Harrogate Theatre’s chief executive has said panto ticket sales are almost at normal levels despite the uncertainty caused by covid.

Tickets went on sale later than usual this year and David Bown said there was some initial nervousness about attendance figures.

But 80% of tickets in between schools breaking up and the new year have already been sold. The fortnight before Christmas, in particular, is proving popular.

Cinderella begins on Friday next week and will run until January 16. Tim Stedman is once again one of the main stars.

The pantomime is the theatre’s biggest event of the year and Mr Bown said the strong sales were welcome after a difficult 18 months due to covid.

“It’s great to see we are nearly back to levels in previous years but we still have a few reservations and people concerned about covid. We still don’t know what the government has as its plan B and as a mass gathering we would be the first to be hit.

“I think Harrogate is doing well for visitors, we’ve had a few sold-out shows at other venues and we really hoped the panto would be the same and we weren’t disappointed.”

Read more:

• Oh yes he is! Tim Stedman stars in Harrogate panto as Buttons
• Harrogate panto director promises comedy and magic

Building work won’t dull the magic

The theatre has been undergoing building work for about six months.

The 120-year-old building was in need of a huge roof replacement, costing around £1 million. As a council-owned building, the project has been run in conjunction with Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate Theatre Trust.

But although scaffolding will remain outside the building until March, Mr Bown said the magic of the theatre is still intact.

The complexity of the work, difficulties in sourcing building materials and staff shortages has meant the works are now due to finish in March 2022.

Looking ahead to 2022, Mr Bown said panto ticket sales make him optimistic for future shows:

“Being back is a bit weird, in some ways it feels like forever and in others it feels like the pandemic never happened. Of course we’re nervous because the last 18 months has proven you can’t plan for everything but the audience numbers are very encouraging.”

If you want to get in the mood ahead of the panto, check out our Panto Stories performed by Tim Stedman.

Joyce Branagh, the woman at the helm of this year’s production of Cinderella at Harrogate Theatre, hopes her passion for pantomime will shine through this year’s performance.

Ms Branagh, the sister of Kenneth Branagh, began directing the panto at the end of the October after the sudden death of former director Phil Lowe. She said since then it’s been “lots of late nights” to get the panto to a place she is happy with.

Ms Branagh is no stranger to Harrogate Theatre. She directed a play in the town years ago and sat on the board in recent years. She said she could’t say no when David Bown, the theatre chief executive, asked her to take on the director role.

Ms Branagh is working alongside a large theatre crew to put on the most popular show of the theatre’s calendar.

With well-known faces such as Tim Stedman returning, it sounds like visitors can expect the kind of panto Harrogate residents have come to love.

Ms Branagh said:

“It’s going to be very silly and it’s got some lovely music and singers in it. I really hope people can come and forget about all the nonsense that has been happening over the past few years and have a proper laugh, a sing-song and the kids can really shout too!”

Silliness for everyone

After 18 months away from directing, due to the pandemic, she said she felt a bit “rusty” at first. The rest of the cast also felt a little worn down at first, she said, but the silliness of the panto quickly woke them up.

She said finding a job where you pick whether to hit someone over the head with a squeaky hammer of a frying pan is her kind of 9-5!

She said:

“We’re putting something together that works for someone who is 4 and 94.

“For me, my love for panto comes from the feeling in the auditorium, especially when young kids walk in for the first time and see the set and the props it’s amazing to see their eyes light up.”

Read more:

• Oh yes he is! Tim Stedman stars in Harrogate panto as Buttons
• Boroughbridge Hightimers return with Cinderella pantomime

Famous brother

Ms Branagh watched her brother Kenneth Branagh’s acting career take off from a young age, he’s known for his roles in several Shakespeare film adaptations as well as directing Thor and Disney’s adaptation of Cinderella.

She said it was watching him on stage and in films that led her to discover her love of theatre and spurred her into acting and directing.

“We weren’t a theatre family at all. When we watched Ken’s shows my parents would say he was an exception and very lucky. They said it wasn’t a great profession to go into but I loved it.”

