RENT

Valentine’s  Day – a dreaded day shared by all singletons alike. Considering that it is somewhat unacceptable to cry alone, whilst watching Bridget Jones and eating endless ice cream, I thought I probably should do something fun.

Accordingly therefore my friend (whose boyfriend, to my benefit, doesn’t live in the city) and I went to go Showstoppers production of RENT. 

Well, this was a WONDERFUL way to spend a Valentine’s Day! I always forget how lucky I am to have the possibility to go see great performances so cheaply – for a different and incredible evening, you really can’t really grumble at £6.50. Plus, you know you are supporting your fellow students. Hurrah!

Having seen the film of the musical many years ago I must admit that I was surprised by their choice; it was a courageous one. Not only in terms of content (which is a little risqué) but also just technically; there are so many songs, and they all sing them at the same time – coordinating that must have been a nightmare!

RENT is based on Giacomo Puccini's opera La bohème. It tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive, to pay their rent and to create in New York's Alphabet City. Yet - not only is there poverty, there is also the serious and constant cloud of HIV and Aids.

Yet the premise is a positive one; “How do you measure a year? In Daylights. In Sunsets. In Midnights. In Cups of Coffee… Or in Love?” It is a musical all about love, which seemed fitting for Valentine’s Day.

None the less Southampton’s student actors had so much to contend with; there is heartbreak, humour, corporations, anarchy, addition and disease – all through the medium of song!

All actors and actresses push themselves in this production; their voices are raw, as is their passion. I dread to think how many hours in rehearsals it took Angle (Tashan Nicholas), to sing so well, whilst dancing energetically (in heels!). Despite humour being apparent in this production, nothing is taken away from the very real issues surrounding drug addiction and HIV. I think because the events they were trying to portray were so important it motivated these students to act with audacious confidence, much to the production’s success.

The events were presented with real empathy (so much so I definitely had a lump in my throats at times); events which sometimes seem distant were brought very much to life in the Annex. The cast was small, but perfect. Every character’s voice is faultless, especially Mimi (Charissa Foster) who has the sweetest voice ever, adding a wonderful layer to her pole-dancing cocaine-addict character.

I had to try really hard to not feel bitter over the fact that the actors and actresses involved were all students and were all doing degrees, as well as theatre productions – darn those amazingly talented people!

Although a lot of this blog is taken up with commenting on the acting, I also want to say that the band were awesome and so professional! The choreography was incredible - I have no idea how they managed it, but it was seamless and a perfect use of space. Also, the set design was wonderful and it looked like it must have taken a lot of effort, it did however convey the grime (and beauty) of New York.

Southampton’s Performing Arts production of RENT was a testament to the original show's creator, Jonathan Larson, who died of Aids the night before the off-Broadway premiere. Amazing work all round, and my best Valentine’s Day yet!

Florence