Jonathan Larson Project

Southwark Playhouse Borough

An electric one-act show that showcases the hard, creative work of the musical legend Jonathan Larson and the vessels presenting his work are skilled, upcoming performers.

Jonathan Larson created the well-loved and legendary musical 'RENT' and 'Tick, tick... BOOM'. He created some groundbreaking work in the musical theatre world. Larson passed away the DAY before the first-ever performance of 'RENT' in New York and didn't get to see the impact of his work, which is heartbreaking. This review is coming from someone who has not seen any of his work yet and is new to his story.

Whether you're there as someone new to Larson or you're a fan, this show is a rare gem. It shows off some of Larson's known writing and some songs that were never released. The audience jumps into Larson's archives and goes on a journey through his creative timeline. This is the London Premiere after a successful off-Broadway run! It is also 30 years since Larson's death. It plays a perfect tribute to him, showing love and respect for what he created. Each song opens up Larson's mind, a sliver and the audience gets to appreciate how he created music with the hope to change the world. He crafted the musical work that he did with the intention to open audiences' eyes and highlight the faults in society. It shows how he was an activist and had a huge heart. Each performer shows Larson's musical passion, gives an energy-filled performance and jumps from scene to scene with a new character. Whilst this show is heartfelt and pays a tribute to a legend, the timeline could be clearer, and the design elements are what bring the show down. It's very symbolic and technology-heavy; the choice to have the actors perform the songs and projection to give an introduction to each song makes the show feel fragmented, and the text does not stay on the projector long enough for the audience to take it in.

Every song presents a different section in Larson's creative career and in chronological order. The way it is displayed to the audience almost feels like a documentary, which is interesting! Each actor shapeshifts into a new character in each song; the quality of their performance is electric. The cast are a group of brilliant performers with some amazing credits. Imelda Warren-Green is one of the most eye-catching cast members; she can play such a wide range of characters, and she puts this intense energy into each of her songs. She can go from serious to comic at the flip of a coin. It is truly incredible. Not to mention her voice, such strength and beauty! Another brilliant performer was the off-stage cover Edward Flynn Haddon, who played man two that night; strong stage presence, bold voice and had such a beautiful relationship with the cast, it felt like he played the role every night. It was a treat to see one of the covers and the amazing ability they have to join the cast when needed, without any fault. The whole cast has a great connection, and this is beautiful to see, as it shows how they join together to remember this musical legend and pay tribute to his work.

It's a short show, and whilst it feels short, each scene feels fragmented due to the short introduction to each song. Having a projector show writing to introduce each number makes the show feel more like a presentation than a show. Whilst the performers put in so much commitment and energy into their performances, without care to introduce each moment, it makes the show feel all over the place. The writing on the projector disapers before you can take in what is being said, and the projections of the settings is such a poor quality, when the songs and performances are such high quality, the tech just doesn't match the content of the show and reminds the audience of how technology is being used to make sets easier to reach a visual, rather than being a piece of art. The use of the piano and the actual props are stronger than the technical element and make more sense when referring to Larson and getting to know him. This show would be so much stronger if the story of Larson was more than just a few sentences on a screen and to be able to get to know him better. The performers work so hard to bring his work back to life; they can also bring him to life too! Either way, it's still an emotive and lovely show.