A Nottingham theatre company has written and produced a play about the extraordinary life of local performer Mark Preston - starring an actor who has appeared in Happy Valley and Downton Abbey. Mark, who performs as his alter ego Zandra, has helped to raise thousands of pounds for charities across Nottingham including Danielle's Flutterbyes, Broxtowe Women's Project and Haywood House.
Mark, who is from Eastwood, was nominated for a Pride of Britain Award for his charity work. By day, he works as a road repairer before transforming into Zandra by night to perform in clubs and bars across the city.
Mark credits drag with helping to save his life when he was in a dark place. He has been performing as Zandra for more than 20 years after his friends entered him in a lip-syncing competition. He has gone on to raise more than £370,000 for charity.
