ACTORS at a Witney youth theatre group are producing a hard-hitting musical dealing with the issue of HIV.

The teenagers at Ab Dabs Theatre group will be performing the rock musical Rent at the weekend in the Langdale Hall.

It tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in New York’s East Village under the shadow of HIV and Aids.

Euan Moulder-Hurdsfield, 16, has been with the group for 10 years.

He said: “It’s quite challenging. It’s focused on something we could potentially end up dealing with in a few years’ time.

“It’s difficult to get into the role, but it’s a nice challenge.”

He added: “The theatre group has definitely helped my confidence.

“When I joined I had just moved from Wales and didn’t know anyone.

“It’s like a big family here.”

The group will put on two performances, one on Saturday at 7pm and a matinee on Sunday, starting at 1pm.