Drug addiction, relationship issues and homelessness provide the backdrop to the latest stage production by a Douglas-based youth theatre group.

Students from the Youth Arts Centre, in Kensington Road, are to put on an ambitious performance of the long-running Broadway musical Rent.

Famous for its uncompromising look at the bohemian lifestyles lived by many in an area of New York during the late 1980s, the show tackles many different subjects, from sexual awakening to homosexuality, and from drug abuse and addiction through to homelessness, cast under the shadow of the HIV epidemic of the time.

The production of the show has been done entirely in-house, with past members of the Youth Arts group returning to help out some of the younger members of the cast.

Former member Joey Wylde is returning to direct the show, having already directed the group in ’High School Musical’, and Bryony Morgan, who has also performed Rent in the past, is the musical director.

’It is a show about love and friendship and basically coping with a year in New York City,’ said Bryony.

’They are very bohemian, they are artists and creators and it covers their time living together.

’The songs are sung by some fantastic performers in the group, most of whom have never really done a show before, and it is a fantastic opportunity for them to be involved on the stage.’

Bryony said that she has been impressed with way that the young cast have taken on the seriousness of the subject matter.

’There are some big issues with this story, which could be difficult for a young cast to tackle.

’But a lot of them researched the roles and have had their own personal time to develop their characters. It is hard to do as a group, so they tend to go away and look how their character would react to certain situations.

’Some of them have experienced things which aren’t great as well, even though they are young. I think this play does help them deal with those things, and I do think this play helps people get in touch with their emotions.

’It’s a very emotional show, an emotional rollercoaster from the start to finish, and you have to be very open with the people you are on stage with, and you can’t be afraid to cry.

’There are always tears in the show. Which is really nice, though, as it is a really good bonding experience when that happens.

’Even from the past couple of months there has been such a change from the relationships between everybody, and you can see these people form these lifelong friendships.’

Rent opens from Wednesday, 12 to Friday, July 14 at the Kensington Road Youth Arts Centre. Tickets are £7, and starts at 7pm. Contact 437339 for more details.

by Mike Wade

twitter:@mwislandlife