The Jonathan Larson Project completes cast following open search

Full casting has been announced for the European premiere of The Jonathan Larson Project at Southwark Playhouse Borough.

The show, featuring music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson and conceived by Jennifer Ashley Tepper, will run from 9 July to 22 August 2026. The production is directed by John Simpkins and follows an Off-Broadway run at the Orpheum Theatre.

Earlier this month, the producers and the production’s casting director Rob Kelly launched an open application search for two cover roles, inviting performers with no professional musical stage credits to apply.

The two triumphant auditionees are Guildford School of Acting graduate Georgie Butler, alongside Laine Theatre Arts graduate Edward Flynn Haddon.

The company will also be formed of Max Harwood, Marcus Collins, Michael Mather, Grace Mouat and Imelda Warren-Green. Listen to them for free in a bonus episode of The WhatsOnStage Podcast.

The production marks 30 years since Larson’s death in January 1996, which occurred the day before the first performance of Rent in New York. The piece features songs drawn from Larson’s archives, offering insight into his work and creative development.

Kelly said today: “I’m from South East London, and I didn’t grow up feeling like this industry was built for people like me. That’s why opening doors to new and unrepresented talent genuinely matters to me. We held a real open search because talent isn’t confined to the usual spaces. Georgie and Edward brought something honest and instinctive into the room, and that’s exactly what this piece needs. Jonathan Larson wrote about outsiders, about people fighting to be seen and heard, and that spirit sits at the heart of this project. If theatre and television are going to stay relevant, we have to keep widening the door.”

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.