Hope Mill Theatre to stage socially-distanced production of Rent

Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre has confirmed that its revival of Rent will go ahead as planned next month.

Scheduled to run between 30 October- 6 December, the theatre will significantly reduce its capacity so that audiences can enjoy the show whilst social-distancing. The show was due to open back in July, before being postponed due to lockdown.

Described as one of the most iconic musicals of the 1990’s, Jonathan Larson’s Rent follows a group of impoverished young artists during the HIV/AIDS crisis. Debuting in 1996, it then went on to win the Tony for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The film adaptation, starring most of the original cast, was released in 2005.

This particular production will be directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet) alongside musical director Katy Richardson and choreographer Tom Jackson Greaves. The cast, who have yet to be announced, will form a bubble during the show’s run and will receive regular Covid-19 tests.

Audience members will be asked to wear either face-masks or visors within the space and will be subject to temperature checks. Rows of seating will be spaced two metres apart, with transparent barriers being placed between groups. Other safety measures in place will include: extra toilets, one way walk-ways and staggered arrival times.

Customers who have already purchased tickets have been contacted regarding any changes that have been made to their booking.

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