I first became aware of RENT in the late 90’s when a group from ‘The American High School Theatre Festival’ finished their Fringe show with “Seasons of Love”. I was immediately blown away and totally in lust with the song. It was not till 2001 I actually saw the show when the UK tour with Adam Rickett as Mark and Damian Flood as Roger, along with a top grade cast came to the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh. I loved the show so much I saw it several times in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Sadly I have not seen it live again. Geoff did give me the DVD, which I watch regularly.

I was therefore so excited when our friend the very gorgeous and talented Kim Shepherd was going to play Mimi in ‘Apex Productions’ show as part of Radio Tay’s Cash for Kids appeal. Despite it being in the first week of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival I hotfooted it up to Dundee and Boy was it worth it!

Oh My God!

You would not have known it was the first night or that not all the cast are professional it is a phenomenal production. They utilise Dundee Rep’s whole stage with a huge scaffolding erection giving the performers a vast array of performance levels with a large central area for the main action. Almost every inch or centimetre of the stage is used to great advantage. The lighting people have had a massive task to light the show to the best advantage but in my mind have succeeded. The band is situated in a tiny corner at the back but still manage to fill the auditorium with their glorious music whilst not drowning the performers.

As for the performers themselves Wow and again I say Wow! Yes we knew Kim is uber talented but every single person on that stage displayed fabulous stage presence, superb acting ability and phenomenal voices. You might have guessed by now I loved the show. Had it not been for my Fringe commitments I would be back to see it as often as time and cash plus ticket availability allows.

If you are in the area and you get the chance see the show. One small point take a huge pack of tissues as usual I was sobbing the whole way through the second act.

Finaly in the words of Mimi;

“There’s only Yes, Only Tonight, You’ve got to go, You know it’s right, No other course, No other way No Day But Today!” 

Actually it is on till Saturday 15^th August 2009 Dundee Rep Theatre.

The cast are; Rachael Baird,Angela Branney, Daniel Bruce, Steven Castelaz, Derek Dishington, Brian James Leys, Kirsty McLaren, Thomas Richmond, Blair Robertson, Heather Robertson, Jen Shearer,Kim Shepherd, Greig Stevenson Marjory Watson, Alex Watt and Joel Wilson. With Rita Henderson Director and Choreographer and Ian Strachan as musical Director. Ian is also plays keyboards, with Andy Grier, Tom Haycock, Chris Marra and Bobby McCabe are the band.

If I had to give stars ****** out of 5!

Apex productions presents RENT at the Dundee Rep Theatre 11th to 15th August 2009 at 19-30 with a matinee at 14-30 on Saturday 15th. 

With Kim Shepherd as Mimi.

See the RENT facebook page for further information.