Get ready to boo, hiss, shout and sing this November as the pantomime gets underway from November 26.

If you want to get in the mood ahead of the panto, check out our Panto Stories performed by Tim Stedman.

The much-loved actor, Tim Stedman, returns for his 21st pantomime at Harrogate Theatre this year as Buttons and promises an evening of laughter and a little bit of magic.

The cast and crew are busy at Harrogate Theatre preparing to return to the stage later this month with a pantomime classic, Cinderella.

Regular panto goers will be delighted to see Tim Stedman return. He has performed at Harrogate Theatre every festive season since 2000 – only missing last year due to covid.

He said the love from the audience and the hard work of the production team keep him coming back:

“I think Harrogate [theatre] does it properly with magic, with a twinkle in its eye, and the story is king. You could come and watch it and not hear the gags or see my comedic dancing and still leave saying that’s a lovely story.

People think of Harrogate as a chocolate box of a town, wonderful and idyllic, and they’re very good at the theatre of thinking that’s how the pantomime should be.. it’s magical here.”

Mr Stedman said returning after taking a break last year has made him more eager than ever to take to the stage.

He promised plenty of comedy sketches, romance and even a whoopee cushion or two!

Some of the panto cast during rehearsals this week.

Over the years, Mr Stedman has performed in Jack and the Beanstalk and Aladdin but says with audiences falling in love with his characters brings added pressure:

“I still enjoy it as much as I did 20 years ago, but coming back each year does mean I feel the pressure a little bit.

I have to be funny and everything the audience expects and especially after being hidden away for two years really we need to make sure we do it right.”

Read more:

• Boroughbridge Hightimers return with Cinderella pantomime
• Harrogate Theatre appoints new panto director after tragic death

Mr Stedman kept tight-lipped about all the surprises and twists and turns in this year’s production but promised audiences the family-friendly, hilarious pantomime they have come to expect in Harrogate.

“It’s very funny; the ugly sisters are very funny, the prince is drop-dead gorgeous, our Cinderella looks fab. I think it’s going to be great, everyone loves Cinderella!”

Mr Stedman may say that the audience needs to love the story – but to many he is the main attraction and his talent guarantees a great panto every year.

Get ready to boo, hiss, shout and sing this November as the pantomime gets underway from November 26.

If you want to get in the mood ahead of the panto, check out our Panto Stories performed by Tim Stedman.

To find out what other events like this are on in the Harrogate district, check out our What’s On page. 

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:

“I know what a huge shock this is for the theatre to lose such a talented colleague and friend, especially at this time of year.

“However, Phil has left us an amazingly funny script, and I feel honoured to be able to step in and help the cast and team here bring his wonderful gags to life.

“In the words of Phil’s heroes Morecambe and Wise, we’ll bring some sunshine, laughter and love back into the theatre. It’ll be our tribute to him.”

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:

“Our significant investment in this local asset will allow the fantastic performances to continue, promote cultural activity in the town, attract visitors and support the local economy at a time when it is needed the most.

“Although the scaffolding will be up until the new year, while we complete these delicate and complex restoration works, the theatre is very much safe to use and I hope visitors enjoy the wonderful performance of Cinderella.”

David Bown, chief executive of Harrogate Theatre, said:

“We look forward to welcoming back audiences in November to Cinderella and to our spring programme in 2022.

“Although the building might not be looking its best until works are complete, the theatre will be filled with the joy of live performance once again and that’s something we are all looking forward to.”

Phil Lowe, who directed and co-wrote Harrogate Theatre‘s hugely popular pantomime, has died unexpectedly.

Mr Lowe, who had been instrumental in the success of the pantomime since he took charge in 2007, died yesterday.

He was an associate director, pantomime director and co-director at the theatre.

The theatre issued a statement today saying it was “devastated” by the news but that this year’s production of Cinderella will continue in his honour.

The statement said:

“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.

“In his memory Cinderella will continue this Christmas. No one wanted to bring the party back to Harrogate Theatre more than him.

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

Harrogate Theatre has set up a Just Giving page on Mr Lowe’s behalf with a £1,000 target. All of the money raised will go towards Harrogate District Hospital and its cardiac care unit.

