Paul
Understudy
Understudy
Mr Jefferson
Understudy
Angel
Mimi
Collins

Biography : Angela is graduate of Rose Bruford Speech and Drama. Last year she appeared in STV's Taggart and her film credits include Lawrence's Maid in The Tennant of Wildfell Hall and Nurse Alison in Regeneration. Over this last year Angela has worked as a singer in clubs, cabaret shows and other venues. She is delighted that RENT is part of her life now.

Understudy : Maureen

Biography : Claire trained at the London Studio Centre.
During her studies she made her West End debut in The Cotton Club (Aldwych Theatre). Since leaving college, she has appeared in Hair (The Old Vic), a National Tour of Clarke Peter's Sweet Lorraine with Mica Paris and Annie Ross and was in the original cast of The Who's Tommy in Germany. She then went on to play the part of the Acid Queen on the tour of Tommy. Her television credits include: The Royal Variety Performance, The Brit Awards, Smash Hits and Top of the Pops, and also working with various pop artists. Claire has appeared in videos for Mark Morrison and Toni Braxton.

Understudy : Mimi, Joanne

Biography : Trained at LAMDA. Left 1998. Previous theatre includes William Burke in Hare and Burke, The Lottery Ticket in The Lottery Ticket and Oz in Oz; King of Clubs at The Edinburgh Festival and Iba in Black Uterus at The Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.

Understudy : Mark, Roger

Biography : After training as an actor, Des left Guildford Drama School in 1994 and immediately began working as the lead in the musical Chicago which toured Germany for 6 months. He was then contracted to work for BBC Radio after which he returned to the musical scene playing one of the leads in a new show called Big Times which premiered at Birmingham Rep.
After deciding to accept main parts in a couple of lesser known plays he was cast as an understudy to John in Miss Saigon (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane) which he starred in for a year before winning the role of Lenny Wallace for BBC's EastEnders, a role which he played for over three years.
Des has also written a satirical book giving a new slant to an actor's life. In Ireland, he recently achieved a long held ambition to sing with a live 30-piece orchestra. The Grand Opera House hosted the event, the most prestigious venue in Ireland's musical diary, containing a host of stars from stage and screen.
Des has just completed the film Simple, playing one of the leads, which will shortly premiere at the Acapulco Film Festival and is thrilled to have joined the cast of the hit West End musical RENT.

NB : Desune took over the part of Benny in June 1999 after Bonny Lockhart left the cast.

Biography : Jane was born and brought up in Blackburn. She trained at the Arts Educational School, London.
Her first professional engagement was as part of the ensemble in the original cast of Boogie Nights. She then subsequently played the principal role of Trish, on both the UK national tour and in the West End at the Savoy Theatre. Jane also was an excellent Northern Fairy in Snow White at the Hexagon Theatre, Reading!
Jane is delighted to be part of the West End production of RENT and would like to thank her friends and family for all their support.

Understudy : Maureen

NB : Jane joined the cast of RENT when Hannah-Jane Fox left on April 24th 1999.

Biography : Jacqui trained at the London Studio Centre. On completion she then appeared in Show Boat in Austria (in German). Followed by the London Bubble Theatre production playing Crystal in The Little Shop of Horrors, Bluey in Peacemaker and Snuff in The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari. Other credits include the Empress of Morocco in Dick Whittington, Ameia in The Boys from Syracuse, The Girl in Blues in the Night and then her first West End performance playing a giraffe, a porcupine and an angel, as well as understudying and playing Mama Noah in Children of Eden, which she can be heard singing on the original cast album. She Played La Chanteuse in Sophisticated Ladies (UK tour and West End), Shirley in Clarke Peters' original production of Sweet Lorraine, a lead singer in Crazy Dance (Frankfurt), Peer Gynt (Barbican), understudied and played Frankie in Carmen Jones (European tour) followed by Mabel Washington in Fame (Cambridge Theatre and UK tour). She has played Rosa Parkes in JFK a Musical Drama in Dublin.
Her television and radio credits include : Susie in BBC Children's Pigsty, Wogan, Blue Peter, Primetime, 1992 Spanigh Television Awards, 24 Hours a Day, This Morning, The National Lottery, Peter's Mother in BBC Radio 4 Drama's Tokolosh and various trade shows and radio jingles. She has also recorded for various artists including Nomad, La Toya Jackson, Jonathon King, Jam and Spoon, TSOSF, Dance to Trance, Bass X, Digital Orgasm and Urban Shakedown.

