Your First Look
Videography: Adam Nightingale
Videography: Michael Mather performing at West End Live 2026. Videography: OfficialLondonTheatre.
The Jonathan Larson Project makes its UK premiere!
This new production commemorates 30 years since Larson’s death on the very eve of his greatest success.
Max Harwood (the breakout star as Jamie New in the film ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’), Imelda Warren-Green (‘Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder’ in the West End), Michael Mather (currently playing Fiyero on the international tour of ‘Wicked’), Natalie Kassanga (Satine in ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ and original West End cast of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’) and Marcus Collins (original West End cast of ‘Kinky Boots’), will star in the European premiere of The Jonathan Larson Project.
Following a critically acclaimed Off-Broadway run, The Jonathan Larson Project will premiere in London at Southwark Playhouse Borough.
An electrifying celebration of the groundbreaking composer behind ‘Rent’ and ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’, it is being reimagined for London by the original Off-Broadway director, John Simpkins.
The Jonathan Larson Project is a show about a young man following his heart in New York City trying to change the world. The show offers a rare and exhilarating window into Larson’s creative world, featuring previously unheard songs from the late composer’s archives. They illuminate the artistry, activism, and restless imagination of one of musical theatre’s most influential voices.
The 2026 London production holds special significance, marking 30 years since Jonathan Larson’s death in January 1996 from an aortic dissection just one day before Rent’s first performance in New York.
Jonathan Larson’s sister, Julie, said “It means so much to us to bring this show to a UK audience and to continue honouring Jonathan’s extraordinary work and legacy. This new celebration of my brother’s previously unheard music offers an intimate portrait of an artist who was truly ahead of his time, and we are deeply honoured to share it with you”.
This exciting UK cast of West End stars will bring Larson’s early, experimental, and never-heard work to life with bold theatricality and contemporary resonance.
Access Performances

Captioned Performance: Wednesday 12 August, 7pm
★★★★ “Full of heart and humour… A revelation” The Guardian
★★★★ “Aspirational, hungry and exciting” The Stage
★★★★ “A glorious tribute to a blazing musical theatre talent” London Theatre
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Details
Theatre: The Large
Monday – Saturday: 7pm
Tuesday & Saturday: 2.30pm
Estimated Running Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
No interval and no re-entry.
We strongly advise that you arrive early and take your seats in advance of the start time as there is a no latecomers policy.
Please be aware that this is a live event so the end time may vary slightly.
Technical Guidance
This production contains haze, flashing lights and loud noises.
Content Guidance
This production contains strong language, sexual references and references to death and physical abuse.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Please contact us if you require any further information about content guidance.
Captioned Performance: Wednesday 12 August, 7pm
Post Show Events
All Jonathan Larson Project post show events are held after the performance. Entry is free with a ticket to the same day’s performance.
Friday 10 July – Post Show Panel: Exclusive Q&A (after 7pm evening performance)
Panellists:
- Thomas Hopkins – Tony Award-Winning Producer
- Jennifer Tepper – Producer
- John Simpkins – Director and Conceiver
Saturday 11 July – Post Show Panel: Exclusive Q&A (after 2.30pm matinee performance)
Panellists:
- Thomas Hopkins – Tony Award-Winning Producer
- Sam Houlihan – Tony Award-Winning Producer
- John Simpkins – Director and Conceiver
- Nate Bertone – Set Designer
What Audiences Are Saying
The Company

Max Harwood
Man One

Imelda Warren-Green
Woman One

Michael Mather
Man Two

Natalie Kassanga
Woman Two

Marcus Collins
Man Three

Georgie Butler
Offstage Cover

Edward Flynn Haddon
Offstage Cover











