I met Philip in 1979 as a student at East 15 Acting School. The variety nights at the Theatre Royal were a warm, vibrant, safe environment where as a very young man. I observed top professionals, young undergraduates, the local community, and the great diversity of the Theatre Royal. I did not imagine when I eventually graduated from acting school. That Philip would give me the opportunity of gaining my equity card in 'Short of Mutiny' directed by Daniel Mornin in 1983. Philip gave so many of us our first job and wonderful opportunities. I was down on my luck 40 years ago about now (January 1983), this time of year. Philip came down to the theatre bar from working late in his office. We struck up a conversation. He asked me what I was doing. I put on a brave face and said that I was auditioning for this and that. Philip asked if I would phone Sylvie in the morning and to let her know that he wanted me to audition for the part of Osgood. The rest is history. I owe him everything. Many happy memories. Thank you Philip you were a force of nature in British Theatre. A brilliant director. It was such an incredibly happy experience being Directed by Philip, a man of deft perception. I would literally run from the tube station to the theatre. I simply could not wait to get to work! Sleep well dear Philip x

I knew Philip when I was a teenager growing up in Sydney, aged 17, 18, 19 years.  He starred in my mother, Pam Trethowan's  Victorian music hall extravaganza 'Victoriana'..   I will never ever forget his rendition of that classic ditty “That  Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze”….his pathos, his wicked ironic  gestures, his agilty on stage, .and his charm….that always brought the house down!  He kept in touch with my parents, after both he and my family moved back to England.  He attended both my parent's funerals.   I shall always  be immeasurably grateful  that he and I were able to  meet, have lunch or tea,  and see a play  now and again, and also share gossip and reminisces about our past family lives…both his and mine.  I miss him so very much, and always will.

Philip was a force and a presence in Stratford always prioritising the community. I first met him when when appearing at the legendary Sunday Night Variety performance. Such great memories. I worked most closely with him when I was asked as the last minute to take the role of Rose in Tundi Ikoli's autobiographical play Scrape Off the Black. That feels like so long ago now. Later, visits to a number of plays and long chats about his life and work at the vanguard of new and political theatre were always interesting and thought-provoking. He will be sorely missed and as this site says Ever Loved. 

 A Tribute to Philip from Jane Robertson (Rendel)

I met Philip on my first day at Sydney University in 1957. He was sitting at a table under a shady tree recruiting people for Sydney University Dramatic Society which he was helping to transform into an experimental group. This he did with a constancy of purpose, skill, humour and enjoyment of risk which were life-long characteristics and enabled him to achieve so much in his work over many years in theatre.

He was perceptive, not to be fooled, and scornful of dishonesty and corruption. He did everything he could for Theatre and the arts. He was very funny, very witty, very charming, a wonderful friend. At the same time , while apparently open, (he claimed not to have a private life) he kept some assured separateness, even aloofness, about himself. Perhaps the person closest to him was his remarkable mother Lois who supported him in his ventures and who was also kind and supportive to many of his friends.

Like so many of us I am sad that he had to go at last, and feel deeply glad to have known him for most of my life.

Dear Philip! What a lovely man.

GTO AWARDS

Our greatest regret is that we only knew Philip for a relatively short time, but it was purely fortuitous that we met him at all even though he and Susie have the same Father ( Leonard Dixon-Hedley).

Susie wanted to know more about her Father and knew that she had at least two siblings by his first marriage. I suggested that she contact the Salvation Army as they have an excellent service for tracing lost relatives. In 2006 she received a letter from them stating that Michael had died of a heart attack aged 52, but that the other brother was unwilling to get in contact as he was unsure of her motivation.

 Susie was very disappointed by this response and effectively gave up her search for answers. I could not see her so despondent so I wrote a further letter explaining why it was important to her, giving all my contact details and promising that if he could just give her some information about her Father and didn't wish to pursue an association then that was fine by us. 

I didn't hear anything for several months and thought that was the end when out of the blue Philip called me and invited us to his Aunty Mavis's  80th Birthday party at Tina and Nick's house in Whitely.  By that time we were living in Spain although I was working in London, so Susie was unable to meet Philip, her Aunty and all her cousins. 

