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A new play inspired by the life of Paul O’Grady has been announced, premiering in 2027 and embarking on a brief tour before arriving in the West End. Savage will be written by Jonathan Harvey (Gimme Gimme Gimme, Beautiful Thing) and stars RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard in the title role.

This moving play draws on Paul O’Grady’s autobiographies to explore the creation of his drag persona Lily Savage. Savage follows his life from its beginnings on the streets of Merseyside to the heart of London’s club scene where his alter ego Lily Savage emerged.

The play is set to be directed by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde) and will have it’s world premiere at the Curve, Leicester in February 2027.

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Three men pose and smile in front of the Royal Vauxhall Tavern outside a pub with red letters on the sign.
Andre Portasio (Paul O’Grady’s husband), Jonathan Harvey & Danny Beard at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, where Lily Savage had a multi-year residency in the 1980s and 90s. Photo by Danny Kaan

Principle casting for Savage

Alongside the announcement of the premiere, it was announced that Danny Beard would be playing the titular Lily Savage.

Beard is best known for winning the fourth series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, becoming the first bearded queen in the franchise’s history to take the crown. Since then, Danny has built a career across television, radio, podcasting and live performance.

Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Bringing Paul O’Grady’s story to life

Savage was already in development when Paul O’Grady passed away in 2023, and he gave the project his blessing, calling writer Jonathan Harvey ‘such a great writer.’

Harvey also expressed his excitement, adding: ‘I first saw Lily in a scuzzy gay bar in West London in the late 80s and laughed ‘til I hurt, so it’s an honour indeed to bring his story and the colourful escapades of the blonde bombsite herself to life.’

O’Grady achieved success during the 1980s and 90s with his drag persona Lily Savage, and became a staple on the radio and television. The fearless, foul-mouthed character defied convention and won the hearts of millions.

Savage on Tour

So far, a select number of performances have been announced ahead of Savage arriving in the West End. Details of the West End production have not yet been announced but make sure to keep an eye out or sign up below for updates.

  • Leicester, Curve (13 February – 6 March 2027)
  • Liverpool Playhouse (16 – 20 March 2027)
  • Lowry, Salford (23 – 27 March 2027)
  • Canterbury Marlowe Theatre (30 March – 3 April 2027)
  • Theatre Royal Bath (6 – 10 April 2027)
  • Norwich Theatre Royal (13 – 17 April 2027)
  • Birmingham Hippodrome (20 – 24 April 2027)
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Main photo: Savage is set to premiere in 2027

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