IN CONVERSATION WITH DONNA PRESTON
interview by JANA LETONJA
Actress, comedian and TV personality Donna Preston has a lead role in Netflix’s upcoming season 2 of ‘The Sandman’, coming out this July. She has just completed a three-week stint on ITV’s ‘Celebrity Big Brother’, where she finished as a finalist. As a skincare enthusiast, Donna is also launching DP Healing, a luxury range of organic face oils, body oils and bath salts.
We’ll be seeing you in a lead role in season 2 of ‘The Sandman’. What can you tell us about your character, Despair, and how you approached playing her?
She’s not the cheeriest of the Endless, bless her. She’s all about the doom and gloom, but there’s something oddly comforting about her, like a cup of tea when everything's gone a bit pear-shaped. Playing her meant dialling down the energy and embracing the awkward silences. I basically channelled every rainy Tuesday I’ve ever had.
‘The Sandman’ has such a rich, layered universe. What drew you to this project, and how does it differ from other roles you’ve taken on?
I mean, who wouldn’t want to join a universe with talking ravens and existential dread as characters? It’s like Shakespeare had a baby with a goth comic. Most of my previous roles have involved wigs, glitter, or inflatables, so stepping into a role that was a bit darker and more serious felt like an interesting change of pace.
Fans love your comedic chops from shows like ‘Hey Tracey!’ and ‘Apocalypse Wow’. How does your approach to comedy differ from your dramatic work?
Comedy is basically controlled chaos. You’re trying to be funny without looking like you’ve completely lost the plot. With drama, it’s a bit more serious. There’s less custard. But weirdly, they both come down to being honest. Whether you’re playing a gown-wearing Despair of the Endless or shouting at a fake quiz contestant, it’s still about making people feel something.
You’ve become a staple on ITV’s Michael McIntyre’s ‘Big Show’. What’s it like working on such a high-energy, live-audience format?
It’s like being shot out of a glitter cannon. The audience is buzzing, Michael’s a dream to work with, and there’s always a surprise around the corner. Improvising is one of my favourite things to do, so to have to go on the fly whilst taking direction from an earpiece is such a thrill.
Do you ever find your comedy background sneaking into your more serious roles, or vice versa?
Oh, 100%. The two definitely intersect. I think that’s a given. Also, comedy can creep in when you least expect it. But humour and drama are absolutely two sides of the same coin. It just depends on whether the coin lands heads, tails, or rolls under the sofa.
Congrats on making it to the final of ‘Celebrity Big Brother’. What was the most surprising part of that experience for you?
Thank you. Honestly, the most surprising part was not climbing the walls after day four. It was like a three-week spa retreat and I loved not having access to my phone or emails. Also, I didn’t expect to get that excited about Monster Munch, but 'Big Brother' does that to you. Strips you down to your core, and your core really loves Monster Munch.
How did you mentally prepare for being in such an intense, high-surveillance environment?
I just assumed I would be in a very dramatic version of 'The Sims'. There’s only so much prep you can do for 24/7 surveillance, but I really was just myself. Deep breaths helped. So did reminding myself that it was all temporary, unlike the memes, like my Granny character, which are now unfortunately beholden to the interwebs.
You’re launching DP Healing, a luxury skincare line. What inspired you to take that leap into wellness entrepreneurship?
Well, after years of having my face in glitter and wigs, I thought it was time to give my skin a bit of a cuddle. I’ve really gotten into skincare and wellness over the past few years and I now make my own oils that I use everyday. And so from that, I thought of DP Healing. DP Healing is about looking after yourself, but with a bit of glam and a wink. Because even your T-zone deserves a spa day.
How has your relationship with skincare evolved, and what makes DP Healing stand out from other products on the market?
Let’s just say I used to think a baby wipe and hope were enough. Now I know better. DP Healing is luxe, but not scary. It’s skincare for people who want results. And also, the products I’m making are literally the products I use every day, that sit on my bathroom shelf. Plus, our ingredients are top-notch. I don’t believe in faff, I’m too old for that at this point.
Besides all the projects we’ve just spoken about, what can you share with us about your other upcoming projects?
A few exciting bits are brewing. I can’t say too much yet, but watch this space. And in the meantime, I’ll be around, especially on Netflix in Season two of 'The Sandman', coming on 3rd July.
CREDITS:
photography LEO HOLDEN
hair and makeup DOMINIC SKINNER
