Oxford University Student Company’s performance of Rent comes at a time when cuts to services and care are just around the corner, making life a little bit harder for the most vulnerable in our society.

Knowing that vital funding might be stopped for HIV and AIDS support services in the county, shows how, even 20 years on after the original production, Rent is relevant more than ever to today’s audiences.

The story follows eight young friends dream of a life where love, art and hope triumph over the shadow of poverty and the AIDS epidemic in the early 90s.

There were moments when I thought I was sitting in the theatre at the West End, as this performance had all the core elements for a national production. One such moment was the solo, Collins (played by third-year biology student Christian Bevan) sings after his love, Angel dies from AIDS.

His gravelly voice taking centre stage, no gimmicks or tricks needed, provided a beautifully raw interlude, which raises the hairs down the back of your neck.

The musical is sprinkled with these stripped back solos and duets, which are the heart and most powerful part of the show.

From roommates Mark and Roger’s reconciliation, to Joanne and Maureen’s tempestuous rows, the core point of the show depends on the audience believing the loves, lows and lives of these characters, which I did.

And it wasn’t just the main cast, which could belt out the lyrics.

The ensemble was just as convincing and powerful in their actions and voices, and helped to create moments of true musical ecstasy.

The cast grasped the show – which continues until Saturday – with both hands, telling us to live every minute because there’s no day but today.

GEORGINA CAMPBELL 4/5