Read more:

• Image Gallery: Replacing Harrogate Theatre’s 120-year-old roof
• Malcolm Neesam History: Harrogate’s once lively street theatre scene
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Harrogate’s pantomime will be back this year — and the chief executive of Harrogate Theatre hopes crowds will return in number this festive season.

The theatre’s annual pantomime is a local institution, attracting hundreds of people each day ready to scream, “It’s behind you!”.

In just three months the roof work should be complete, new carpets fitted and a cast of actors will be ready to take to the stage on the opening night of Cinderella.

The panto will run from November 24 to January 16 and theatre chief executive David Bown said ticket sales were going well. He hopes to fill as many of the 500 seats as possible each day.

Local people will be pleased to hear panto favourite Tim Stedman will be returning this year along with three other principals and two understudies.

But after a difficult 18 months, Mr Bown is nervous restrictions could change again:

“I’m concerned that there will be reluctance to come back, people may not want to come out in winter. It’s a huge cash cow for us that if that doesn’t deliver it jeopardises lots of other things.

“This theatre has a magic atmosphere so I can’t wait to have an audience in here again.”

The 120-year-old venue is currently undergoing a roof replacement.

A major £1 million roof restoration is ongoing but Mr Bown has been assured the builders are on track for a completion date in November.

The theatre will also be applying for the new government-backed insurance scheme to use as a fall back in case it does have to cancel shows.

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The theatre will be asking visitors to show their vaccine record, negative test result or give verbal assurances they do not have any covid symptoms. Mr Bown added:

“It is to reassure the audience we’re doing something to try to keep them as safe as possible. But of course if people still aren’t comfortable I would advise them not to come.”

Two event organisers in the Harrogate district have welcomed news of a government backed insurance scheme to protect them in case coronavirus restrictions return.

Both the chief executive at Harrogate Theatre and the organiser of Knaresborough Christmas Market saw the move as a step in the right direction.

Insurance has been a barrier for many planning to hold events as many insurers do not cover coronavirus related problems.

The organisers behind the annual bonfire and firework display on the Stray previously told the Stray Ferret that this year’s event would be a “huge gamble” without any coronavirus insurance.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced the insurance scheme and said he hoped that it would help organisers plan events with confidence through to next year.

The £750 million scheme, which the government has partnered with Lloyds to set up, will cover events between September 2021 and September 2022.

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It will see taxpayers cover 95 per cent of costs incurred in the event of cancellation due to the event being legally unable to happen due to government covid restrictions.

David Bown, the chief executive at Harrogate Theatre, told the Stray Ferret:

“As we were moving forward we still had that threat of cancellation hanging above our heads.

“Insurance has been a concern for us at the theatre for a while. The insurance just don’t have a coronavirus clause in their policies. So this is very welcome.”

Hazel Haas, organiser of the Knaresborough Christmas Market, also told the Stray Ferret:

“This new government backed scheme sounds to be a very good idea for the events industry.

“I have not looked at the fine details of it just yet but this is certainly positive news.”

The £1million replacement of Harrogate Theatre’s ageing roof is well underway in preparation for the hopeful return of live shows this year.

A temporary roof structure has been erected over the building to keep out water and protect against wind during re-roofing and external works.

The project is due to be completed by the end of September with performances returning soon after, subject to covid restrictions.

Harrogate Borough Council has released some images of the works, which you can see below:

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Conservative councillor Graham Swift, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said:

“Our investment in this local asset will allow the fantastic performances to continue, promote cultural activity in the town, attract visitors and support the local economy at a time when it is needed the most.”

David Bown, chief executive of Harrogate Theatre (White Rose) Theatre Trust, added:

“Harrogate Theatre is a much loved local venue and we’d like to thank Harrogate Borough Council for investing in the building. This will allow us to put on performances, and connect with our audiences for many years to come.”

Harrogate Theatre is operating a summer season programme in various venues around the town while the theatre is out of use. Further details are available here.

