A THEATRE group is staging the town’s first production of Rent — a musical about a group of bohemians in New York City struggling with life, love, HIV and AIDS.

The award-winning rock musical, first performed on Broadway in 1996, is being staged by Five Saints Amateur Theatre Company from Tuesday until Saturday, October 18.

The group’s Chris Hatchman says it is a challenging play to stage but is remaining tight-lipped on the details of the musical, which is loosely based on Giacomo Puccini's opera La bohème.

He said: “The way we have set it has been a challenge.

“You would only understand it if you came to see the production.

“It has been a massive challenge because it’s so different — it’s not a traditional musical theatre show.

“It’s been fun along the way.

“It’s very rocky.”

Set in the 1990s, it tells the story of a group of poor young musicians, struggling to survive and create a life in the city’s East Village, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

While preparing for the show, being staged at Bolton Little Theatre, Hanover Street, the group has been fundraising for George House Trust, a charity which supports people living with or affected by HIV in the North West.

Chris, a member of the chorus in the show, said: “We thought we would try and raise as much money and awareness as possible.”

A film of the musical was released in 2005, starring original Broadway cast members Idina Menzel and Adam Pascal.

Chris added: “We are aware it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea because there is some strong language in it.

“It’s the first time it’s been done in Bolton.

“The last time it was done locally was Chorley Little Theatre and that was about seven years ago now.

“It’s going to be a great show, the cast is so talented.”

Rent is being staged by Five Saints Amateur Theatre Company at Bolton Little Theatre, Hanover Street, from Tuesday until Saturday, October 18.

Call 07786 725255 for tickets.