A new play about Paul O'Grady's life, created with his blessing before he died, is coming to Birmingham for the first time. The show, titled Savage, will play at the Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday, April 20 until Saturday, April 24, 2027.
Show Details
The show has been written by Jonathan Harvey, known for his work on shows like Gimme Gimme Gimme, Coronation Street and Beautiful Thing. Billed as a 'bold and deeply moving' show, it will star Danny Beard as Lily Savage. The Ru Paul's Drag Race UK winner will be directed by Nikolai Foster, who has top shows like Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde on his CV already.
The show will follow Paul O'Grady's journey from the Merseyside streets to London's club scene. It will make its debut at Curve Leicester before touring the UK en route to London's West End.
What to Expect
"Before the spotlight, there was a working-class boy from Birkenhead with a sharp tongue, thick skin and something to say," the description of the show reads. "Armed with little more than his wits and a wig, he began carving out a place for himself." Lily's path from foul-mouthed club performer to national TV star defied convention, and the show will follow the twists and turns along the road to a much-loved and missed UK icon.
Ticket Information
Tickets to the show will go on sale at midday on Thursday, June 18 to Friends of Birmingham Hippodrome. General sale begins on Monday, June 22 at 11am.
Other Shows at the Hippodrome
Other new shows confirmed for the Hippodrome's 2027 run include a visit from the Sao Paulo Dance Company (Friday, February 5 until Saturday, February 6), and the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Hadestown which plays from April 13 until April 17. After the Savage run, Rambert's new dance work It's A Sin will enjoy a run from Tuesday, April 28 until Saturday, May 1. Singin' In The Rain will bring Hollywood glamour from May 11 until May 16 before Chicago bursts in for a two week stint from July 27. There's plenty more to see too, with full listings on the Hippodrome website.
