Gaten Matarazzo to Debut in West End Revival of Rent
Gaten Matarazzo, known for his role in the Netflix series Stranger Things, will make his West End debut later this year in a contemporary revival of the rock musical Rent.
Marking 30 years since its original Broadway premiere, Rent tells the story of a group of struggling artists living in New York City during the 1980s amid the HIV/AIDS crisis.
From Screen to Stage
The 23-year-old American actor gained international recognition for his portrayal of Dustin Henderson in the sci-fi horror series Stranger Things. Despite his television fame, Matarazzo has extensive stage experience, having performed on Broadway since childhood.
In this production, Matarazzo will take on the role of Mark, the musical's narrator and a documentary filmmaker.
Direction and Production
British director Luke Sheppard, who recently won an Olivier Award for Paddington: The Musical, will direct the revival. This marks his second time directing Rent.
"This is Rent in the hands of a new generation of performers who love and adore this piece, and with Gaten Matarazzo playing Mark, it promises to be a thrilling experience," Sheppard said in a statement.
Legacy of Rent and Jonathan Larson
Rent was written and composed by Jonathan Larson, who passed away tragically one month before the musical's Broadway debut in 1996. The show was groundbreaking for its time, centering on LGBTQ+ stories during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, addressing social taboos, and giving a voice to marginalized communities.
In 2021, Lin Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton, produced the Oscar-nominated film Tick, Tick... Boom!, which depicts Larson's life.
Production Team and Adaptation
Producers Chris Harper and Sonia Friedman have emphasized that the new adaptation remains faithful to Larson's original music.
"Jonathan Larson's musical remains as powerful and resonant as ever, and Luke has found a way to honour its legacy while making it feel thrillingly fresh for today's audiences," they said in the announcement.
Matarazzo's Theatre Background
Matarazzo's theatre credentials include childhood performances in productions such as Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Les Misérables. More recently, he has appeared in Dear Evan Hansen and Sweeney Todd.
In addition to acting, he has contributed to television through voice acting and behind-the-scenes roles.
Stranger Things Impact
Stranger Things, which premiered in 2016 when Matarazzo was 13, propelled him into the global sci-fi fandom. The series, spanning five seasons, became a cultural phenomenon and remains one of Netflix's most-watched shows.
Opening Details
The revival of Rent is scheduled to open at London's Duke of York's Theatre on 26 September 2026.
