Editor’s Pick of the Week: Revolting politicians, Killinghall spring water and Beckwithshaw’s magic money tree roundaboutTim Stedman to return for Harrogate pantomimeOh yes, it is! Harrogate pantomime among best in countryThe man behind Harrogate Theatre’s pantomime dameReview: Harrogate Theatre’s Jack and the BeanstalkEditor’s Pick of the Week: Unholy rows in Harrogate during Holy WeekTim Stedman to appear in 25th Harrogate pantomimeEditor’s Pick of the Week: Tim Stedman returns, Knaresborough intrigue and a sleeping councillorEditor’s Pick of the Week: Tim Stedman returns, a new mayor awaits and Ripon prepares for 1,300 homes

No corner of the Harrogate district has been immune to new housing in recent years but the sheer scale of the 1,300-home Clotherholme development will alter Ripon forever.

Planning approval was passed by a whisker last year. Since then, the government agencies behind the scheme have said little so this week’s planning update contained some key insights.

There are now just five days until North Yorkshire elects its first mayor. Confused? Read senior reporter Calvin Robinson’s article about the main manifesto differences and look for a recap this weekend of his interviews with all six candidates. We will provide live coverage at the count in Harrogate on Friday.

There are 241 days to Christmas, but Harrogate received one of the best possible festive presents this week with the news that Tim Stedman will return to the town for his 24th panto season. Tim is so loved he would have probably been elected mayor if he’d stood — or at least livened up the sometimes tedious hustings.

Contrary to appearance, Tim is well into his 50s and the slapstick tomfoolery of a lengthy panto, often twice a day, must be exhausting. We should treasure him while we can.

Sadly his long-term double act partner Howard Chadwick won’t be back for what is always a seasonal joy, whatever your age.

Pateley Bridge Cemetery. Picture: Bill Boaden.

Pateley Bridge Cemetery. Picture: Bill Boaden.

Finally, there can be few better places to rest for eternity than Pateley Bridge Cemetery. Look at that view. So plans to create hundreds of new plots this week will be welcomed by Nidderdale folk. The plans even cater for new natural burial sites.

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Tim Stedman to star in Harrogate panto again

Harrogate Theatre has announced that Tim Stedman will star in this year’s pantomime once again.

Mr Stedman will be making his 24th panto appearance in Harrogate, where he has become a huge fan favourite playing the fool.

He will take on the role of Phillipe Fillop in Beauty and the Beast, which will run from Wednesday, November 27 to Sunday, January 19.

The announcement was met with joy by fans on social media who posted comments such as ‘Tim IS Harrogate panto’ and ‘the man is the very definition of a legend’.

Mr Stedman previously spoke to the Stray Ferret about performing in Harrogate in an interview here.

Harry Wyatt

The theatre also announced Harry Wyatt will return to take on the role of Madame Bellie Fillop the sous chef.

Further cast announcements have yet to be made but Howard Chadwick, who co-starred with Mr Stedman for many years in Harrogate, won’t be back in 2024.

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