Rent – A Standout Student Production Full of Heart and Grit

Haywards Heath College’s student production of Rent lit up the Hub Theatre with a powerful blend of energy, emotion, and community spirit.

Reviewed by Holly Stoakes, Marketing Team Leader: School Outreach & Events. 

From the moment the lights went up, there was a palpable buzz in the room – a real sense of camaraderie not just between the cast on stage, but behind the scenes with the dedicated crew who brought the world of East Village NYC to life. 

Despite Rent’s notoriously demanding vocals and emotional range, the students rose to the challenge with power and conviction. From the raw emotion in ‘One Song Glory’ to the infectious energy of ‘La Vie Bohème’, each number was delivered with heart and impressive musicality. 

Special recognition goes to: 

• Freddie Sims (Angel) for a performance full of warmth, wit, and emotional depth. Freddie brought a beautiful balance of humour and heartbreak to the role – captivating in every moment, especially during ‘Today for You’.  
• Emma Smith (Maureen) for her electric stage presence and show-stealing performance in “Over the Moon,” balancing chaotic humour with fierce confidence. 
• Georgina Kane (Mimi) who brought intensity, vulnerability, and undeniable charisma to the role, particularly during the haunting ‘Without You’. 

They were joined by a brilliant principal cast including:

• Luca Cetti as a compelling and sincere Mark 
• Jamie Alexander delivering a soulful and stirring Roger 
• Henry Carter as a powerful Collins 
• Kaitlyn Payne for a sharp and emotionally grounded Joanne 
• Zoey Goldberg as a dynamic and confident Benny 

The ensemble – including standouts like Ella Mae Colvert-Seivright, Izzy Brown, and more – elevated every group number and scene change with full commitment and energy. Supporting roles such as Veda Colvill (Mrs Cohen) and Daisy Kay Cooper (Alexi Darling) added layers of realism and humour throughout. 

 
The staging made clever use of the Hub Theatre’s intimate layout and multi-level set, with scaffolding, platforms, and props used to create a gritty, urban atmosphere that was both immersive and versatile. The cast fully embraced the space, creating vibrant, character-driven moments in every corner of the stage. 

This production was brought to life by an expert staff and student tech and production team, including: 

• Directors/Producers: Luke Scattergood & Yvonne Jones 
• Sound Operator: Matthew Fogarasi-Willis 
• Lighting Operator: Amelie Farrow 
• Sound Assistant: Lily Cottingham 

And a live band that deserves its own round of applause: 

• Kim Sheldon (MD/Keys), Dom Smith (Bass), Fran Taylor (Drums), Ava Scullin (Guitar/Percussion) 

The commitment of everyone involved – on stage and backstage – made this production not only entertaining and funny, but deeply moving in its exploration of identity, loss, love, and community. 

As an added bonus, all ticket and bar proceeds go directly back into the Performing Arts department, supporting future productions and opportunities for this talented team. 

Interested in studying Performing Arts and joining this inclusive and creative team? 
Check out the courses on offer at Haywards Heath College – and take your place in the spotlight. 

Keep an eye out for more shows – if Rent is anything to go by, you won’t want to miss what’s next.