Former Westhoughton High School pupil Jake Thomas, 20, appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival just last month to play the lead role.

The animation student had already taken part in various productions before, but this proved to be a whole new experience.

Jake said: “Pop itself has been around for a while, but this was my first time performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, so it’s my first experience like this.

“I’ve done musicals before at uni and college, I did that at Westhoughton High School, but this is the first time I’ve gone somewhere like the Edinburgh Fringe!”

He added: “I’ve sort of just done it because it’s something that’s fun to do but I am eager to do more.”

Pop is a musical with a story that resonates with Jake, focusing on a songwriter who leaves his hometown and moves to London to pursue his dreams of being heard on the biggest stages.

The show covers the highs and lows of pop music stardom with a range of catchy, high-energy songs.

It was one of a huge variety of shows put on for the Edinburgh Fringe and proved to be a big hit with audiences.

Jake said: “I would say Pop as a musical is fun, campy and very relatable.

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“So, when you see this young songwriter you really relate to him because he’s trying to achieve his dreams, which he kind of does, but kind of doesn’t so its all about maybe not quite succeeding but at least getting your foot in the door.”

University of Leeds student Jake says he is keen to pursue a career in the entertainment industry and hopes his star turn in the Scottish capital will stand him in good stead.

He said: “I love animation, I love storyboarding and that’s also in the entertainment world, so I think it’s a great way of getting known.”

Jake now hopes that along with animation he will be able to pursue voice acting, community theatre and getting involved with the vibrant entertainment scene in Manchester.