Thank U, Next explores the world of cosplay – a TikTok trend in which people dress up as characters – to better understand the meaning of identity and liberty.

Pupils from Cumbernauld Academy have been working on the National Theatre of Scotland production – created by 21 Common – for the past few weeks, and it promises audiences a lively, emotional, and thought-provoking experience.

Isabella, a senior pupil at the school, explains: “Thank U, Next is about young people and their struggles growing up. It looks at the different things that they hide behind and the ways in which they express themselves.

“I think it’s important that both teenagers and parents come along and see the show as the younger people will be able to identify with the struggles the characters are going through, and the parents will be able to see this too and hopefully better understand some of these issues.

“One of the big things is cosplay; the production uses this to hide behind who we really are, and then slowly, we reveal ourselves. The themes can be quite deep, but it’s got a lot of energy, pop music and dance – so it’s a lot of fun too.”

Twenty pupils from the school are participating in the performances, while others are involved in front-of-house duties, media and marketing.

Another pupil, Rhys, decided to get involved in the project after his drama teacher, Ms Tulloch, suggested that it might interest him.

“It’s all quite new to me, it’s not the usual sort of thing that I’d usually get involved with,” he admitted. “But I’ve been trying to push myself to get out and challenge myself a bit more.

“We did a taster workshop in May, which I enjoyed, and I’ve stayed with the project since then.

“It’s been intense and a lot of hard work – we don’t get finished rehearsals until 7 pm most evenings, and my friends have been making fun of me and asking me what on earth I’m doing, but it’s been so worthwhile and a lot of fun. I’ve got to meet new people and made lots of new friends.”

Isabella added: “Social media is such a big thing for young people growing up these days, it affects how you think about yourself when you see people looking in certain ways or doing amazing things – it can bring your confidence down quite a lot. But being part of this production has helped me to challenge some of my thinking. It’s been an amazing experience.”

Thank U, Next asks what it is like growing up in a world where you can quite literally be anything you want to be. And what happens when you must face your true self in the mirror?

Paul Fitzpatrick, Director of Creative Engagement at the National of Scotland, has nothing but praise for the young people involved: “The way in which the pupils from Cumbernauld Academy have responded has been incredible; they have been fantastic to work with.

“They have just thrown themselves into it with such enthusiasm, and what has been incredibly heartening is how pupils from different year groups got to know each other.

“They have treated each other with so much respect, kindness, and generosity – it’s been wonderful to witness and be a part of.”

Thank U, Next, is at Lanternhouse Theatre/Cumbernauld Academy, 10 and 11 October; Grangemouth High School, Falkirk, 6 and 7 March; and Lochgelly High School, Fife, 27 and 28 March.