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Free tickets are now available for a huge exhibit celebrating the life of Birkenhead-born entertainment legend Paul O' Grady.
You Gotta Get a Gimmick: The Paul O'Grady Story will open at Williamson Art Gallery & Museum on 11 December 2026, running until late 2027. The exhibition is free to visit thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, though visitors are encouraged to book a timed entry slot in advance due to expected demand.
The retrospective will offer a glimpse into O'Grady's personal archive, belongings and an intimate exploration of his career as an LGBTQIA+ icon, performer and campaigner.
Commissioned by Switchflicker, Wirral Council and DuoVision, the exhibition has Paul's widower Andre Portasio as Creative Director and his former agent Joan Marshrons as Creative Consultant.
The show will trace his story from Tranmere to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, and from the "blonde bombsite of Birkenhead" to his celebrated work with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Andre Portasio said, in a statement: "We wanted to bring Paul's story home to Birkenhead and celebrate not only his extraordinary career, but the person behind it — his passions, his influences, his humour and the things that mattered most to him. The exhibition brings together costumes, personal objects and memories from throughout his life, many of which have never been seen publicly before."
James Lawler, co-Director of DuoVision, said the exhibition will take several rooms at the gallery. "We have over thirty costumes from Paul's career alongside pieces he has collected over the years. The exhibition will take you through four key stages of Paul and Lily Savage, starting at his childhood in Birkenhead, through to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern and Lily, the TV shows and finally his commitment to the animal world."
The exhibition will also have a history collection exploring LGBTQIA+ stories and experiences.
Also part of the exhibition will be works from four artists, following an open call for artists, which will be announced in autumn.
Free timed tickets can be reserved through the Williamson Art Gallery website.
