Savage

Savage opens at the Lyric Theatre at The Lowry in Salford from 23 to 27 March 2027, with Danny Beard taking the stage as Lily Savage. It's a biographical drag comedy that follows the life, times and legacy of Paul O'Grady and his alter ego, the 'Blonde Bombsite'. The show was developed with O'Grady's own blessing before he passed, and it starts here in Salford before heading to the West End.

It traces O'Grady's journey from a queer working-class boy in Birkenhead who moved to London in the late 1970s, and who channelled his quick-witted female relatives into a bleach-blonde, foul-mouthed and hugely lovable persona that won over millions. The story follows him from his time as a social worker protecting children to becoming a mould-breaking drag icon, and later a prime-time host and animal lover who never lost his trademark direct humour.

Behind the scenes, the script is by Jonathan Harvey, who wrote Beautiful Thing, Gimme Gimme Gimme and Coronation Street, and it's directed by Nikolai Foster, known for Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde. Danny Beard is the one bringing Lily back to life on stage, and the production makes its UK premiere here in Salford before it moves on to the West End.

It runs from 23 to 27 March 2027 at the Lyric Theatre at The Lowry, so you've got a few days to choose from if you're heading over to Salford.