Emmy-nominated casting director Rob Kelly uncovers two new talents for THE JONATHAN LARSON PROJECT

Georgie Butler and Edward Flynn Haddon have beaten over 600 performers in an open search led by Emmy-nominated casting director Rob Kelly to join the final cast of The Jonathan Larson Project, marking their professional debut.

This electrifying celebration of the ground breaking composer behind Rent and tick, tick… BOOM! will make its highly anticipated European premiere at Southwark Playhouse Borough from Thursday 9 July to Saturday 22 August 2026.

Following a critically acclaimed Off Broadway run, The Jonathan Larson Project is being reimagined for London by original Off Broadway director John Simpkins.

Georgie, who is currently training at Guildford School of Acting, and Edward, who is training at Laine Theatre Arts and has previously appeared in productions with the British Theatre Academy, have been officially confirmed as the two covers for the show. They secured their roles following in person auditions before the show’s producers and its Emmy nominated casting director, Rob Kelly.

They will join the previously announced Max Harwood (the breakout star as Jamie New in the film Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Marcus Collins (original West End cast of Kinky Boots), Michael Mather (Fiyero on the international tour of Wicked), Grace Mouat (Karen Smith in the West End premiere of Mean Girls and original West End cast of SIX) and Imelda Warren-Green (Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder in the West End).

The Jonathan Larson Project is a show about a young man following his heart in New York City trying to change the world. The show offers a rare and exhilarating window into Larson’s creative world, featuring previously unheard songs from the late composer’s archives. They illuminate the artistry, activism, and restless imagination of one of musical theatre’s most influential voices.

The 2026 London production holds special significance, marking 30 years since Jonathan Larson’s death in January 1996 from an aortic dissection just one day before Rent’s first performance in New York.

This exciting UK cast of West End stars will bring Larson’s early, experimental, and never-heard work to life with bold theatricality and contemporary resonance.

The Jonathan Larson Project recently captivated critics and audiences alike, leading to a 16-week Off Broadway season at the Orpheum Theatre.

Rob Kelly, Casting Director said:
“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.”

Thomas Hopkins, Producer said:
‘’Rob handled this process with real care and integrity, casting the net properly wide, which felt  important to all of us. We are absolutely delighted that Georgie and Edward are joining the company. SAMS Entertainment, Julie Larson and the whole team are so excited to welcome them. Jonathan Larson was a great believer in young artists being given their moment, and I truly think he would have supported both Rob’s approach and these two wonderful new talents.”

Edward Said:
‘’I can’t tell you how truly grateful I am to not only be blessed with such an incredible first show after graduating, but also to be given the honour of celebrating the legacy of such an incredible writer.  I can’t wait to work with such a talented cast of people I have looked up to, and such an awesome creative team. It is a project I am so passionate about and an absolute dream come true. Thank you to Rob Kelly and the team. It is such a beautiful show with an incredible cast and creative team. I hope to do honour to Jonathan Larson and his legacy’.’
 
Georgie Said:
‘’It is a dream come true for me to be cast in The Jonathan Larson Project: I’m still pinching myself! I think Jonathan Larson was such an inspiration and so ahead of his time and it is such a rare privilege to be a part of this production.’’