RENT

Sometimes in amateur theatre there is a production that will rival professional performances. For me, RENT at Beenleigh Theatre Group is such a production.

At a loss for words during the finale, it took a moment to reflect on why this performance rattled so many emotions. It was as though the audience was a part of the journey for the young people - you felt Marks ambition, you felt Mimi's desperation, you felt Tom's loss as if it was all your own. There is a percentage of the performance attributed to brilliant casting but also another part in Mardi Schon's direction and vision. It was so clear and consistent, everything from the industrial design of the set and removing all the side stage curtains; it left no safe space for the actors to re-ground which made the entire performance flow with genuine emotion. The band, under the direction of Christine Leah, accompanied the performance seamlessly - a very talented group of musicians.

The highlight of this performance, without doubt, was the relationship between Angel and Tom Collins played by Alex Watson and Matthew Dunne, respectively. Their compassion, empathy, maturity and most of all, genuine chemistry, created a tight bond between them and the audience. It's a true testament to their brilliant acting skills that the level of engagement they created was one that had to be seen to believed. It has to be one of the greatest couples casting that has ever taken the BTG stage. 

Another special mention goes to Roger and Mimi, played by Travis Holmes and Emily Corkeron. What a phenomenal couple of young people, both portraying such complex and difficult roles with an impressively high level of understanding and maturity. Their duets and solos showed true emotion and above all else, a believable understanding of their characters. 

There isn't a way to write a review of this production without individually congratulating everyone in the cast, if only there were enough words. It has been a long time since I’ve seen an amateur theatre company produce a show to the highest standard that RENT was performed at. It was worthy of a standing ovation and a brilliant review, and understandably it has sold out for the remainder of the season except for one matinee. If only this theatre could have a resident production, without a doubt it would sell out for months.

Melissa Bobbermien