News
Behind the scenes of Rent
November 17, 2025
The cast and creative team at Century Theatre are gearing up for a bold new production of Rent, the iconic rock musical that changed the course of modern theatre. Directed and produced by Adam Hepkin, this version promises to be raw, emotional, and refreshingly different – an intimate retelling of Jonathan Larson’s beloved story about love, loss, and the power of community.
“Rent is a classic show – it really changed the course of musical theatre in terms of its music, format, and the way the original production was staged,” Adam explains. “It’s not a show that comes around very often, so it’s exciting to produce it in a new way for audiences.”
A vocal coach by profession, Adam selected this musical with his company’s strengths in mind. “All of our cast members are students or clients from the studio,” he adds. “When choosing a show, I look at who we’ve got, their skill sets, and what will fit best with them.”
A unique setting for an iconic story
The show will take place at the Century Theatre, the UK’s oldest touring theatre, a venue that brings its own personality and warmth to the performance.
“The Century is such a unique space,” Adam says. “It’s intimate, with the audience close enough to really feel part of the story. We’ve used the theatre for three years now, and it lends itself perfectly to the emotional intensity of Rent.”
A fresh and fearless take
Unlike most regional productions that mirror the Broadway version, this adaptation of Rent takes a bold new approach.
“I wanted to emphasise that Rent is, at its heart, a musical – it’s not real life,” Adam explains. “We’re not pretending to be these characters. Rather than hide the theatricality, we’ve embraced it.”
Every performer remains on stage throughout the entire show, with scene changes and props happening in full view of the audience. “It’s a very stylised, almost Brechtian approach,” Adam adds. “It invites the audience to see everything – the story, the emotion, and the craft.”
Balancing roles and building trust
In addition to directing, Adam also takes on the role of Collins, a challenge he balances with ease.
“When I started producing shows twenty years ago, I had no team or budget, so I did everything myself,” he laughs. “Now, the balance comes from the trust within the company. Many of the cast have worked with me for up to eight years. There’s a huge amount of mutual support, which makes everything possible.”
Themes that still resonate
At its core, Rent is about community, a theme that remains powerful nearly three decades after the show’s debut.
“The darker themes like HIV, AIDS and loss are there, but they’re really a vehicle for messages about love, friendship and hope,” Adam reflects.
Challenges and rewards
Developing a completely new concept proved to be Adam’s biggest challenge.
“I was around when Rent first came out in the ’90s, so the original version is ingrained in my mind. It took time to let go of that and create something different,” he says.
For the cast, the challenge lies in endurance. “They’re on stage for the full two hours – no breaks, no time offstage – but they’ve done an incredible job keeping their energy and focus.”
The reward, he adds, comes from collaboration. “Seeing it all come together – watching the cast take ownership and add their own ideas – that’s the best part of the process.”
Voices from the cast
Each cast member brings their own interpretation to the show’s spirit:
Kieran Barrett (Mark): “How would I describe Rent in three words? Sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll.”
Andrew Taylor (Angel): “Rent is a celebration of life.”
Bradley Hambleton (Roger): “It’s a massive show that changed the course of musical theatre. It means a lot to a lot of people.”
Lily-May Poulton (Mimi): “Audiences will find this production explosive, in-your-face and thought-provoking.”
Delaney Blake-Pearson (Benny): “The slogan is ‘No day but today.’ How often do we forget the things that are right in front of us?”
Stephanie Hepkin (Maureen & Choreographer): “I hope Rent brings love, laughter and healing to everyone who sees it.”
Isobelle Hinds (Joanne): “If you love rock music, queerness, and celebrating love and life — come and see our show.”
Adam Hepkin (Collins & Director): “It’s a story about love and friendship. Community will always resonate — it’s the foundation of being human.”
Looking ahead and final thoughts
The company won’t stop there.
“We’ve got a production of Hadestown coming up next year – a teen edition featuring our young professionals,” Adam says. “It’s always exciting to see what the next generation will bring.”
Adam’s advice for aspiring creatives is simple yet powerful:
“Be open-minded, be flexible, and respect everyone you work with. Kindness and collaboration go a long way in this industry.”
With its talented cast, visionary direction, and powerful message of love and resilience, Rent at Century Theatre promises to be an unforgettable experience, a reminder that no matter what life throws our way, there truly is no day but today.
See Rent at Century Theatre on Thursday 20 November, Friday 21 November, and Saturday 22 November 2025. Tickets available now.
