Thirty years after the untimely death of  Jonathan Larson. The Musical celebrating some of Larson’s popular and more unknown songs have been brought together to create The Jonathan Larson Project by theatre historian Jennifer Ashley Tepper.

The musical is an atmospheric celebration of the works written by Larson and delivered by five extremely talented singers. Michael Mathers, Imelda Warren-Green, Marcus Collins, Natalie Kassanga and Max Harwood.

It’s not only a celebration but a night of nostalgia as echoes from the 1980s play in the background at the rear of the stage through videos shot of Larson during family life and at work at his piano in New York City.

My only criticism is not always being able to hear the lyrics clearly, especially in the opening number sung by Max Harwood. Which meant that I couldn’t follow the storyline within the song properly, I am not sure if it was the venue acoustics or the microphones.

However, as the musical progressed and the cast relaxed into the performance, it became clearer. The two solo numbers performed by Imelda Warren Green were outstanding. Especially when she played the anxiety ridden housewife obsessed with hosing down her furniture! I am sure that actually happens somewhere.

The project doesn’t have a particular linear storyline or a moral to the musical. It’s an amalgamation and celebration of the unforgettable musical talent that was Jonathan Larson.

Unlike many of the audience at the press night this was the first time I had heard any of his music and I came without preconceived ideas and was really immersed in the work he has left behind as a legacy to the musical world. Which will lead me to now educate myself and learn more about him.

For more information about The Jonathan Larson Project and future productions at Southwark Playhouse, please use the link below.

Four Stars.

Photo credit Danny Kaan.

https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-jonathan-larson-project/

Playing from Thursday 9 July – Saturday 22 August 2026.

Max Harwood (breakout star as Jamie New in the film Everybody’s Talking About Jamie),

Marcus Collins (original West End cast of Kinky Boots),

Natalie Kassanga (Satine in Moulin Rouge the Musical,

Irene Roth in Crazy For You, Deena Jones in Dreamgirls), Michael Mather (Smoggie Queens on BBC3 and Fiyero on the international tour of Wicked),

Imelda Warren-Green (Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder in the West End).

Georgie Butler and Edward Flynn Haddon, who were chosen over 600 performers in an open search led by Emmy-nominated casting director Rob Kelly, making their professional debuts as covers.

Creative team:
Director John Simpkins
Musical Director Livi Van Warmelo
Movement Director Taylor Walker
Set Designer Nate Bertone
Lighting Designer  Sam Biondolillo
Costume Designer Jean Gray
Video Designer Alex Basco Koch
Casting: Rob Kelly
Production Manager Esme Driscoll
Producers: Thomas Hopkins  SAMS Entertainment
Co-Producer: Cason Cane
Executive Producer: Julie Larson.