(courtesy of the company)
Written by Jonathan Larson, Rent is based on Giacomo Puccini's opera La Bohème and tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive in New York's Lower East Side under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.
Birkett, who is known for her appearances as a finalist on the first series of Pop Idol, will be playing the role of Maureen, joining the previously announced Steph Fearon, who will be playing Mimi.
Additional casting will be announced soon.
