Phil Butler (c. 1970 – 17 October 2021) was an English comedian, magician, and stage performer. Based in Essex, he was a regular act on the national comedy circuit and a frequent performer at Cromer Pier in Norfolk. Butler also hosted “The Green Room” podcast and produced the “Dressing Room” podcast.
He was among the first comedians to entertain frontline troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, for which he received the Operational Service Medal. In October 2021, while working for P&O Cruises, Butler was found unresponsive in his cabin aboard a ship docked in Lisbon, Portugal. An inquest in Chelmsford concluded that he died of natural causes, specifically a blocked artery, despite having no prior medical history of cardiovascular disease.
Butler’s career combined stand‑up comedy with illusionist routines, and he was noted for his contributions to British variety entertainment and support of the armed forces.
Sources: BBC News (2023) reporting on the inquest into Butler’s death.