Late Stoke-on-Trent Promoter's Legacy Lives On in Pantomime Success
By Alex McIntyre and Lee Blakeman, BBC Radio Stoke
The late Mike Lloyd, a beloved music promoter and friend to many, would be "overjoyed" to see the Christmas pantomime his theatre company is launching, an actor and friend has revealed. Lloyd, who passed away unexpectedly while traveling in the United States, was a key figure in the arts scene of Stoke-on-Trent.
As a board member at the Mitchell Arts Centre, he was a familiar face, often seen handing out ice cream and greeting visitors at the front door during panto season. Now, the theatre is set to unveil its latest production, Cinderella, and actor Tim Churchill is confident it will be a triumph.
"Mike would have been very proud of this one," Churchill said. "It's a real labor of love. Everything has come together beautifully. I believe he would be absolutely delighted with it."
Churchill also noted that Lloyd's presence will be felt throughout the show, with footage and images of him appearing on stage. Despite the emotional toll of their loss, the cast and crew are determined to honor Lloyd's memory.
"These past few days have been challenging," Churchill shared. "It's only when we sit down in the café, at the table where we used to sit with Mike, that we truly realize he's no longer with us."
To commemorate Lloyd's life, the Mitchell Arts Centre has invited the community to create a special "celebration window" at the theatre. Lloyd, a native of Walsall, was awarded an OBE in 2022 for his contributions to classical music as the chief executive of Stoke-on-Trent Classics, which organizes orchestral concerts.
His dedication to the arts was further recognized when he was made an honorary freeman of Stoke-on-Trent in 2025, a testament to his exceptional commitment to enriching the cultural and musical landscape of the city.
Lloyd played a pivotal role in bringing the Lemmy Kilmister statue to Burslem and was instrumental in transforming the Queen's Theatre into a concert venue in memory of the legendary Motörhead singer.
The Cinderella production at the Mitchell Arts Centre will run from December 18th to 31st, offering a magical experience for all. If you have a story you'd like to share or suggestions for future coverage in Staffordshire, please reach out.
