MEMBERS of Ilkley Amateur Operatic Society’s youth section are working hard in rehearsals as they perfect their production of Rent- school edition.

The show, which is loosely based around the opera La Boheme, follows a group of impoverished artists and musicians who live in New York’s East Village during the late 1980s and early 1990s under the shadow of HIV and AIDS. The show follows the eclectic mix of people as they try to find their place in the world, and like all good shows has the themes of love and loss running throughout. The main theme being live for today.

Written by Johnathon Larson, Rent opened on Broadway in 1996 and ran for 12 years. Productions around the world followed, including a successful production in the West End and several UK tours.

The shows director, Mark Allan, said: “Rent is one of those pieces of theatre where an audience will leave the performance knowing they’ve seen something special. The characters are so well written as they are based around people that the shows writer knew. Each character is a challenge to play, and our young cast have excelled themselves in bringing theses people to life. For such a young cast I am amazed at some of their performances. Any one who saw our production of Les Miserables last year will know how talented are youth section is. Dare I say it - this year’s performances leave last years in the shadows.”

Daniel Burgess who plays Tom Collins in the production added: “It’s been a real challenge rehearsing this show. I think many people will think that the fact it is the school edition means it’s very much a kids’ show. It’s not. Although young people will enjoy it, it’s a solid, fully rounded piece of theatre that adults will enjoy.”

Rent- school edition runs at The King’s Hall, Ilkley between Oct 31st and Nov 3rd. Tickets are available at www.ilkleyoperatic.co.uk or by phoning the Box Office on 07763 816611.