The concept of theatre is primarily to entertain — but there are a few performances which challenge our perceptions of ourselves and others.

I went to the Apollo Theatre in Newport last weekend, to see His Name Is Zak by Apollo Youth Theatre, and this was an exceptionally thought-provoking and creative production, with themes of bullying, suicide and gender.

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Performed with a small cast of teenagers, two adults and a minimalist stage, this show relied on strong performances and the clever use of film, cartoon drawings and social media posts projected onto a blank space at the back of the stage.

In this way, the cast were able to take us back to when central character Zak (aka Ella) was younger with happy scenes filmed on Sandown beach and nearby playgrounds and arcades, and then snap us back to the present with the actors on stage.

Isle of Wight County Press: Centre, Zak played by Ria Seager, being teased by bullies played by Lucas Raynor and Jess Rockhill, and Dale played by Harrison Hartup. Photo: Paul Jennings.Centre, Zak played by Ria Seager, being teased by bullies played by Lucas Raynor and Jess Rockhill, and Dale played by Harrison Hartup. Photo: Paul Jennings.

Present-day Zak grappled with gender identity issues and was played with aplomb by Ria Seager, while Lola Millmore took on the role of young Zak, who appeared in the filmed scenes.

Immy Netherway was great as Liv, who initially appears as Zak's loving and supportive girlfriend, but turns to victim mode when Zak tries to explain it's not working — and the scenes with her and her friends were pure gold.

Harrison Hartup gave a harrowing monologue as Dale, Zak's best friend, and it was interesting to watch the turmoil on his face as the story unfolded.

Traci Reader was good in the role of Zak's mum Elizabeth, who used her child's old identity right up to the end, while Mark Duffus starred as Zak's dad and also gave a powerful performance.

Credit should be given to writer/director/producer Mish Whitmore, who consulted with a clinician at the Tavistock and Portman Clinic, the UK's only gender identity clinic for children and young people to ensure the plot remained authentic.

Much of the speech within the script was gathered from social media and - although Zak is a fictional character - Mish wanted to show what life was like for transgender people every day.

His Name Is Zak shows how love and hate are closely entwined and this cutting-edge performance will stay in my memory for a long time. Bravo, Apollo Youth Theatre.