First look: RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard is stepping into the heels of Lily Savage for SAVAGE, a brand-new comedy-drama by Jonathan Harvey inspired by the life of Paul O’Grady.
The production makes its world premiere at Curve Leicester on 13 February 2027, followed by performances at venues across the UK ahead of a planned West End run. Further dates and ticket details should be checked with the venues as they are announced.
Who is SAVAGE about?
Before Lily Savage became a household name, Paul O’Grady was a working-class boy from Birkenhead finding his voice. The play traces his journey from Merseyside to London’s club scene and the creation of his fearless, sharp-tongued drag persona. Expect humour, heart and a look at the person behind the peroxide wig.
Created with Paul O’Grady’s blessing and drawing on his life and autobiographies, SAVAGE is written by Jonathan Harvey, whose credits include Beautiful Thing, Gimme Gimme Gimme and Coronation Street. Curve artistic director Nikolai Foster directs. The production is a co-production between ROYO, Curve, Hope Mill Theatre and Eilene Davidson.
First-look photos: Danny Beard as Lily Savage
The first-look images show Danny Beard in Lily’s unmistakable leopard-print glamour. Scroll through the promotional portraits below.
First-look publicity images supplied by Buchanan PR for SAVAGE. Photographer not named in the accompanying release.
When and where can you see SAVAGE?
World premiere: 13 February 2027, Curve Leicester. A UK run is planned ahead of the West End. Further casting, creatives, dates and booking information are still to be announced.
Clarissa’s Corner note: This is a news preview based on the official announcement, not a review or an account of attending the production.