The £1million replacement of Harrogate Theatre’s ageing roof is well underway in preparation for the hopeful return of live shows this year.

The huge scaffolding structure erected around the 120-year-old venue will remain in place until the roof replacement is complete.

The aim is for the roof to be fully stripped back next month in what will mark a crucial stage of the project. The true extent of the works is expected to be revealed beneath.

David Bown, chief executive of the theatre trust, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the venue was planning for the worst but hoping for the best with its sights set on the return of shows in November.

“This is a huge and complex project in terms of the geography of the building, which is such a difficult site to work on.

“We also have the uncertainty of what we are going to find underneath once the roof is taken off. We just don’t know what will be there – it could be rotten beams.”

If the roof replacement stays on schedule, shows will return in November. This will mark 20 months since the theatre was last filled with spectators in March 2020.

The theatre’s survival has only been possible thanks to around £650,000 in emergency government grants and a fundraising appeal which raised more than £100,000.

There was also a need for the theatre to make 60% of its staff redundant in the wake of £4million losses from cancelled shows.

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Mr Bown said:

“The roof replacement project was due to start last year but when the pandemic hit we just couldn’t get the people power to make it happen. And even though we are in a period of uncertainty, it was still agreed that now was the best time to get it done.

“I can’t quite envisage what it will be like having audiences back – it has been an empty building for so long. But what I am looking forward to though is the return of our pantomime, that is the jewel in the crown of our shows.”

Harrogate Borough Council owns the Grade II-listed theatre and is funding and overseeing the roof replacement works.

The council’s deputy leader councillor, Graham Swift, said once completed the project will provide a theatre fit for the future.

“Like any heritage building of this age and complexity, there will always be a certain amount of conservation and investment required to ensure the building is fit for another 120 years.

“This significant investment will allow the fantastic performances to continue, promote cultural activity in the town, attract visitors and support the local economy at a time when it is needed the most.”

The £1million replacement of Harrogate Theatre’s 120-year-old roof is set to get underway next month after councillors agreed funding for the project.

Cabinet members on Harrogate Borough Council – which owns the Grade II-listed building – yesterday agreed to support the project set to start on 3 May.  A huge temporary structure will be erected over the entire building before the ageing roof is stripped back.

The council has already carried out fire safety works over the last year, and the project will also include repairs to windows, brickwork and guttering.

Speaking at a meeting this week, Jonathan Dunk, executive officer for major projects at the council, said it was “likely” that workers would become aware of the need for further repairs once the roof is removed and that costs could overrun.

He said:

“This is a significant investment in Harrogate Theatre which is a key asset that supports the town and will contribute to the council’s economic recovery plan,

“Like any construction project, particularly on a building of this age and complexity, there is a risk of programme and cost overrun. We have done all the correct work and will continue to engage with all parties and take the right professional advice to understand these risks.

“We will bring a further report back to cabinet on 21 July when we have more detail on the condition of the roof and impact on cost.”

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Due to the disruption the works will cause, the theatre will need to close for the duration of the project which is scheduled for  the end of September.

But David Bown, chief executive of the theatre trust, said it still plans to host shows at other venues in summer, possibly including the town’s Royal Hall, Harrogate Convention Centre and community centres.

He previously said:

“We are extremely excited to be reconnecting with our audiences out in the community, whilst the theatre is being much improved and made safer for our return.

“We are working closely with Harrogate Borough Council to minimise disruption and relocate events where possible and we look forward to hosting live events back at the theatre as soon as we can.”

The theatre has remained closed throughout the covid outbreak.

It has received almost £650,000 in government grants and also raised more than £100,000 during a fundraising appeal to help it survive the pandemic.

Speaking at this week’s meeting, councillor Stanley Lumley, the council’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, said:

“Any district or town is judged by its cultural offer.

“We have a wonderful theatre, museums and art galleries. These, along with the superb Harrogate International Festivals, the Harrogate district has an excellent reputation that we need to support and protect.”

Harrogate Theatre was built in 1900 and has a seating capacity of 500.

The trust that runs it also operates Harrogate’s Royal Hall concert venue.