A new touring production, inspired by the life of the late Paul O’Grady, will tell the story of Lily Savage in what is being described as a “deeply moving new play”.
The comedy and drag extravaganza Savage has been written by multi-award-winning Jonathan Harvey (Gimme Gimme Gimme, Coronation Street, Beautiful Thing) and will star RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard in the title role.
Directed by Curve artistic director Nikolai Foster (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, The Sound of Music), the play will premiere at the Curve Leicester theatre on 13th February, 2027, before touring other venues across the UK before coming to the West End.
Speaking during the initial development of Savage, before he died, Paul said “I’m delighted Jonathan (Harvey) has agreed to write the script, I really am as he’s perfect for this and he’s such a great writer.”
Birkenhead boy to British icon
Before the spotlight, there was a working-class boy from Birkenhead with a sharp tongue, thick skin, and something to say.
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.
“From the streets of Liverpool to the sharp tongue and stiletto heels of Lily Savage, Paul’s is a remarkable and utterly unique story.”
Curve’s chief executive, Chris Stafford, and artistic director Nikolai Foster
Savage is said to combine razor-sharp wit, unexpected tenderness, and plenty of peroxide, in an intimate portrait of a singular talent and the world that made him.
Jonathan 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.”
2027 tour dates
Curve, Leicester 13th February - 6th March
Liverpool Playhouse 16th-20th March
Lowry, Salford 3rd-27th March
Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury 30th March - 3rd April
Theatre Royal Bath 6th-10th April
Norwich Theatre Royal 13th-17th April
Birmingham Hippodrome 20th-24th April
Curve’s chief executive, Chris Stafford, and artistic director Nikolai Foster, said: “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.
“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.”
For more information and to book, click here.
