Jonathan Harvey turns Savage
- Paul Genty
- Jun 27
- 2 min read
Savage, a new play about the life of comedy favourite Paul O'Grady will come to Salford's Lowry next March, after opening in Leicester in February.
A comedy and drag co-production between Curve, Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre and commercial producers, Savage has been written by playwright Jonathan Harvey and will star Danny Beard - a former RuPaul's Drag Race winner.
Savage tells the story of O'Grady's rise from working-class Birkenhead boy to "Blonde Bombsite" status as the larger-than-life Lily Savage, and was given the star's blessing before his death at 67 in 2023. The play is based on O'Grady's colourful life and his much-enjoyed series of autobiographical books.
Harvey, Beard and Paul O'Grady's husband Andre Portasio got together to announce the show at London's Royal Vauxhall Tavern, where the drag performer appeared many times over the years
The production will make its world premiere on February 13, 2027 at Curve Leicester before moving to The Lowry from March 23-27. Tickets for the
show are now on sale
Speaking during the initial development of the play, Paul said: “I’m delighted Jonathan has agreed to write the script. He’s perfect for this and he’s such a great writer.”
Jonathan Harvey said, “I first saw Lily in a scuzzy gay bar in West London in the late 1980s and laughed ‘til I hurt, so it’s an honour to bring his story and the colourful escapades of the blonde bombsite herself to life.
"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.”
More info and tickets here
