The deeply moving and thought-provoking Dear Evan Hansen takes the stage at the Mayflower Theater in Southampton

DEEPLY moving and thought-provoking, Dear Evan Hansen is a masterpiece of theatre, combining difficult themes such as teenage isolation and suicide with a spectacular soundtrack.

This powerful musical will be on stage at the Southampton Mayflower Theater until Saturday, featuring a first-class cast and a beautifully designed, ever-changing set.

The series centers on the story of Evan Hansen, a socially awkward high school student who desperately wants to make friends, fit in, and find a girl who understands him.

Evan’s life, severely lacking in self-confidence, takes an unexpected turn when a suicide note he wrote for his counselor is misinterpreted as a suicide note by a troubled teenager named Connor Murphy.

However, what begins as an act of kindness to bring comfort to Connor’s grieving family soon spirals out of control when Evan is transformed into the deceased student’s best friend.

As the lies mount, Evan suddenly gains the popularity and acceptance he has always sought, becoming president of a charity dedicated to the memory of his “best friend” as well as caring for the feelings of Connor’s terrified parents and sister.

Featuring a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the Oscar-winning composers for “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land,” and musical hits include “For Forever,” “Requiem,” “Waving Through A Window” and “You Will Be Found” .

In the title role, Ryan Kopel delivers an emotionally charged performance, skillfully portraying Evan’s raw vulnerability as he internally struggles with the consequences of the lie that changed his life.

Next to him, Lauren Conroy is brilliant as Zoe Murphy, Connor’s grieving sister and the girl he admired from afar. Her performance of Requiem is particularly moving, showcasing her impressive vocal range.

Will Forgrave, who played troubled teenager Connor, was also excellent, as was Tom Dickerson as Jared.

Meanwhile, cast as Heidi Hansen, Evan’s hardworking and loving mother, Alice Fearn brilliantly portrays what many parents feel is a battle with many plates spinning. As a single mother, the need to earn money to support her son is contrasted with the anxiety of leaving him alone for long periods of time. Her unwavering love was beautifully portrayed in a moving performance of Only Us.

Providing strong support in the roles of Connor’s grieving parents, Cynthia and Larry Murphy, Helen Anker and Richard Hurst showed the different ways such intense grief can manifest. Vivian Panka was also exceptional as Alana Beck, another teenager who struggled to adjust to the complexities of adolescence.

Evocative lighting and stunning visuals were combined with superb scenery design as the story quickly moved between multiple locations. Poignant and moving, “Dear Evan Hansen” honestly and authentically deals with many difficult topics, and watching it with my 13-year-old daughter definitely gave me a chance to reflect on what it’s like to be a teenager in today’s world.

Dear Evan Hansen will be at the Mayflower Theater in Southampton until Saturday 25th January. Tickets cost from £24.50. To book, visit www.mayflower.org.uk or call 02380 711811.