The Jonathan Larson Project
Southwark Playhouse Borough
until 19th July
Jonathan Larson‘s legacy is, understandably, dominated by RENT and Tick, Tick… BOOM!, but The Jonathan Larson Project shines a light on the remarkable catalogue of songs that came before. Conceived by Jennifer Ashley Tepper, this revue presents a collection of previously unheard or rarely performed material, offering audiences a fascinating insight into Larson’s evolution as a writer while proving just how recognisable his voice already was long before his breakthrough.
It’s important to know going into this that rather than following a traditional narrative, the production unfolds as a song cycle, with each number revealing another aspect of Larson’s wit, humanity and social awareness. The variety of musical styles keeps the evening engaging, moving effortlessly from heartfelt ballads to satirical comedy and energetic rock anthems. While some songs clearly feel like stepping stones towards later masterpieces, others stand confidently on their own and leave you wondering how they remained unheard for so long.
The five-strong cast is nothing short of sensational. Each performer arrives with an impressive résumé spanning the West End, major concert stages, television and film, and that experience is evident throughout. There is an effortless confidence to every performance, with each cast member bringing a distinct personality while remaining completely committed to the ensemble. Max Harwood delivers warmth and sincerity, Imelda Warren-Green combines emotional honesty with superb vocals, Marcus Collins is effortlessly charismatic, Natalie Kassanga commands the stage with power and poise, and Michael Mather brings humour, charm and the most incredible vocal performances. It is a company where every performer feels like a leading player, resulting in a consistently thrilling evening of musical theatre.
Director John Simpkins keeps the production moving at an engaging pace, while the on-stage band, under the musical direction of Livi van Warmelo, captures Larson’s distinctive rock-infused sound with energy. However, the sound balance was sometimes wobbly, with lyrics becoming difficult to hear at times. In a production where the songs themselves are the storytelling, this inevitably lessened the impact of some otherwise excellent performances.
The revue format is both the production’s greatest strength and its greatest challenge. Experiencing these rediscovered songs together offers a fascinating insight into Larson’s creative development and it feels really special to be able to dig into his archive. However, several numbers were originally written for other shows or as standalone pieces, and without the dramatic context in which they were intended, a handful do not resonate quite as powerfully as they might. Similarly, without recurring characters or an overarching narrative to invest in, there are moments where the emotional momentum inevitably dips. That said, the exceptional cast ensure the evening never loses its appeal, and their commitment breathes life into every lyric.
For fans of Jonathan Larson, this feels like discovering a missing chapter in musical theatre history. The Jonathan Larson Project is currently playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 19 July. Featuring five exceptional performers celebrating Jonathan Larson’s lesser-known work, it is a rewarding evening for musical theatre lovers, particularly those eager to discover the songs that paved the way for one of the genre’s most influential writers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Tara Whenray.