Natalie Kassanga joins The Jonathan Larson Project European premiere

Exclusive: Natalie Kassanga has joined the company of The Jonathan Larson Project, replacing Grace Mouat.

The production, which features music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, will run from 9 July to 22 August 2026, with a press night scheduled for 13 July. Conceived by Jennifer Ashley Tepper and directed by John Simpkins, the piece brings together previously unheard material from Larson’s archives.

Kassanga joins a cast that also features Max Harwood, Marcus Collins, Michael Mather and Imelda Warren-Green, alongside Georgie Butler and Edward Flynn Haddon, who were selected through an open casting process led by Rob Kelly. Mouat has withdrawn due to other professional commitments.

Originally staged Off-Broadway, the show explores Larson’s early and lesser-known work, offering insight into his creative development and the themes that would later shape Rent and tick, tick… Boom!.

The Southwark Playhouse Borough run coincides with 30 years since Larson’s death in 1996, the day before Rent first premiered in New York. Speaking of Rent, that show is also due a revival later this year, after The Jonathan Larson Project closes.

The creative team includes musical director Livi Van Warmelo, set and costume designer Justin Williams and lighting designer Samuel Biondolillo. Casting is by Kelly, with general management by Thomas Hopkins Productions.

The production is produced by Thomas Hopkins Productions and SAMS Entertainment, with Julie Larson as executive producer.