{"product_id":"basil-bitches-in-stitches-hardcover","title":"Basil! Bitches In Stitches - Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eBasil Newby\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoving, hilarious and often outrageous, the life of Blackpool's favourite gay entrepreneur will leave you speechless at his antics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSinglehandedly he turned a traditional seaside resort into a gay-friendly mecca with his six celebrated clubs and bars, including the much loved Flamingo and internationally renowned Funny Girls drag \u0026amp; cabaret show that endeared him to millions. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith 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 transvestite show girls, as well as more traditional celebs including Paul O'Grady, Bea Arthur, Grace Jones and Boy George.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce 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\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 238\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.75 x 8.5 x 5.5 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e October 01, 2026\u003c\/div\u003e\n            ","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":71743870042365,"sku":"9781916843059","price":48.74,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/3414\/0157\/files\/gdRtzXtgIO9781916843059.webp?v=1793296491","url":"https:\/\/booktolia.com\/products\/basil-bitches-in-stitches-hardcover","provider":"booktolia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}