A rainbow plaque has been unveiled at Victoria Mansions in Vauxhall, south London, to honour the enduring legacy of beloved entertainer and television presenter Paul O'Grady. The ceremony, held on Friday, 21st June, saw O'Grady's widower, André Portasio, reveal the commemorative plaque in front of dozens of friends, family, and fans.
O'Grady, who passed away in 2023, resided at the Vauxhall flats between 1985 and 1995. This decade was a pivotal period for the development of his iconic drag queen persona, Lily Savage, who would go on to achieve national fame. Mr Portasio expressed his delight at the grassroots recognition, stating, "I'm so chuffed that he's been remembered at a grassroots level. He made friends for life here and was part of a community."
Alan Ralph, known as "Vera" and O'Grady's best friend for over 50 years, also lived at Victoria Mansions during that time. He shared fond memories of O'Grady's tiny, characterful flat, filled with an eclectic mix of knick-knacks and overflowing with drag costumes. Jonathan Harvey, who is writing a new musical based on Lily Savage, highlighted the significance of the location: "This block of flats was vital to Lily's development and this is where Paul lived at the height of his drag career, travelling up and down the country."
The upcoming Lily Savage musical is scheduled to open next year, with Ru Paul's Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard cast in the role of the sharp-witted drag queen. Harvey had collaborated with O'Grady on the initial draft of the script before his passing at the age of 67. Beard expressed the honour of the role, acknowledging the "big shoes to fill" and praising the script as "the funniest... full of 'Lilyisms'."
This rainbow plaque is the seventh to be erected by the London LGBT Forums Network, a project aimed at highlighting significant locations in LGBTQIA+ history across the capital. David Robson, project lead, emphasised the importance of such visibility, particularly in light of ongoing discussions around LGBTQIA+ rights. Previous plaques commemorate sites such as Clapham Junction station, where Oscar Wilde was arrested, and Wilcox Road in Vauxhall, where the film 'My Beautiful Laundrette' was shot. Other locations include the London Lighthouse in Ladbroke Grove, a residential centre for people living with HIV/Aids, and the Black Lesbian and Gay Centre in Peckham.
Paul O'Grady's extensive career encompassed comedy, drag, and television presenting, earning him a place in the hearts of many across the UK. His shows, including 'The Paul O'Grady Show' and 'For the Love of Dogs', were widely watched and often available on ITV and Channel 4, endearing him to a broad audience. His contributions to entertainment and his outspoken advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights have left an indelible mark on British culture.
Source: BBC