The Jonathan Larson Project | Southwark Playhouse Borough

The Jonathan Larson Project is a must see for any musical theatre fans, who are particularly fond of the late writer's work. Jonathan Larson was a musical composer and playwright in the 1980s and 90s, most well known for his musical Rent.

Because Larson died before Rent opened, he became posthumously famous and awarded for his incredibly catchy music and lyrics. This latest musical is a testament to Jonathan’s prowess as a composer and also a peek into his life.

Consisting of a variety of unheard songs of Larson’s, we follow a cast of 5 incredibly talented actors as they take us through the wide expanse of Larson’s music. More of a musical review than a show with a plot, we are taken on a musical journey for 90 minutes of just about everything. You’ll see off cuts from Rent, songs intended for Tick, Tick, BOOM, cabaret numbers, and everything in between.

Without a plot, every song has to stand on its own - with visual projections to quickly contextualise the songs, and the actors having to monologue most songs - it is no short feat to keep our attention and make us feel something. But feel something we do.

There are particularly beautiful and gut wrenching songs from each performer, who deliver the songs with such emotion, you feel like you’re the only one in the room. The intimacy of the space at Southwark Playhouse Borough is perfect for this kind of revue style show. Michael Mather - who rocks a very Roger from Rent type of look - gives a heartbreaking performance in the song ‘Valentine’s Day’ (an off-cut from Rent). Natalie Kassanga has several strong performances but really takes the cake singing ‘Love Heals’.

Marcus Collins sings what would stand to be a very difficult song, as it was about the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, called ‘Iron Mike’. But he does this so beautifully you find yourself immersed in Larson’s words. Imelda Warren Green performs a song called ‘Hosing the Furniture’, where she delivers amazingly strong vocals and some much needed comedy in an otherwise serious piece. And Max Harwood stands out in a sad and moving performance of ‘Rhapsody’ - a song that has never been heard until now.

The staging here is also incredibly powerful. In the theatre, actors roam across different set pieces to sing out directly to the audience - creating a powerful and intimate connection. It’s also fascinating the seemingly stand alone set pieces that get moved about to create different settings and transport you into Larson’s world in New York City. The ground is covered in ripped pieces of paper with text strewn about and a large sheet above acts as the backdrop for projections. Everything is functional but effective in feeling like a nod to Rent and even Larson’s NYC apartment.

Ultimately, this show feels like an homage to one of the late great writers of the 20th century. While not everyone nowadays may know who Larson is or his more famous pieces of work, The Jonathan Larson Project breathes a breath of fresh air into his life and music - and is something that is sure to add to the many things that keeps his legacy alive.

Watching the show, the two main things I can’t help but feeling is that firstly, Larson was a prolific writer. He wrote about everything, and I mean everything - oil spills, presidential candidates, drinking, casual sex, and of course love. It’s truly inspiring and reminds us that inspiration can be found anywhere, so long as we are aware enough to see it.

And secondly, in Jonathan’s documentation of the 80s and 90s  - sadly nothing in the world seems to have changed. The same political and societal issues that plagued him and the world then still plague us now. Larson wrote, ‘River’s not free, sky’s not free, I’m not free, life isn’t free’. And it feels like in this political climate, he hits home how it feels here, in the USA, and all over the world right now.

With The Jonathan Larson Project, Larson’s legacy continues to be secured, and rightfully so. I’m just left wondering what Larson would have written, what insights he would have had,  if he was still alive today.

The Jonathan Larson Project runs at the Southwark Playhouse Borough until 22nd August - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Danny Kaan