THIS landmark rock musical tells the thrilling story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive in New York City’s East Village in the thriving days of Bohemian excess. Inspired by Puccini’s classic opera La bohème, Rent features unforgettable music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson who unfortunately died before he could see what a success his musical would become.

From the opening of the show we knew we were in for and exhilarating ride, quickly falling in love with the characters on stage and wanting to celebrate the highs (and lows) of their lives.

It would be unfair to single out one member of the cast as each performer played their roles with so much passion and emotion, the whole auditorium was moved to a standing ovation at the end of the show.  What I love about this show is that it’s the pure performance skill from the actors on stage that carries the show not over-elaborate sets with hidden tricks or over elaborate costumes.

While the set was simple, with a few moving parts and excellent lighting it regularly transformed for different scenes and added to the whole experience of the show.

This amazing production has blown away all the previous versions of Rent I have seen and will be remembered as one of the best musicals I have ever seen.

Rent continues at the Wales Millennium Centre until Saturday April 8.

Rachel Howells