“The Road to Zandra was full to the brim with heart, truthfulness and sequins. What an inspiring project Open Pitch is!”

Written by New Perspectives’ Participation Director Jayne Williams and directed by Artistic Director Angharad Jones, The Road to Zandra follows the true story of Nottingham road repairer turned drag queen Mark Preston. In 1999, after struggling with his mental health and considering taking his own life, Mark travelled to Blackpool and was entered into a drag competition by his friends to distract him. He won the competition and since then has used his drag persona Miss Zandra to raise almost £400,000 for charity.

The play was written in collaboration with Mark Preston. Performed by former New Associate Jack Burrows, Worksop-based femme fatale Suga Phoenix and Miss Zandra, The Road to Zandra had a two-night run at Squire Performing Arts Centre in Nottingham, bringing many audience members to the theatre for the first time.

“Extremely emotional. Laughed, cried, giggled and wept all within 30 seconds.”