Drag Race UK star Danny Beard has landed the lead role as the late Paul O'Grady in a "bold and deeply moving" new theatre show titled Savage. Written by Jonathan Harvey, the show is described as a "comedy and drag extravaganza".
Inspired by O'Grady's life and created with his blessing, the "bold and deeply moving new play" will draw on the life of the famous drag queen and broadcaster, using his autobiographies to tell the story behind the creation of Lily Savage.
The production will make its world premiere on 13 February 2027 at Curve Leicester, ahead of its London West End run.
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Per a press release: "The show follows Paul’s journey from the streets of Merseyside to the heart of London’s club scene, where, armed with little more than his wits and a wig, he began carving out a place for himself.
"From humble roots and an unassuming start emerged Lily Savage: the fearless, foul-mouthed alter ego who would defy convention and win the hearts of millions."
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Speaking during the initial development of Savage before he died, O'Grady said: "I’m delighted Jonathan has agreed to write the script, I really am, as he’s perfect for this and he’s such a great writer."
Harvey said: "I was so thrilled when Paul gave me the opportunity to turn his life story into a stage show.
"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."
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Harriet is a freelance news writer specialising in TV and movies at Digital Spy.
A horror enthusiast, she joined Digital Spy after working on her own horror website, reviewing films and focusing largely on feminism in the genre.
In her spare time, Harriet paints and produces mixed-media art. She graduated from the University of Kingston with a BA in fine art, where she specialised in painting. She also has an MA in journalism from Birkbeck University.
