Moving, hilarious and often outrageous, the life of Blackpool’s favourite gay entrepreneur will leave you speechless at his antics.
The inimitable BASIL NEWBY tells his life story in his own words, from growing up surrounded by showbiz stars to becoming a pioneer in Blackpool’s alternative scene.
He was instrumental in turning a traditional seaside resort into a gay‑friendly mecca, creating six celebrated clubs and bars — including the iconic Flamingo and the globally recognised Funny Girls drag and cabaret show that captured the imagination of millions.
With his salty end-of-the-pier humour Basil introduces an eccentric cast of characters that guarantees plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, such as Bridget the midget, Legs-up Lucy and a bevy of fabulous show “girls”, as well as more traditional celebs including Paul O’Grady, Bea Arthur, Grace Jones and Boy George.
Once derided for ‘promoting homosexuality’ and accused of being an ‘unfit and improper person’ by the authorities, Basil had the last laugh by becoming a fierce defender of Britain’s brashest seaside town, a maverick businessman and a lightning rod for gay activism. Rewarded with an MBE in 2013, even King Charles called him “Mr Blackpool”.
