Inspired by the life of Paul O'Grady and created with his blessing, SAVAGE is a bold and deeply moving new play, making its world premiere in 2027 at Curve Leicester, prior to London’s West End.
Before the spotlight, there was a working-class boy from Birkenhead with a sharp tongue, thick skin and something to say.
Written by multi-award-winning Jonathan Harvey (Our Lady of Blundellsands, Canary, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Coronation Street, Beautiful Thing), 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.
Starring RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard in the title role, and directed by Nikolai Foster (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde), SAVAGE combines razor-sharp wit, unexpected tenderness, and plenty of peroxide, in an intimate portrait of a singular talent and the world that made him.
Funny, raw, and full of heart, this is the story of how Paul became Lily and how Lily became a British icon.
Visit the Savage tour website