Musical to raise money and awareness for HIV charity

Award-winning musical Rent is being performed in Bedford next month '“ with an HIV and Aids charity benefitting from the show.
The Marianettes rehearse for RentThe Marianettes rehearse for Rent
The Marianettes rehearse for Rent

The Marianettes Amateur Musical Comedy Society production runs at Trinity Arts and Leisure Theatre in Bromham Road from Tuesday April 19 to Saturday April 23 at 7.30pm nightly.

Jonathan Larson’s musical, loosely based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Bohème” won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical and the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Set in New York’s bohemian Alphabet City, Rent tells of a year in the life of a group of struggling artists who learn to fall in love despite poverty, illness and the usual hopes and fears of modern day life bringing a universal message of hope for everyone.

The Marianettes have allocated some tickets to the Terrence Higgins Trust to raise funds for the charity. Tickets are available from the Terrence Higgins Trust Facebook Page (THT & Brook Beds).

Lee Howe, from the trust, said: “Bedford has the highest rate of late diagnosis for HIV in the UK and we are constantly trying new engaging ways to get people talking about this and encourage testing.”

The trust offers a wide range of options when screening for HIV and other STIs. The most popular clinic is its drop-in every Monday at 4-6 Broadway House, The Broadway, Bedford from 6pm to 8pm. Call 01234 761090 or 761080 for more information.

All proceeds from the opening will go to the Terrence Higgins Trust locally.

Lee added: “Not only will 100 per cent your payment go to the charity , but you will get a good inside knowledge of how HIV and Aids affected the community back in the late 90’s and how this has changed, to now being a manageable condition – although the stigma is still as bad.”

Tickets cost £14 or £12 for concessions. For more information, or to book tickets, call the box office on 07508 857 217.

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