Manchester-based Hope Mill Theatre has announced the world premiere of SAVAGE, a new comedy and drag production celebrating Paul O'Grady, and the iconic character Lily Savage, with RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard set to star in the title role.
Written by multi-award-winning playwright Jonathan Harvey, whose credits include Gimme Gimme Gimme and Beautiful Thing, the show is inspired by the life of the late entertainer Paul O’Grady and was developed with his blessing. Drawing on O’Grady’s autobiographies, the production explores the story behind the creation of Lily Savage, one of British comedy’s most enduring characters.
The play traces O’Grady’s journey from a working-class upbringing in Birkenhead to the heart of London’s club scene, where Lily Savage was born. Armed with sharp wit and an uncompromising outlook, the peroxide-blonde alter ego went on to challenge convention and win over audiences nationwide.
Blending razor-sharp humour with moments of unexpected tenderness, the production is described as an intimate portrait of a singular talent and the world that shaped him, charting how Paul became Lily - and how Lily became a British icon.
Speaking during the early development of the project, Paul O’Grady said: “I’m delighted Jonathan has agreed to write the script. He’s perfect for this and such a great writer.”
Jonathan Harvey said it was “an honour” to bring O’Grady’s story to the stage, recalling first seeing Lily Savage perform in a West London bar in the late 1980s. “The zinging one-liners are all his,” Harvey said. “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.”
Further casting and creative team details are expected to be announced.
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