Biography : Peter began his formal training with performance arts company Artworks in London, performing improvisations and new writing. Artworks mainly perform plays and dance pieces in the open-air. Theatre includes Jesus in Godspell, the title role in Pippin, Woof in hair, Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance, Greg in The Firm's Big Night Out, The Mad Hermit in The Mad Hermit, Captain Gardner in Moby dick and Albert Fox in To Catch a Fox. Pantomime includes Prince in Sleeping Beauty, Dick in Dick Whittington and the title role in Aladdin. Television appearances include Top of the Pops, Crimewatch and Children in Need. Peter has worked as a session singer for a children's programme for the BBC and as a singer on many demos for the music industry. This is Peter's first West End production and he is thrilled to be part of such an exciting and dynamic new musical.

NB : In the original London cast of RENT, Peter Eldridge was just the understudy for Roger. When Rob J. Solomon left the cast on September 12th 1998, he was promoted to play the part of Steve, and when Adrian Lewis Morgan had to quit the cast all of a sudden, Peter took over the part of Roger (on December 31st)

Biography : Nolan was born in London, then educated in Trinidad and Tobago, before moving to America to undergo his professional training at the Actor's Playhouse, New York and with Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey.
For the National Theatre, Osla, his credits include : The Merry Widow, La Cage Aux folles, Anything Goes, Pal Joey, Hair and West Side Story. In London, his West End credits include : Cats, Miss Saigon and Starlight Express.
Other credits include : NoMo in Five Guys Named Mo (Civic Theatre, Chelmsford), Man Friday in Robinson Crusoe (Richmond Theatre and King's Theatre, Edinburgh) and Jagger in Just One World (The Jeanetta Cochrane Theatre directed by Gillian Gregory). Most recently, Nolan participated in the gala concert tribute to Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Hey, Mr Producer! (Lyceum Theatre).

Understudy : Tom Collins, Steve

Biography : Jocelyn is 'over the moon' that RENT is her West End debut. She was born in Oxfordshire and raised in Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe. She graduated from the University of Cape Town Drama School in 1996. She has played Netta in Woody Allen's Lovbord's Women Considered and Dotty Ottley in Michael Frayn's Noises Off, both for the Arena Theatre Company. Other plays include Franca Rame's The Same Old Story, Where There Is Darkness by Caryl Phillips and Hamlet. Jocelyn also studied ballet at U.C.T. and is a founder member of Blah Blag Physical Theatre Company. She was the lead vocalist for the Afro-Funk rock band Madame Freak. 'RENT (and being able to pay it) has changed my life.'

Biography : Pili trained at Laine Theatre Arts. Her theatre credits include: The Chef in The Nutcracker, Janet Lewis ballet tour, Oklahoma! (UK tour), Ensemble and assistant to Karen Bruce in Fame (Oslo), and appeared in the original cast of Fame as 1st cover Lamb Chop & Iris Kelly (Cambridge Theatre), Ira Gershwin Tribute (Royal Albert Hall), Tigerlily in Peter Pan (Nottingham), Diana Morales in Chorus Line (UK tour). Pili was initially Swing in Saturday Night Fever (London Palladium) but eventually took on the role of Maria. Television and radio credits include: Top of the Pops; Children's Channel (Cable TV); Chidren in Need; Talking Telephone Numbers; Live & Kicking; Martin Smith Tribute (Prince Edward Theatre). Pili is delighted to be joining the company of RENT.

Understudy : Mimi, Maureen, Mark's Mom, Alexi Darling

NB : Pili Joined the cast of RENT as an understudy in June 1999 after Krysten Cummings left to recreate the part of Mimi in the Broadway cast of RENT.

