A one-man show about the downfall of a young, gay, depressed, autistic actor with a drug problem is coming to Preston.

Blackpool, What A Shit Place To Die is based on the real life experiences of actor Mark Newsome, who plays character Billy Costello during what could prove to be his last few days alive in Blackpool.

Written by Phil Pearson and focused around mental health issues, the show delivers moments of tension interspersed with black comedy as Costello confronts his demons.

Newsome said: “It’s raw, honest and real. It is hard-hitting on the emotions. It talks about issues that aren’t usually raised in theatre. Hopefully, it’ll make the audience think and feel about things differently.

“It looks at gay life in a different way. It’s not all Nicki Minaj concerts, Grindr and feather boas – it’s also loneliness, despair and despondency. It’s heartbreaking, raw emotional truth.

“I hope that mental health will be talked about more and not be such a stigma. It’s okay not to be okay. Suicide is the biggest killer in young men. I hope it will make people understand more about loneliness. About being gay – it can be incredibly isolating.

“We did the show in Manchester and it went down a storm with audiences and reviewers and had standing ovations both nights, which was totally unexpected. It’s dark and twisted but, hopefully, has a few laughs in there, too. We have a cracking team and I’m very proud of it.”

Show promoter Garry Cook said: “Audiences shouldn’t be fooled into thinking this show is a criticism of the state of Blackpool – however the backdrop of the seaside resort works perfectly as an attraction for Costello and his tumbling state of mind.

“The show will provoke as much discussion about the perception of Blackpool as it does about family relationships, sexuality and mental health.”

Read more: See what else is on in Preston

Blackpool, What A Shit Place To Die is on at the Stanley Arms on Tuesday 26 February. Find out more at enjoyshow.co.uk or follow the show on Twitter at @blackpoolWASPTD.

Will you be going to the show? Let us know in the comments below.