Our review of Rent at QPAC: a powerful ode to love, life and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Past event: This Brisbane season of Rent has now finished. This article remains available as our review of the production.
The Brisbane Travel Guide acknowledges the Turrbal and Yuggera people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which QPAC is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
The 2024 Brisbane season of Rent played at QPAC’s Playhouse from 27 January to 11 February, with an exceptional cast transporting audiences into a world where passion, friendship and urban bohemia collide.
We were paying customers at Rent The Musical, so you can rest assured that our review is 100% unbiased.
This post may contain compensated links. Please refer to our disclaimer here for more information.
The Show
This was my first time seeing the musical Rent, and despite wanting to see it forever, I actually had no idea what the show was about, nor was I prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions I was about to embark on.
Following a year in the lives of a close knit community of artists, Rent is set in the 1990s on the streets of New York City’s East Village. Essentially, the story is about friendship, love, and the struggles they face together and alone.
While the main storyline is about the group being forced out of their building, there’s plenty of time to take a raw, emotional look at all sorts of societal issues, including poverty, homelessness, drug addiction, sexuality, AIDS and even death.
The first half of the show is a bit of a whirlwind. The storyline is fast paced, with plenty of upbeat rock infused numbers scattered throughout the dialogue.
However, the atmosphere dramatically shifts as the second half unfolds, commencing with the musical’s renowned anthem, “Seasons of Love.” The narrative then delves into deeper emotional territory, marked by the cast’s compelling and gut-wrenching performances that were rewarded by one of the longest-standing ovations I’ve seen.
While there are plenty of toe tapping moments, side splitting laughs, don’t be surprised if you walk away feeling somewhat sombre and perhaps in need of a tissue or two.
Oh and a bit of a warning for others like me, who enjoy taking their children along to the theatre. The topics covered in Rent are heavy, and some scenes are rather raunchy (hello orgy scene, I’m looking at you), so do consider this before bringing along the kids.
The Cast
Unless you’re a dedicated fan of Australia’s “The Voice”, it’s unlikely you’ll know many of the cast of Rent. However, I doubt that will be the case for long, as the production boasts an ensemble cast of exceptional talent, with each member contributing their unique charisma and skill bringing the iconic musical to life.
While I found all the young cast to be incredible, there were a few standouts for me.
Firstly, Calista Nelmes, who plays Maureen, is absolutely outstanding in her 10-minute-long comic monologue about cows. While I’ll be the first to admit I had no idea what she was going on about, that’s absolutely beside the point, her performance was incredible and no doubt one that will see her getting cast for lead roles in the future. And the vocals on this woman! No wonder she was a finalist on The Voice.
My next special mention goes to Nick Afoa. While no stranger to musical theatre, I’ve since learned that Nick used to play rugby in New Zealand under 19s, which he had to give up due to injury. Perhaps a blessing in disguise, as this man was born to be in musical theatre. Previously playing the role of Simba in The Lion King and John in Miss Saigon, Nick’s vocals and acting are sublime. He has such a beautiful presence on stage, he’s just special to watch.
But despite my special mention of Calista and Nick – the rest of the cast are also brilliant! They bring a diversity of talents, ensuring a vibrant and engaging portrayal of the characters that populate the cult musical. The chemistry between characters is palpable, adding an authentic layer to the relationships unfolding on stage.
Also, special mention must go to the costume designer, Ella Butler. As a teenager growing up in the 90s era of grunge – the costumes certainly looked like they could have easily come from my younger self’s wardrobe.
2024 Brisbane season and tickets
The 2024 Brisbane season ran at QPAC’s Playhouse from 27 January to 11 February. Tickets ranged from $56 to $169 and the running time was approximately 2 hours 35 minutes, including interval.
A four-ticket discount was available for the 2024 season.
We had front-row seats right in the middle of the row, which was perfect. But given the show is on in the Playhouse, you’re guaranteed a decent view pretty much from anywhere.
View the archived official QPAC event listing.
Accessibility
QPAC offers assistive listening systems and accessible seating across its venues. Call the Box Office on 136 246 when booking to discuss the most suitable option.
The 2024 Rent season included an Auslan-interpreted performance on Saturday 3 February at 2 pm and an audio-described performance on Sunday 4 February at 1 pm.
QPAC is also a Companion Card affiliate. Companion Card tickets and wheelchair-accessible seating can be booked by calling 136 246, subject to availability.
Parking
Parking is easy at QPAC thanks to the Performing Arts Car Park (P1), accessible via Stanley Place. Parking spaces however can be limited, so often pre paid parking is your best option.
As at November 2026, casual parking is $20 and prepaid parking is $26.50. Rates and conditions can change, so check QPAC’s current getting-here information before travelling.
There are also other car parks within the Performing Arts area in (P2) and (P3).
Other parking just a short walk from QPAC is available at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and South Bank Parklands.
Public Transport
If taking public transport to the show:
- The nearest train station is South Brisbane Station, directly across the road from QPAC on Grey Street.
- The nearest bus station is along Melbourne Street, just at the corner of Grey Street.
- The nearest CityCat (ferry) is the South Bank stop – just a short walk along the river.
Pre Show Meal or Drink
The surrounding areas of South Bank, Stanley Street, Fish Lane and beyond offer fantastic dining options. However, QPAC also has several venues to enjoy a meal or drink before or after Rent: The Musical.
Spanish by Russell Street Wine Bar
At the southern end of QPAC beside the Playhouse Theatre, Spanish by Russell Street Wine Bar serves tapas, pizzas, share plates and drinks. Opening times vary with QPAC’s performance schedule.
Other QPAC dining
QPAC also has casual food and drink outlets, plus theatre bars for drinks and snacks. Check the current dining page before visiting because venues and hours can change with the performance schedule.
Lyrebird
Lyrebird is QPAC’s flagship restaurant, serving contemporary Australian cuisine with seasonal produce. High tea is available before selected matinee performances, and pre-show dining options vary by date.
Theatre Bars
QPAC’s theatre bars serve drinks and selected snacks. They are cashless, and interval drinks can be pre-ordered at the bar before the performance.
The Lyric Theatre bars open 90 minutes before the commencement of the show.
Enjoy Rent: The Musical
Hopefully, you found this review on Rent: The Musical helpful.
Why not check out some of our other reviews of things to do around Brisbane, such as the Cloudland Big Band Cabaret or Soak Bathhouse.
If you’re planning a trip to Brisbane, I highly recommend you check out our full guide to Brisbane, which provides links to everything you need to know to plan your trip.
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