Drag icon Danny Beard will take on the 'dream' role of portraying Paul O'Grady in a new theatre production that was approved by the TV personality before his passing. It has been announced that Danny Beard, winner of the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, will star in the leading role in Savage, a new 'comedy and drag extravaganza' play based on the life and times of O'Grady, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 67.
Written by Jonathan Harvey, the mind behind hit BBC shows Gimme Gimme Gimme and Beautiful Thing, the 'deeply moving' new play will draw on both the performer and presenter's extraordinary life and his autobiographies to tell the story behind the creation of drag persona Lily Savage.
Prior to his death, O'Grady had spoken about the production saying he was 'delighted' to have Harvey, who has also written more than 340 episodes of long-running ITV soap Coronation Street, on board, describing him as 'perfect for this'.
Directed by Nikolai Foster, who has worked on the UK tours of both Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde, Savage will make its world premiere at Curve Leicester on February 13, 2027. Following a run at the Liverpool Playhouse, it will then be performed at The Lowry, in Salford Quays, from March 23 to 27.
“I was so thrilled when Paul gave me the opportunity to turn his life story into a stage show,” writer Harvey explains. “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. This is one of those few shows that I'm involved in where I can go 'You need to come. It's really good'... because the zinging one-liners are all his. It's so sad he's not here to see it, but hopefully this will be a fitting testament to everything he achieved, and a cracking night out full of humour and heart.”
Beard, who is from Merseyside but built up their drag career through performing in Manchester's Canal Street, added: “It's a dream come true. I want to make sure I honour the memory of Lily, and ultimately, I'm telling a story. We're going on an emotional journey.”
Thanks to the Blonde Bombsite persona of Lily Savage, who first debuted at renowned Camden club The Black Cap in 1978, O'Grady, from Birkenhead, went on to become a household name due to his presenting roles on the likes of Blankety Blank, The Big Breakfast, The Paul O'Grady Show and Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs.
Director Foster added of the show: “Paul was a generational talent, and we are honoured to have the opportunity to work on this hilarious, heartfelt and electrifying new play by the mighty Jonathan Harvey, which celebrates Paul's life, legacy and Lily. Jonathan is one of our finest writers and alongside Paul's husband André, manager Joan and our co-producers, we are indebted to them all for trusting us to tell this story. From the streets of Liverpool to the sharp tongue and stiletto heels of Lily Savage, Paul's is a remarkable and utterly unique story. We know our audiences in Leicester will laugh loudly, be deeply moved and reminded why Paul O'Grady remains one of the most beloved and revered entertainers this country will ever produce.”
A co-production between ROYO, Curve, Hope Mill Theatre and Eilene Davidson, further casting details for Savage will be announced at a later date. Tickets for Savage at The Lowry, from March 23 to 27, 2027, will go on sale today (June 16) via the official website.
