Backstage Without a Pass
Published on 25. April 2024
Book
Hardback
400 pages
978-1-915635-72-3 (ISBN)
Description
Paul Gregg is the mastermind behind the iconic Apollo Leisure Group, which hosted many of the world's greatest live shows, including The Lion King, Starlight Express, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Miserables, Cats and Riverdance.
Despite initially being regarded as an upstart by the theatrical establishment, Paul successfully built a portfolio of over sixty theatres across the UK and Ireland, and his remarkable career saw him work alongside international performers such as Dean Martin, Liza Minnelli and Michael Jackson, plus British greats like Cliff Richard, Shirley Bassey and Queen.
Told with warmth and humour, Backstage Without a Pass provides a unique insight into Paul's life: from his childhood growing up on a council estate in the north of England to the colourful world of live entertainment and a dramatic boardroom showdown whilst he was the co-owner of Everton FC.
Packed with further anecdotes about the great and good, the story unfolds against the backdrop of Paul's own personal struggles with family relationships, and is an honest, inspiring reflection on his incredible life.
Despite initially being regarded as an upstart by the theatrical establishment, Paul successfully built a portfolio of over sixty theatres across the UK and Ireland, and his remarkable career saw him work alongside international performers such as Dean Martin, Liza Minnelli and Michael Jackson, plus British greats like Cliff Richard, Shirley Bassey and Queen.
Told with warmth and humour, Backstage Without a Pass provides a unique insight into Paul's life: from his childhood growing up on a council estate in the north of England to the colourful world of live entertainment and a dramatic boardroom showdown whilst he was the co-owner of Everton FC.
Packed with further anecdotes about the great and good, the story unfolds against the backdrop of Paul's own personal struggles with family relationships, and is an honest, inspiring reflection on his incredible life.
Reviews / Votes
"Frank, fascinating and at times very funny" - Paul Ross, TalkSport RadioMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 164 mm
Width: 241 mm
Thickness: 34 mm
Weight
620 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-915635-72-3 (9781915635723)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Over the course of his career, Apollo Leisure Group chief Paul Gregg reinvented the live entertainment landscape and built a portfolio of over 60 theatres around the UK and Ireland. This included reopening many iconic venues that had fallen dark, including the Apollo Victoria Theatre, The Dominion, and the Lyceum - the latter of which was reopened by His Majesty King Charles III (then HRH Prince Charles).
Paul eventually sold his company, which enabled him to buy a substantial share in Everton Football Club. There, he oversaw a turbulent period in the club's history and management, including a bid to build a new stadium, dubbed the 'King's Dock project'.
Paul has also chaired the Variety Club of Great Britain. Through his work and charity commitments, he has hosted many other events attended by royalty, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Paul eventually sold his company, which enabled him to buy a substantial share in Everton Football Club. There, he oversaw a turbulent period in the club's history and management, including a bid to build a new stadium, dubbed the 'King's Dock project'.
Paul has also chaired the Variety Club of Great Britain. Through his work and charity commitments, he has hosted many other events attended by royalty, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.