Countdown to Bring Me Sunshine: A Tribute to Phil Lowe at Harrogate Theatre charity event

Bring Me Sunshine: A Tribute to Phil Lowe will see Tim Stedman (Wishee Washee) and Howard Chadwick (Dame Twankey) temporarily take a break from this year’s family panto Aladdin (which runs until January 15) to pay their comic respects to the theatre stalwart.

The talented, hard working and lovely Lowe was Harrogate pantomime director and co-writer for 13 years – among many achievements and roles at Harrogate Theatre – until he sadly passed in October 2021.

Packed with spectacular songs and comedy routines performed by Harrogate Theatre pantomime cast members past and present, the tribute show on Thursday, January 12 to this much-missed figure will also feature a special guest appearance from successful Harrogate musician Jay Apperley, leader of the UK Foo Fighters, one of the country’s most successful rock tribute bands, who previously headlined a charity show at the theatre for the Harrogate Hospital Cardiac Care Unit.

Harrogate Theatre’s chief executive David Bown, who worked closely with Phil Lowe on the annual panto, said the show would not only remember his great friend and colleague but support good causes.

“It’s just over a year on since we lost our friend and colleague and we have the opportunity to honour his work and life,” said Mr Bown.

"Please do come along and support two brilliant causes”.

Hosted by panto regulars Tim Stedman (Wishee Washee) and Howard Chadwick (Dame Twankey), this will be an entertaining celebration of Phil’s most memorable Harrogate Theatre moments with proceeds split between the British Heart Foundation and Phil’s children.

The VIP package includes a complimentary Prosecco on arrival and canapés at the interval.

The audience is invited to dress to impress.

Tickets are available at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

If you would like to support the Lowe family directly, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/morecambewiselowe

Harrogate Theatre paid its own tribute on news of Phil’s sudden death in 2021.

In an official statement, the theatre said: “Our friend, associate director, pantomime director and co-writer passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 13.

“Phil was an integral part of what makes Harrogate Theatre special, both to work at and visit.

"Our pantomime has truly sparkled since he came to the helm in 2007. He is irreplaceable.

“Our thoughts are with Phil’s wife, Caroline, their beloved boys, family and friends.”

Lowe and David Bown first combined on a Harrogate Theatre pantomime in 2007, co-writing Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, with Mr Lowe directing a cast led by a young Tim Stedman.

In an interview ahead of the opening night, Mr Lowe defined the Harrogate Theatre panto experience that would prevail from then on.

“The thing is that we need to cater for four-year-olds to 94-year olds, and you need to have every panto element for everyone, so you don’t alienate anyone,” he said.

“The set, the music, the costumes, the script, they have to appeal to everyone, and it just has to be magical.

"I just hope I bring a bit of magic to it, and not in a David Blaine or Paul Daniels way.

“Harrogate’s show is a traditional panto, where it’s all about the story.

"Hopefully, children will say ‘it was just like the fairytale’ they read.”