‘You Gotta Get a Gimmick: Paul O’Grady Story’ will open at the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum in Birkenhead on December 11, 2026, and will run until late 2027.

The exhibition will offer visitors an intimate look into the entertainer’s personal archive, including previously unseen items from throughout his life and career.

Andre Portasio, Mr O’Grady’s widower and the exhibition’s creative director, said: “I’m incredibly excited for people to see what we have created for this exhibition.

“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.

“I’m especially delighted that it will be free, so that everyone who loved Paul, from Birkenhead and across the UK and beyond, can come and share in his story.”

O’Grady as Lily Savage (Image: Sven Arnstein)

James Lawler, co-director of DuoVision, said: “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 is free to attend, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.

However, due to expected demand, visitors are encouraged to book their tickets in advance.

The exhibition will include an oral history collection of LGBTQIA+ stories, and a reading club in local libraries celebrating Mr O’Grady’s children’s books.

In addition to the main exhibition, the project will include a heritage trail through Birkenhead Park, Oxton, and the riverfront.

Four artists will also be selected to contribute to the exhibition through an Open Call later this autumn.

Tickets can be reserved at williamsonartgallery.org/event/paul-ogrady.