting to be announced soon.

It was announced in May that a major revival of the iconic musical was set to arrive in the West End, and due to popular demand, the upcoming production has already been extended until 27 March 2027.

View live availability for RENT here

The cast and creative of RENT so far

Two people sit close together against a textured wall, looking at the camera with relaxed expressions showing friendship or companionship. — RENT. Travis Ross (Roger) and Bella Brown (Mimi). Photo Oliver Rosser

The principal roles have officially been cast:

Gaten Matarazzo (Les Misérables, Stranger Things) as documentarian Mark Cohen
Travis Ross (Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club) as Roger
Bella Brown (Into The Woods) as Mimi
Billy Nevers (Jesus Christ Superstar) as Collins
Lazy Violet (SIX The Musical) as Maureen
Danielle Fiamanya (Brigadoon) as Joanne
Jeevan Braich (Starlight Express) as Angel
Joaquin Pedro Valdes (The Lightning Thief) as Benny

Further casting to be announced soon.

This bold new production is directed by Olivier Award-winner Luke Sheppard (Paddington The Musical, & Juliet) and is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions.

RENT stars on stage

RENT has long been a vehicle for star turns. Not only did several members of the original cast go on to become big stars themselves, many well-known stage and screen stars appeared in the show during it’s 12 year run on Broadway.

Idina Menzel (Wicked, Frozen), Jesse L Martin (Law & Order, The Flash), Taye Diggs (Chicago, Private Practice) and Anthony Rapp (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Star Trek: Discovery) all starred in the musical in its original run at the New York Theatre Workshop as well as the Broadway run.

Other notable appearances in the production have included Mel B, Joey Fatone, Drew Lachey, Norbert Leo Butz, Aaron Tveit, Neil Patrick Harris, Sherie Rene Scott, Will Chase, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Tracie Thom, who was in the film adaptation and then joined the Broadway cast.

Today’s casting news highlights the long lifespan of the musical, with a whole new generation of artists and creatives discovering the joys of Jonathan Larson’s work. 30 years on, the musical is just as relevant as ever.

Book tickets to RENT here