First look at Danny Beard as Lily Savage in Paul O’Grady play Savage (EXCLUSIVE)
Speaking to Attitude about Lily's drag legacy, Danny praised the late queen for “doing more for UK drag than anyone in the world”
By Aaron Sugg
Attitude has received first-look images of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK alum Danny Beard as the formidable Lily Savage in brand-new comedy Savage, touring the UK from 13 February.
In memory of Paul O’Grady, Danny will portray both the beloved British TV legend and his iconic drag persona, telling the story of how O’Grady and Savage rose to fame.
Written by multi-award-winning playwright Jonathan Harvey, the project has been created with O’Grady’s blessing and draws upon his autobiographies for inspiration.
Danny Beard as Lily Savage
Harvey said he was “thrilled” when Paul gave him the opportunity to turn his life story into a stage show. “It’s an honour indeed to bring his story and the colourful escapades of the blonde bombsite herself to life,” said Harvey.
Speaking to Attitude at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar, Danny, this year’s host, spoke about what it means to play the late drag icon.
“It is a dream of a lifetime to play the iconic Paul O’Grady and Lily Savage in the world premiere of Savage,” said Danny.
Danny praises Lily’s impact on UK drag
He praised writer Harvey and director Nikolai Foster for being “so generous” with him, and recalled a recent reading of the script where the audience were so “full of heart”.
Speaking about Lily’s drag legacy, Danny praised the late queen for “doing more for UK drag than anyone in the world”.
“Me being from Liverpool and moving to just by where Lily grew up in Birkenhead, we’ve got that Northern charm. And I think good drag needs to say something, and Lily and Paul were never shy to be political and say what they needed to say.”
Savage tour dates
Savage will make its world premiere at Curve Leicester on 13 February 2027, before touring the UK and potentially transferring to London’s West End.
- 13 February to 6 March: Curve, Leicester
- 16 to 20 March: Liverpool Playhouse
- 23 to 27 March: Lowry, Salford
- 30 March to 3 April: Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
- 6 to 10 April: Theatre Royal Bath
- 13 to 17 April: Norwich Theatre Royal
- 20 to 24 April: Birmingham Hippodrome