Paul O'Grady exhibition hoping to 'unmask' persona

A retrospective exhibition of the life and career of Paul O'Grady will delve into his archives for the first time, attempting to "unmask" the famed comedian and broadcaster.

The free exhibition, in his hometown of Birkenhead, will show how O'Grady, through his animal rights and gay activism, cemented himself as one of Britain's most "significant" cultural figures.

O'Grady's drag queen persona, Lily Savage, will be a central pillar to the exhibit - charting the character's rise amongst the homophobia of 1980s Britain.

Savage's costumes, unseen photographs, scripts and various personal objects will be shown, revealing the influence of O'Grady's work and activism.

Andre Portasio, who was married to the broadcaster from 2017 to his death six years later, said he was proud to be bringing his late husband's story back to Merseyside.

Portasio said he will "forever be in debt" to those behind the exhibition for giving him the chance to "bring the boy from Birkenhead back to his hometown".

"It is my heartfelt wish that those who visit will feel the warmth of his spirit and remember the joy he brought to so many" he continued.

Paula Basnett from Wirral Council said: "Paul never forgot where he came from", adding millions were touched by his "humour, courage and compassion".

Jayne Compton, Executive Producer at Switchflicker, part of the team behind the exhibition said the display "unmasks the artistry and journey" of O'Grady from drag performer to national treasure.

O'Grady was born in 1955 in Birkenhead and was brought up in a close-knit Irish Catholic household in Tranmere.

From starting out as a social worker, protecting children, O'Grady rose to fame in the 1990s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage, going on to present BBC One game show Blankety Blank and other light entertainment programmes.

Later in his career, he went on to host a number of chat shows, brought his love of dogs to the screen and presented on Radio 2 - a post he held until 2022.

The TV host died on 28 March 2023 from a sudden cardiac arrhythmia at home in Kent at the age of 67.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a year-long public programme of speakers, music, performance and cabaret to inspire the next generation of "queer talent", a statement read.

Details of public readings of O'Grady's children's books are due to be announced.

The Paul O'Grady Story will open at the Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead on 4 December.

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