We return to England for July and August, so Susie called Philip to arrange a meeting in London and he asked her where. She suggested the Drury Lane Theatre and asked Philip if he knew it? At that time she had absolutely no idea of his background, so when he replied that he knew it, she just accepted that at face value. They met each other there in July 2007 and there was an instant bond between Brother and Sister. He was such a lovely and genuine man it is no surprise to learn that he enriched so many others' lives.

I was extremely saddened to hear this sad new... as myself and the Crooks family had accepted Phillip (Uncle) into our family... he helped us so much back in 2005 and supported O'Neil Crooks ( my Husband and family through our injustice, along with Bill Kenwright)   Phillip will be dearly missed by ourselves and 100s of others of  whom he helped and supported during his time with us..

It's so hard to process knowing that he is no longer with us, I'm so happy that he came to my Awards Final Nominations last February 2023 and we had an amazing night..

May he rest in peace.. he truly was an AMAZING PERSON.. A big part of me is now missing... he will always be in my thoughts heart and mind...  RIP          John 5:21,28,29a only...

Patricia, Oneil, Divanio Crooks..

Lunch in August 2023 — with Philip Susie and Philip Butterworth

We were deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Philip's death. He was a beautiful spirit, much loved by us and we will miss him greatly.

Susie Butterworth's (nee Hedley) Birthday — with Susie Philip Tina and Simon (Susie's Son)

Susie Butterworth's (nee Hedley) Birthday — with Philip and Laura (Susie's Daughter)

Susie Butterworth's (Nee Hedley) Birthday — with Susie Philip and Tina Wells (Philip's Cousin)

Susie Butterworth's (Nee Hedley) Birthday — with Susie (Philip's half-sister) and Philip

I first met Philip within a week of him taking over at Stratford East in 1979, I was nominally a liaison between the theatre and Newham Education department. Initially, he was on the fact finding mission. We immediately became firm friends and colleagues. Everyone knew of his work as a theatre director. I discovered a person who was the best, most effective and creative Theatre Administrator I would ever encounter. "Artistic Director" is one of those positions that people get promoted to without ever displaying the actual skills required. It is a management job, managing absolutely everything. Even the most difficult parts of the job, like discovering why the building was hemorrhaging money. Cash that had never done anything for the work on stage. He could be ruthless when it came to getting rid of the culprits. He was politically savvy enough to become aware of other who seemed to be frightened of losing their job but thought they could do his better. He dealt with all this unseemly side of the business with grace and diplomacy without ever being vindictive.  I mention this because without his talent for every aspect of the theatre business he would not have been able to save that famous Theatre building or the Theatre Workshop Stratford East Company. That is Philip's primary legacy. All his other great work could not have happened without his completing Job One. As I remember my friend and comrade, I'm reminded of Philip's lovely mother. She would turn up to support the nuts and bolts of Philip's work whether it be making sandwiches for the cast on Variety Nights or just cleaning the Green Room. She was remarkable woman who didn't suffer fools lightly but politely. You could see where Philip got his talent for people on stage, in the audience, the boardroom, The Arts Council and government. They were brave souls who never let cowardice get in the way of their integrity. It was my privilege to know and work with them. Thank you Philip for letting me in.

Dear Philip, you saved my life, you took me under your wing when I was a lost teen. A mentor, a friend a confidant, you steered me in the right direction every time I veered off. I felt protected by you, your door was always open.      You are loved by so many. Thank you for everything, your legacy lives on, I will never forget you. I love you and miss you, rest well my king. RIP 💔

Deepest condolences to Phillip's family, friends and the entire theatre community. He will be truly missed. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Kindness and a love of theatre and those who practise it are just a part of Philip’s huge legacy to the Arts. All things were possible in Philip’s theatre. His energy, joy and wise guidance knew no bounds.  His infectious laughter, fun and insightful intelligence,  brought encouragement  to many. I owe him much for the opportunities he gave me during my happy years at Stratford East. He was a brave man in the struggle for artistic survival in this country. We were so fortunate to have had his leadership. Go well, kind sir.