Savage – with free time in Canterbury

Inspired by the life of Paul O’Grady and created with his blessing, Savage is a bold and deeply moving new play, making its world premiere in 2027. Before the spotlight, there was a working-class boy from Birkenhead with a sharp tongue, thick skin, and something to say.

Written by multi-award-winning Jonathan Harvey (Gimme Gimme Gimme, Coronation Street, Beautiful Thing), the show follows Paul’s journey from the streets of Merseyside to the heart of London’s club scene, where, armed with little more than his wits and a wig, he began carving out a place for himself. From humble roots and an unassuming start emerged Lily Savage: the fearless, foul-mouthed alter ego who would defy convention and win the hearts of millions.

Starring RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard in the title role, and directed by Nikolai Foster (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde), Savage combines razor-sharp wit, unexpected tenderness, and plenty of peroxide, in an intimate portrait of a singular talent and the world that made him.

Funny, raw, and full of heart, this is the story of how Paul became Lily and how Lily became a British icon.

Not only do we get to enjoy this brand-new play, we also have some free time in Canterbury to explore the lovely city, do some retail therapy perhaps, or visit the cathedral, if we so wish.

Leaving Dorking at a very civilised 9.30am, we should arrive in Canterbury with around 3hrs free time with which to enjoy the city and perhaps grab some lunch, before the matinee begins. Once the performance is over, we will reboard our coach for our return journey to Dorking, hoping to arrive back at around 7pm.