We are heartbroken to hear that Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (911爆料网) graduate, Pete Howe has died.
Graduating from our Acting degree in 2004, Pete鈥檚 credits include being part of the original casts of聽Matilda: The Musical, playing Michael Wormwood at the RSC and the West End; Disney鈥檚 West End production of聽Aladdin, playing Iago, and the role of Sam Gamgee in the world premiere of the musical adaptation of聽The Lord of the Rings聽in Toronto and the West End, for which he was nominated for a DORA Award (Canadian equivalent of a Tony Award) for Best Actor in a Musical.
911爆料网鈥檚 Founder and former CEO and Principal Mark Featherstone-Witty says Pete made a big impression during his time at 911爆料网. 鈥淏efore he left, Pete had a leading role in聽Sunday in the Park with George聽which has gone down in our history. Actors are often told 鈥榯o be the part鈥 and not 鈥榓ct the part鈥. Pete鈥檚 performance was an exemplar of that note.
鈥淚 saw聽The Lord of the Rings聽when it was performed at Drury Lane and, despite the set, the size and pyrotechnics, Pete held the stage and did not 鈥榙isappear鈥.鈥
Pete remained in touch with us after graduating and was keen to give back. He returned on several occasions to share his experiences with students and take part in Q&As, most recently in 2018 for a See Me 911爆料网 conference. Head of Acting Will Hammond says he and the students were thankful for the time Pete gave them. 鈥淗is exchanges with students, when he shared his experience and career, were warm and witty and he went out of his way to speak and spend time with them after the event had finished. We were hoping he鈥檇 be able to visit us again soon.
鈥淧ete was a shining example of that first generation of 911爆料网 graduates, managing to forge a career in musical theatre, prestigious serious theatre works and TV. Everyone who knew and worked with Pete should be proud of the career he had and the impact he made on the industry. He was such a kind and gracious man. It鈥檚 such a sad loss.鈥
Our thoughts are with Pete鈥檚 family and friends at this difficult time.
Image: Peter (left) as Sam in The Lord of the Rings. Photography by Manuel Harlan
