FIRST TIME will be a disturbing show about the true story of a young man called Nathaniel who contracts HIV the first time he has sex at the age of 16.

The play, marking the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day, is told via personal letters, poems, confessions and a drag alter-ego called Sue.

First Time is a funny, frank and unapologetic one-man show about growing up gay and becoming HIV plus in a straight, HIV minus world.

Diagnosed two weeks after his 17th birthday, and just months after coming out as gay, Nathaniel kept his HIV status secret from friends and family for over 14 years.

After coming out (again) in late 2017, he is now fighting for better representations of HIV in popular culture.

Manchester born and bred, Queer artist and activist Nathaniel writes, directs, inspires and produces bold and provocative socially minded work,

He said: “I lived in secret fear and self loathing for 14 years. I hope to inspire other people living with the virus to live more openly and break the cycle of stigma and shame.”

Working closely with the Greater Manchester PaSH Partnership (Passionate about Sexual Health), First Time will spearhead a whole weekend of events at Waterside to mark 30 years since the first World AIDS Day.

There will be creative workshops, a gallery exhibition, free rapid HIV testing and a ‘coming out’ party to raise funds for local HIV charities.

The Waterside and Creative Industries Trafford (CIT) Theatre Commission supports Northern theatre-makers to develop a new, innovative performance to premiere at Waterside.

First Time beat competition from over 70 applicants, eight of whom presented their ideas to a judging panel at Waterside.

* First Time runs at the Waterside Arts Centre, Sale from Thursday, November 29 to Saturday, December 1 at 8 pm.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £8 for concessions.

Telephone the box office on 0161 912 5616 to book your seats.