A new biography celebrating the life of entertainer Paul O'Grady will be launched at a special event in his home city of Liverpool this November. The event, held at the Liverpool Empire, will feature an interview with the author, Malcolm Prince, who was O'Grady's radio producer for two decades.
Key Takeaways
- A new biography detailing the life of Paul O'Grady is set for release.
- The book is written by Malcolm Prince, O'Grady's radio producer for 20 years.
- A launch event will take place at the Liverpool Empire in November, hosted by Jodie Prenger.
- The event will include an author interview, an audience Q&A session, and a book signing.
New Biography Offers Personal Insight
More than two years after his passing, the life of Paul O'Grady continues to be a subject of public affection. A new book, presented by James Seabright in arrangement with Harper Collins, aims to provide a deeply personal look into the man behind the public persona. The biography is written by Malcolm Prince, a close friend and longtime professional collaborator of O'Grady.
The book draws on Prince's two decades of friendship with the entertainer. It promises to reveal the sharp-witted, fiercely loyal, and private individual known to his friends as 'Savage'. The biography will explore the many facets of O'Grady's life, from his time as a prime-time television star to his role as the nation's beloved dog-loving agony uncle and radio companion.
A National Treasure
Paul O'Grady, who passed away in March 2023, was a celebrated entertainer, broadcaster, and comedian. Born in Birkenhead, he maintained strong ties to Merseyside throughout his life. He became a household name through various television and radio shows, most notably as his drag queen alter ego, Lily Savage, and later as the host of The Paul O'Grady Show and For the Love of Dogs.
Liverpool Empire to Host Exclusive Launch
To mark the book's release, an exclusive event will be held at the Liverpool Empire this November. The choice of venue in his beloved home city serves as a fitting tribute to O'Grady's roots. The evening will be hosted by actress and presenter Jodie Prenger.
The event's format is designed to be interactive and engaging for attendees. Prenger will conduct an on-stage interview with author Malcolm Prince, discussing the book's creation and sharing memories of O'Grady. Following the interview, the audience will have the chance to ask their own questions about O'Grady's remarkable life and career.
After the main show, Malcolm Prince will be available for a book signing session, giving fans an opportunity to get a personalised copy of the new biography.
The Author: A Close Collaborator
Malcolm Prince's connection to Paul O'Grady provides a unique perspective for the biography. Their professional relationship spanned 20 years at the BBC, where Prince produced O'Grady's popular Sunday afternoon show on Radio 2 for 14 years. They also worked together on numerous feature documentaries and seasonal specials.
A Career in Radio Production
Beyond his work with Paul O'Grady, Malcolm Prince has an extensive career in radio. At BBC Radio 2, he was the launch producer for Elaine Paige on Sunday and Alan Carr & Melanie Sykes’ Saturday Escape. He also produced Graham Norton's Saturday morning programme for a decade. Prince left the BBC in 2022.
His insight into O'Grady's life is not limited to their radio work. Prince contributed to the 2023 ITV documentary For The Love of Paul O'Grady, further demonstrating his close connection and deep understanding of his friend. His other recent work includes contributing to Channel 4's ABBA: 50 Years of Pop in 2024.
A Lasting Legacy in Entertainment
The forthcoming book and its launch event underscore the enduring legacy of Paul O'Grady. His impact on British entertainment was significant, from his groundbreaking work as Lily Savage to his warm and compassionate presence on television and radio. He was known for his quick wit, down-to-earth humour, and his passionate advocacy for animal welfare.
This new biography aims to offer fans a more complete picture of the individual they welcomed into their homes for decades. By sharing personal stories and professional insights, Malcolm Prince's work is positioned to be a definitive account of one of the UK's most cherished entertainers. Further details about the event and ticket information are available on the Liverpool Empire website.