Open the Cage, Murphy!

Paul O'Grady Autobiography #4

by Paul O'Grady

The first three books in Paul O'Grady's life story have covered his childhood, his first forays onto the stage, and the birth of his legendary comic creation, Lily Savage. Now it's time for him to bring the story up to date and tell the world the hilarious and shocking tales of celebrity life: the parties, the glamour, the booze, the famous friends. Along the way, you can expect to meet Cilla Black, Jean Claude van Damme, Robbie Williams, and various Rolling Stones. And that's just for starters...

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography, Biography, Memoir, Humor, Comedy

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Paul James Michael O'Grady MBE (born 14 June 1955) was an English comedian, television presenter, actor, writer and radio DJ. He was best known for presenting the daytime chat television series, The Paul O'Grady Show and, more recently, Paul O'Grady Live, as well as his drag queen comedic alter ego, Lily Savage, as whom he performed in various television series including Blankety Blank (1997–1999) and Lily Live! (2000–2001). He also appeared in the comedy sitcom Eyes Down (2003–2004) and presented several travel documentaries.

Born to a working class Irish migrant family in Birkenhead, O'Grady went through various jobs in his youth, including working in various bars, for the civil service and for social services, moving around the country to do so. It was whilst living in London in 1978 that he first turned his hand to drag, developing the character of Lily Savage based upon various female relatives of his.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ = Good.
Hardback.
I just loved Paul O’Grady and I genuinely miss his face on the tv. He left this earth far too early. As well has being a huge supporter of animal charities and promoting Battersea Dog and Cats home, he was also fabulous with people. Saying that, he wasn’t scared of being brutally honest…something I admire in people.
This book took a section of his life during his Lily Savage years. Funny,sad and informative.

[Polly Tiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just had to find the 'Miaow song' with Paul O'Grady and Lesley Garrett . I loved the book. Whiling away the hours, relaxing in the companionship of everything Paul O'Grady does. His books always make me feel better about my life. His writing style is great. Could do with a bit more show not tell when he is recounting the hilarity of taking his dog Buster down a ladder in a carrier bag. I could have read a whole chapter about Paul carrying his dog down a ladder. Similarly, in another of his books he describes how he ends up in a ditch full of unmentionables in Eastern Europe. Could have done with a whole chapter about it. And I won't tell you what book this escapade is in because 1. I can't remember what book it was and 2. You should really read all his books. What writing class did he go to to be able to write the way he does. The writing class of life, probably.

[Kevin Murfitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a great fan of Paul O'Grady and this volume details how he has worked hard and long to get where he is today. He is a self-made man but the love and friendship he has for his partner Murphy shines through in this book. Paul is very loyal and protective of his friends and this is very much their book too. This is an honest account of Paul's climb to the top - I won't say fight to the top - because this books gives the impression that he has enjoyed every single minute.

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully engaging memoir - snippets into showbiz, celebrities (without being invasive) and somber moments too. I hope volume 5 is on the way!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant! Loved it. Another brilliant book

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm rounding this up to 5 stars because I really enjoyed it and it was a quick read for me.
I love Paul O'Grady as himself and I love him as Lily Savage. This book is about his early Lily Savage years, up until he started doing Blankety Blank. He is so witty, I found myself reading and chuckling to myself. And it takes a lot to make me chuckle when reading...for example, I never find chicklit funny - at all!
Now I think I'll read his other 3 books.

[Isla Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very amusing and entertaining read, another great biography of Pauls. It talks about his time on The Big Breakfast and his work on The Cell Block H musical among other Lily Savage projects, tours etc.

It also talks about his time at the Edinburgh Festival and his (then) partner Murphy, plus when he got Buster.

[Doreen Dooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always the next chapter in Paul O'Grady's autobiography is brilliant .
Reading the next stage in the collection does not disappoint , was a bit surprise that I had finished the book as it ends quite quick, but on that note look forward to the next instalment .

[Sandee Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this just as much as the previous ones, maybe because as I’m reading, it’s like having a catch up with an old friend

[Gaye Teather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and often hilarious. Paul writes just as he speaks with humour, warmth and honesty. There are so many laugh out loud moments in the book tempered with some heartbreaking incidents but Paul is a master story teller. I love his writing and thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Elaine Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I laughed and cryed with this amazing account from Paul O'Grady as he rose to stardom as the great Lily Savage. No punches pulled and funny anecdotes kept me reading late into the night. I wanted to read more. Enjoy

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

its like reading about a brother when i read one of pauls books. we come from the same area and it feels like we are on the same page ha ha. this one is about his continuing career in showbiz and when he briefly mentioned his pal Cilla Black he hinted that their adventures could fill a few volumes so im looking forward to him going on to write them as he says he enjoys churning out these books. easy to read, flows along nicely and i would especially recommend these books for locals or in the case of this book love hearing paul name drop lots of rich and famous old top celebs.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Further Savage Adventures...

