Drag Race star Danny Beard has spoken about the challenge of playing the late Paul O'Grady in a new stage production. The 34-year-old will portray both Paul and his alter ego Lily Savage in the world premiere of the play Savage, which begins its run in February at Curve Leicester before a UK tour and a planned West End transfer.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Beard said his research has delved into O'Grady's life beyond his public persona. He highlighted the star's early activism during the AIDS crisis, noting that O'Grady once performed 36 days in a row in drag for AIDS-related charities across the UK.
Research and Personal Connection
Beard admitted to feeling daunted by the role. "It's absolutely terrifying!" he said. "I am shaking. Absolutely." He explained that what excites him most is exploring the driving forces in O'Grady's life, particularly his focus on community and being a voice for it in his early career.
"I've been working, researching, reading, meeting people who knew Paul, loved Paul. It's daunting, but ultimately I can say I'm telling a story and approaching this as an actor, playing a role. This isn't going to be a cheap Lily Savage impression," he said.
Parallel Lives
Beard noted the similarities between his own journey and O'Grady's. "There's something really nice and uniquely meta about me being a drag queen from Liverpool who moved to Birkenhead as a kid, where Paul was from, who then grew up and then moved and went to London," he said.
"Paul left such a legacy, and there's so much to watch and take in and read and consume and stories to hear from loved ones, that between my life experience and my research, I think we'll be able to really capture the heart of what this show is about," he added.
Beyond the Stage
Alongside rehearsals, Beard has been working on a new hair campaign for haircare brand Method. "I love anything we can do to make people feel good," he said, explaining that his job at its heart is about making people feel good whether on TV, in a theatre, or in a cabaret show.
