First look at The Jonathan Larson Project as London run begins

13-07-26

New production images have been released from the European premiere of The Jonathan Larson Project, now playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 22 August 2026.

The new London production brings together previously unheard work by Jonathan Larson, the groundbreaking composer behind RENT and tick, tick… BOOM!, in a year marking three decades since his death on the eve of his greatest success.

The cast features Max Harwood, Marcus Collins, Michael Mather, Grace Mouat and Imelda Warren-Green, performing a collection of songs drawn from Larson’s extensive archives. The material offers a rare glimpse beyond his best-known musicals, revealing the same urgency, humour, political conviction and restless creativity that would later define his work.

Harwood, who rose to prominence in the film adaptation of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, has since appeared in Stranger Things: The First Shadow and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Collins’ stage credits include Mrs Doubtfire, Kinky Boots, The Choir of Man and Hairspray, while Mather has appeared in Smoggie Queens, It’s A Sin, Burlesque the Musical and the international tour of Wicked.

Mouat was part of the original West End cast of SIX and has since appeared in Mean Girls, & Juliet, Be More Chill and The Great British Bake Off Musical. Warren-Green’s credits include Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder!, Clueless The Musical and Little Miss Sunshine.

Directed by John Simpkins, who also helmed the acclaimed Off-Broadway production, the show follows the emotional and creative journey of a young artist attempting to build a life in New York while pursuing the belief that theatre might genuinely change the world.

Larson’s sister Julie has described the production as an intimate portrait of an artist who was ahead of his time, with the newly uncovered songs offering audiences another perspective on his life, ambitions and extraordinary musical voice.

The London engagement holds particular significance as 2026 marks 30 years since Larson died suddenly from an aortic dissection on 25 January 1996, the day before RENT was due to give its first public performance at New York Theatre Workshop. The musical would go on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and become one of the most influential productions in modern theatre history.

The creative team includes musical director Livi Van Warmelo, set and costume designer Justin Williams, lighting designer Samuel Biondolillo and casting director Rob Kelly.

The Jonathan Larson Project runs at Southwark Playhouse Borough until Saturday 22 August 2026.

Visit the official site HERE