This is the 4th instalment of Paul O'Grady and his alter ego Lily Savage, biography/memoirs.

As with the other 3 books, he doesn't hold back and tells it as it is!

Another spell binding look into the life of Paul/Lily, that is full of laughter and tears. With an All Star studied cast...not least Buster, his dog. I can't wait for the next instalment.

"Open the cage, Murphy...and let me out!"

If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have made, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.

[Laura Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 4th volume of Paul's autobiography and it doesn't disappoint. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the colourful antics Paul got up to in his days as lily savage and felt his pain as he lost friends to the AIDS virus. I could actually here his voice telling the story of his life. This book ends as he got his mainstream TV break on blankety blank and left me desperately waiting do the next installment

[Michelle Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 4th instalment of Paul O’Grady’s autobiography does not disappoint, all equally enjoyable with a good mix of laugh out loud and somber moments. For me this one was the most enjoyable as its around this time that Lily Savage caught my attention, I can remember watching Lily on the Big Breakfast and of course Blankety Blank.

I hope one day he does an autobiography of Lily Savage, but not sure who's life would be more outrageous Lily's or Paul’s.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got around to finishing this book! Was brilliant as per usual however this book is more emotional then the previous three as it covers his experiences with AIDS including other things! It is told in his usual humour and wit! I would recommend it to anyone else who wants a light hearted read

[mrs karen neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read,laugh out loud, couldn't put it down great holiday book, have read all of his books brilliant

Great read, took on holiday and couldn't put it down, laugh out loud book, a very personal sometimes account of the gay community and prejudices they faced in the eighties, great writing, loved it

[Rob Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't like biographies.

No, i really hate them.
In this case i made an exception, and this woolyback St.Helens lad thoroughly enjoyed this one.
I once met Paul fleetingly on the set of his show where we were, of all things, painting road markings on the studio floor, nearly asphixiating everyone in the process.
Anyway, enough reminiscing, just go out and read it, OK?

[Marilyn McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure Savage

What a wonderful book, full of brilliant anecdotes and hysterically funny tales. Mr O'Grady has such a lovely way of writing that you feel as if he's in the room with you. This book made me laugh out loud, not a good thing when you're lying on a beach and sob my heart out , especially over Murphy. I love Paul O'Grady even more after reading this.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not at all sure on this book, I've read it but its been a trail of a read. I loved all his previous books but this one just didn't pull me in the same.

yes there are some really funny bits, it just felt lacking for me. I do love Paul and I will continue to follow his story.

[Gary Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

All though I wanted to read this, the humour has gradually become more sparse as the books have continued. It still has moment and Paul has certainly had a fair share of life experience. I do feel though, that there is another book yet to be released.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It probably would have helped if I hadn't skipped books 2 and 3 of his autobiography. Skipping from book 1 (a fair while ago) to book 4 meant I spent quite a lot of the first half of the book trying to work out what had gone on inbetween.

[Gordon Needham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it very much read some 40 years ago steve carrela and the team becomeengraved

Read some 40 years ago Steve carrella and the team become engraved in your m!and really enjoyed it thanks sensational

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Paul! Although the middle was a bit long and repetitive the rest of his life story is the usual standard for him. There must be another book on the way as this one still doesn't bring us up to date.

[Sarah Reason · Rating 5 out of 5]

The usual I have come to expect from Paul: brilliantly funny, infinitely readable and poignant. He and I are very close in age, so all the things and people he talks about ring very true to me. And he always manages to make me laugh out loud. I can't wait for the next instalment!

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, was so interesting finding out what happened to Paul and his friends that I felt like i had gotten to know through out the previous installments. Really hope that there will be another edition on it's way to bring us up to the present day

[Anita Hargreaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Paul O Grady's candour and the horror of the HIV wards and the loss he suffers in trying to find closure. I feel I already know people like his family as my dad was from Warrington and a spade was a spade

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 4th volume of memoirs more than lives up to its predecessors, as Paul recounts the rise of Lily Savage to prime time TV and West End spectaculars.

Warm and waspish in equal measure, O'Grady's writing never fails to entertain.

[Lisa Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

best book of his I've read so far from this series. it's finally got to the point where I knew him and watched him on tv, and brought back memories of his tours, prisoner, Gayle Tuesday, big breakfast and blankety blank. great times. I'm interested to read the next one now

[Gillian Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

A very moving and funny book ,I've loved the two previous biographies and this one definitely does not disappoint , can't wait for the next instalment