TL;DR
- Danny Beard stars as Paul O’Grady in Savage.
- The play chronicles O’Grady’s journey to drag stardom.
- Premiering on February 13, 2027, in Leicester.
- Written by Jonathan Harvey, inspired by O’Grady’s life.
- A celebration of humor and heart in drag culture.
Hold onto your wigs, darling! The fabulous Danny Beard, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series four, is set to strut his stuff as the legendary Paul O’Grady in the upcoming play Savage. This dazzling production, inspired by O’Grady’s life and his beloved drag persona Lily Savage, promises to be a riotous celebration of the journey from working-class roots to drag royalty.
Mark your calendars for February 13, 2027, when Savage will premiere at Curve Leicester before hitting the road on tour and eventually landing in London’s West End. Written by the multi-award-winning Jonathan Harvey, the play draws from O’Grady’s autobiographies, ensuring that the essence of this drag icon shines through.
Harvey expressed his excitement, stating, “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.” With a script packed with zinging one-liners, it’s clear that this show is not just another night at the theatre; it’s a heartfelt tribute to everything O’Grady achieved.
“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,” Harvey added. And if we know anything about drag, it’s that it’s all about heart, humor, and a whole lot of sparkle.
The production is brought to life by ROYO, Curve, Hope Mill Theatre, and Eilene Davidson, with direction by Nikolai Foster. So, whether you’re a lifelong fan of Paul O’Grady or just someone who loves a good night out filled with laughter and fabulousness, Savage is the show you won’t want to miss. Get ready to celebrate the legacy of a true drag legend!