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A Paul O'Grady exhibition is heading to Birkenhead. The new exhibit celebrating the life of the legendary drag queen, comedian, and Birkenhead native will open in December 2026.
According to reports, The Paul O' Grady Story (with no relation to Liverpool's The Beatles Story), will open at The Williamson Gallery in Prenton.
The gallery will remain open until late 2027. Best of all, the exhibition is free, according to organisers.
The project is supported by a £241,484 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and will feature costumes, personal items, photographs, rare footage, and memorabilia from O’Grady’s private archive.
Organisers say bringing the exhibition to Birkenhead was always a priority because of the deep connection O’Grady maintained with his hometown throughout his life.
Alongside the exhibition itself, a year-long community programme will run across Wirral. This will include talks, performances, cabaret events, and reading clubs based on O’Grady’s children's books in local libraries.
The project will also collect oral histories from members of the local LGBTQ+ community, helping preserve stories and experiences linked to O’Grady’s legacy and the wider history of LGBTQ+ life in the region.
Paula Bassnett, from Wirral Borough Council, said in a statement: “It is incredibly special to be welcoming Paul O’Grady home to Birkenhead in this way. Paul never forgot where he came from, and neither have we. To host this exhibition is a proud moment for our borough and a tribute to a man whose humour, courage, and compassion touched millions. We are deeply grateful to Andre Portasio and our creative partners for helping us share Paul’s story with warmth, honesty, and pride and to ensure it remains free and open to everyone.”
For many residents, the exhibition will offer an opportunity to welcome home one of the town's most famous sons and celebrate the lasting impact he continues to have on communities both locally and nationally.
It will explore O'Grady's drag queen persona, Lily Savage, and more moments in his career.
For more information, please visit The Williamson Gallery's website.
