Rent Rehearsal Images Released Ahead of West End Opening

Producers have released first-look rehearsal images for the West End revival of Rent, starring Gaten Matarazzo as Mark. Performances begin on 26 September 2026 at the Tom Stoppard Theatre (formerly the Duke of York's Theatre), with opening night scheduled for 8 October and the limited engagement already extended into March 2027.

Matarazzo's West End debut

Matarazzo, known globally for Stranger Things and previously seen on Broadway in Sweeney Todd and Dear Evan Hansen, makes his West End debut as filmmaker Mark Cohen. The company also includes Alexa Lopez as Mimi, stepping in after an injury forced a cast change before rehearsals. Luke Sheppard directs the production, developed from his Hope Mill Theatre staging.

Why the rehearsal release matters

Rent returns to London as a Jonathan Larson classic with a new generation of leads and strong advance interest. Rehearsal photography is the first visual of this company in the room, and it usually lifts search demand in the weeks before the first preview. With a clear autumn start date and an extension already announced, the show is shaping up as one of the season's major musical reopenings.

Where it plays

The Tom Stoppard Theatre sits on St Martin's Lane in the heart of the West End. The rename from the Duke of York's Theatre is part of the venue's current identity, so ticket pages and maps may still show both names while the change beds in.

Should you book?

Yes if you want early-run dates with this company. Opening weeks and weekends will tighten first. See live availability on the Rent show page and book official tickets for the Tom Stoppard Theatre season.