A new theatrical production, 'Savage', is set to offer an intimate portrayal of the late Paul O'Grady's remarkable ascent to stardom. The play, written by former 'Coronation Street' scribe Jonathan Harvey, will delve into O'Grady's early life in Merseyside and his burgeoning career within London's vibrant club scene, where his iconic alter-ego, Lily Savage, first captivated audiences.
Jonathan Harvey developed the play with the backing of O'Grady's widower, Andre Portasio. Crucially, Harvey was able to present an initial draft of 'Savage' to O'Grady in the months leading up to his death in March 2023. Harvey has stated that O'Grady was pleased with the work, noting that much of the dialogue is directly sourced from O'Grady's extensive autobiographies, providing a rich foundation for the script.
Taking on the challenging role of Paul O'Grady will be Danny Beard, the victor of RuPaul's Drag Race UK season four. Beard expressed a mix of excitement and trepidation about the portrayal, highlighting the distinct performance style of Lily Savage compared to contemporary drag. Beard noted that Lily Savage was a true multi-talented performer, capable of commanding a room for an extended period, in contrast to the often more stylised and shorter lip-sync performances prevalent today.
The play is scheduled to debut at Leicester's Curve theatre next February for a three-week run. Following its initial engagement, plans are already in motion for a transfer to London's prestigious West End, indicating strong confidence in the production's appeal and its ability to resonate with a wider audience.
Paul O'Grady remained a beloved figure in British television and culture until his passing at 67. His final appearance as Lily Savage was in 2005, though he continued to work extensively, including a recent stint as Miss Hannigan in the UK tour of 'Annie' just a week before his death. Beyond his entertainment career, O'Grady was a passionate advocate for animal welfare, serving as a patron for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, a cause that garnered him widespread admiration and even royal recognition from Queen Camilla.
The announcement of 'Savage' arrives amidst a continued outpouring of affection for O'Grady, whose death prompted tributes from across the UK, reflecting his profound impact on the nation's entertainment landscape and his cherished persona. The play offers a timely opportunity to revisit and celebrate the origins of a true British icon.
Source: The Guardian