Biography : Joseph Was born in Glasgow where he landed his first television role at the age of 12.
His television credits include : The Crow Road, Bumping the Odds, Macbeth, High Road, Simon's Challenge, Taggart and the yet to be released Sex, Chips and Rock'n'Roll.
Film credits include : Small Faces et Dad Savage.
Theatre credits include : Peter in Peter Pan (Gaiety Theatre, Ayr), Joey in Road (Old Atheneum, Glasgow), Sloane in Entertaining Mr Sloane and Larry in Afore Night Come (Theatre Clwyd).

NB : Joe took over the part of Mark in October 1998 after Anthony Rapp left the cast.

Biography : Born in Manchester, Rachel developed her distinctive tones by the demanding route of church choirs.
Her singing has allowed her to travel extensively around the world. She has also enjoyed national chart success, having six Top 40 Hits. Rachel is pleased to be making her West End debut in the production of RENT. Rachel would like to thank God for the gift of song and the many opportunity she has had to express it. Peace and love to all my family and friends for their support.

Biography : Andy made his West End debut in Martin Guerre in which he played both Father Dominic and Guillaume on many occasions. Previously he spent three years as lead vocalist at Potters Leisure Centre in Hopton Norfolk.
He has played the lead in The Pirates of Penzance, The Savoyards, The Yeoman of the Guard, and The Mikado. Andy is also an excellent keyboard player and is an established cabaret artist.
Most recently he took part in a workshop of The Elephant Man which received a London showcase. He has just finished a season with The New Shakespeare Company at Regent's Park and on tour, playing Aeneas in Troilus and Cressida, understudying Demetrius in A Midsummer-Night's Dream and featuring in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Andy is delighted to be joining the company of RENT.

NB : Andy joined the cast on January 8th 1999.

Biography : Leon is delighted to be joining the cast of RENT after his successful run playing the role of Tyrone Jackson in the West End and UK touring production of Fame.
After having trained as a scholarship student at the Urdang Academy of Ballet and Performing Arts, he went on a world tour with the Pet Shop boys before joining the company of The Cotton Club on their European tour and subsequent West End run. Other theatre credits include Mr Wonderful (a tribute to Sammy Davis Jnr) at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Souls in Motion, Jazxchange Music and Dance Theatre Company and Brenda Edwards Dance Company. Leon has toured worldwide with artists such as East 17, Kim Wilde and Boyzone. He has appeared in the films A Mulatto Song (Channel 4) and The Reluctant Vegetarian. Television credits include Peak Practice, MTV European Music Awards, Brit Awards, Annual Smash Hits Awards, An Evening at the Opera with Lesley Garrett, Michael Ball Television Show and The Clothes Show Live. Other credits include music videos, trade shows, and various commercials including Coca Cola, Wella, Citroen and Trevor Sorbie. Leon is the lead singer of the pop group trio Intense who have released their album in Italy and Japan.

Understudy : Benny

Biography : Wayne is making his West End debut with RENT and he is delighted to be part of the company. He has just finished traing at Arts Educational Schools and his most recent theatre appearances include the role of George M. Cohan in Broadway Genius at the Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton. His other theatre roles include Guido in Nine, Curly in Oklahoma!, Tony in West Side Story and Chris in Miss Saigon. His television credits include London's Burning, A Touch of Frost and several commercials. Waye would like to thank his parents and girlfriend for all their love and support.

Understudy : Angel, Benny, Steve

Biography : Amanda has just finished a three year Acting and Musical Theatre course at Mountview Theatre School. Whilst attending she appeared as Aurora in Kiss of the Spider Woman and Flamechen in Grand Hotel. Amanda has been singing with different groups and bands since the age of 15 and has performed at theatres, clubs and other venues. Amanda would like to thank her family for all their support. RENT marks Amanda's West End debut.

