PERFORMERS in Horsham Arts Council’s production of Rent are gearing up for opening night later this month.
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The show follows the ups and downs of a group of impoverish, artistic friends living in Manhattan.
One of the show’s leads Brian Harrison said being part of this year’s production had been an incredible experience.
Mr Harrison plays Collins, a HIV positive, gay character, who is in a relationship with Angel, played by Joel Kimberley.
“I’ve never played a character like this before and it’s been very interesting.,” he said.
“It is a big role – I didn’t audition for that part, but when I was asked to do it, it didn’t take me long to think about it.
“I feel like I will become a better performer because of this role.”
Mr Harrison said he wanted to be part of Rent because he enjoyed being involved in the Horsham Arts Council
“I’ve been part of many shows in the past, but I took a year off last year because I was getting married,” he said.
“It’s great to get back into it and I really like Rent as a musical.”
Mr Harrison said everything was running smoothly in the lead up to opening night.
“Everyone is really positive and committed – we have a very talented cast and crew,” he said.
“The cast is very easy to get along with and it’s going to be a great show.”
Brady King will play Roger in the show.
“He is a musician, who had a budding career, but it was all taken away from him because of drugs and HIV,” he said.
“It’s a tragedy and he is in a dark spot.
“The character is different to everything else I have done – his story isn’t something I’ve ever experienced, so it’s a much more challenging role than I’ve done in the past.”
Mr King said he jumped at the chance to be involved with Rent.
“It was right at the top of my life of musicals I want to do one day,” he said.
“It’s always been a favourite of mine – it’s interesting and has relevant context.
“It ticks all the boxes for me.”
Mr King said the show was meant to be raw, so he hoped he didn’t come across as over-rehearsed on opening night.
“I don’t want to get to the stage where I can play the character without thinking about it – it needs to keep that raw feeling to it,” he said.
Rent will open at the Horsham Town Hall on October 27.
It will run for six shows and close on November 4.