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21
Oct 2021
Harrogate Theatre appoints new panto director after tragic death
Harrogate Theatre has appointed a new director to direct the pantomime this Christmas after the sudden death of Phil Lowe.
Mr Lowe, who had been instrumental in the success of the pantomime since he took charge in 2007, died last week.
The theatre issued a statement to say it was “devastated” by the news but that this year’s production of Cinderella will continue in his honour.
Joyce Branagh, who is the sister of Sir Kenneth Branagh and a celebrated pantomime director in her own right, has taken up the mantle.
Ms Branagh will use the Cinderella script written by Mr Lowe but will hope to bring her own spin on the classic fairytale story. She said:
Cinderella will open on November 24 and runs until January 16, 2022. The pantomime show will be the first performance at Harrogate Theatre since March 2020.
Read more:
- ‘Irreplaceable’ Harrogate Theatre pantomime director Phil Lowe dies
- Christmas late-night shopping returns to Boroughbridge
Delayed Harrogate Theatre roof works
Audiences will notice that the scaffolding, which was due to come down in November, will remain in place throughout the pantomime season at Harrogate Theatre.
Due to the complexity of the work, difficulties in sourcing building materials and staff shortages the roof replacement work is now due to finish in March 2022.
The building work will continue into the new year but construction will work around scheduled performances, including those of community groups.
Cllr Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said:
David Bown, chief executive of Harrogate Theatre, said:
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