I don't know how other people who have seen RENT reacted to it, but all I can say is that August 23rd was a truly magnificent day for me...the best day of my life. I wasn't really sure how I would take to it as it deals with so many powerful issues such as AIDS, rent riots and homelessness.

			The cast gave a great performance according to our reviewer Rebecca Jones.

However, after the first 10 minutes, I knew I was going to witness something special. As I settled into my seat, I had no idea what my eyes were going to witness.

The first character to appear on the amazingly designed set was Roger Davis (Damien Flood) accompanied by one prop - a guitar. His arrival was followed by the eagerly awaited appearance of Mark Cohen, of course, ex-Coronation Street-come-pop star Adam Rickitt. I personally was extremely excited at the appearance of Adam, as I have been a huge fan since his pop star days, and seeing someone of his status and incredible good looks was breathtaking.

Adam Rickitt has moved away from the television soap opera to concentrate on theatre.

The most striking thing about the character Adam played was that he obviously had training to perfect his effective New York accent, which, in my opinion was convincing and very endearing.

Clad in a diamond-patterned cream sweater and bright orange trousers, complete with black-rimmed spectacles, his entrance was nothing short of dazzling. I have to admit, as I am not a theatregoer, I wasn't familiar with any of the cast apart from Adam, but, as I was drawn further into the musical, I realised what a group of talented artists they really were.

Their wonderful voices sent shivers down my spine, so powerful. The main characters who's voices were particularly distinctive were Roger Davis (Damien Flood) and Mini Marquez (Debbie Kurup). Helen York's performance of "Over The Moon" was truly brilliant.

Getting the audience (including me!) to "Mooooooo" along with her was a unique touch to the musical. Although, having mentioned the powerful voices of Damien and Debbie, and of course, the rest of the cast, I have to say that I was impressed with Adam Rickitt's performance.

			"Getting the audience (including me!) to "Mooooooo" along with her was a unique touch to the musical."
			Rebecca Jones - reviewer

Not that I thought he wouldn't be able to cut it as Mark Cohen, but it was because he was a rookie at theatre. The scale of songs in RENT ranged from rock, blues to soul, gospel and even tango!

Although every song is excellent, I have my personal favourites, and those have to be Damien Flood's performance of "One Song Glory", which was breathtaking, "Seasons of Love", Debbie and Damien's "Without You" and Adam and Damien's performance of "What You Own".

As I haven't been to the theatre in a long while, seeing this wonderfully amazing musical has inspired me to visit the theatre on a regular basis. I would recommend RENT The Musical to everyone - do not be put off by the issues - it is by no means depressing, it is upbeat, with an amazing score with a delightfully vibrant cast. I could go on and on about RENT as there is a lot more to say about the wonderful cast and the musical itself, but, quite frankly, it would take me a good while.

After seeing the cast in action, I know they will go a long way from here. How would I sum up RENT in five words: Amazing, powerful, breathtaking, emotional and superb.

Stars out of ten: 10/10.

Rebecca Jones

RENT is on at the Haymarket Theatre until 8th September 2001 - after which the show will go on tour until the end of the year. For more details on performances and tickets - visit the Haymarket Theatre's website