Understudy : Joanne, Alexi Darling

Biography : Mykal is delighted to be appearing in the original West End production of RENT. He has, for a number of years, appeared in and been skate coach for the highly successful Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Starlight Express, not only at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, but also productions in Germany and Japan. Parts played include Rusty, Poppa, Electra and Rockys 1 & 2. Other theatre credits include the role of Hud in Hair, Cagey Joe and understudy Fizzy in Bugsy Malone, Cavalcade of Coward, soloist performances in A Broadway Gala and The Musical Gala and two pantomimes, Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood. Television appearances include The Concert for Channel 4, A Day In the Life - WDR Germany and Children in Need for the BBC. Mykal was lead vocalist for two pop bands Honeychile (CBS/Sony - London) and Saidu (WAWA Records - Germany), he is also a keen songwriter in his spare time! Choreographic credits include the boy band E-Male and trade shows for Mannesman in Berlin and Hanover and co-choreographer on the recent Bradford Centenary Celebrations.

Understudy : Tom Collins

Biography : Richard has most recently appeared as Carbuckety/Mungojerry and Skimbleshanks in Cats at the New London Theatre. Prior to this he appeared as Mark Anthony in A Chorus Line at Derby Playhouse. Other work includes Jack and the Beanstalk at the Hippodrome, Birmingham and Mayflower Theatre, Southampton and Dance Overture at Sadler's Wells Theatre, London. On television he has been seen in Mega Maths for BBC Television. Richard is delighted to be a member of the original London cast of RENT.

Understudy : Angel

Biography : A native of Miami, Florida, Andy is thrilled to be making his West End debut in RENT. He comes to us directly from the US touring production of RENT. He trained in theatre at Florida International University. He would like to thank God, his family, friends and mentors for their continued love and support.
Benny Company... I miss and love you dearly.

NB : Andy joined the cast of RENT in early October 1998 after Wilson Jermaine Heredia had left the cast.

Biography : Loraine is a native of Puerto Rico and raised in New York, USA. She trained with Alvin Ailey, Sandford Meisner and The Acting Studio. In her native America she has appeared as Michelle Morris in Michael Bennett's Dreamgirls (Ambassador's Theatre, New York) and Marietta in Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie? (Promenade Theatre, New York). Regional work includes Petra/Olga in Once/Twice (Nat Horne Theatre, Houston), Mrs Fred in A Christmas Carol (Ohio National Theatre), Young Maria in Maria de Buenos Aires (Houston Grand Opera), Anita in West Side Story, Charlotte in Ain't Misbehaving and the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Since arriving in England, Loraine created the role of Carmen in the original production of Fame (Cambridge Theatre), a role she recently re-created for a season at the Prince of Wales Theatre. She has also appeared as Gigi in Miss Saigon (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), Hannah in Out of the Blue (Shaftesbury Theatre) and Lena Horne in Mama I Want to Sing (Cambridge Theatre). Her film work includes Sir Richard Attenborough's A Chorus Line (Avco Embassy Films), Roxanne in A Day Out of Days (TDC Productions) and Showtime Network (Lifetime).

NB : Loraine joined the cast on February 22nd 1999 after Claudia Cadette had left. She then understudied and played the part of Mimi. She took over the role when Krysten Cummings left on May 17th 1999

Biography : Mark joins the cast of RENT having spent the past year playing the Judge in the original London cast of Chicago (Adelphi Theatre). Other West End credits include : understudy Mikado in Hot Mikado (Queen's Theatre), Armand in Once on This Island (Royalty Theatre), understudy Jim Carlton in The Cotton Club (Aldwych Theatre), Chorus in Otello (Royal Opera House), Arbiter in Chess (national tour), Rocky in The Rocky Horro Show (European tour), Buddy Boy in Blitz (New Tyne Theatre), singer in Equality Show '94 (Royal Albert Hall), soloist for East/West Dance Co., dancer for Billie Ray Martin (US tour). Television credits include: Ziggy in The Bill, Royal Variety Show '98, The Lenny Henry Show, The Ruby Wax Show, live performances on Pebble Mill and Blue Peter (BBC), The Queen's 40 Glorious Years (LWT). Choreography : The Shoemaker's Wondrous Wife (Battersea Arts Centre and Lisbon Festival in Portugal '98).

NB : Mark joined the cast of RENT around October-November 1998 after Mark Leroy Jackson had left.