Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

The Globe

The redevelopment of the Globe Theatre is seen as one of the main priorities for the High Street, on the basis of its capacity to directly and indirectly generate jobs in the local area.

The project will create a key leisure attraction and increase footfall through the town centre, with the ability to draw in 82,500 extra visitors to the town centre per year, with an additional spend in the town centre estimated at £7.8 million.

The development will help to support the growth and diversification of the evening economy, and is likely to have a catalyst effect on the redevelopment of vacant property nearby.

Did you know?

The history

The original Globe Theatre was built in 1913 and was Teesside's first purpose-built cinema. Demolished in 1925, it was first rebuilt in 1926, when it showed the area's first 'talkies'.  

It was rebuilt again, still on the same site, in 1935 designed as a leading variety theatre but also including cinema facilities and seating 2,372 people. The Globe regularly hosted stage shows with national companies.  

In 1938, it became an ABC cinema but live performances continued including an annual pantomime, ballet and West End shows.

Famous bands

In addition to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, The Globe has hosted stars such as Cliff Richard, The Shadows and Lonnie Donergan, who made their acting debuts here in pantomime.

The Beatles famously played at the Globe on Friday 22 November 1963, the day President Kennedy was assassinated and, as late as the 1970s, bands such as Mud, Showaddywaddy and The Bay City Rollers played here.

Cliff Richard and the Shadows composed their 'Stars Fell on Stockton' (B-side to 'Wonderful Land') here and much of the music for the Cliff Richard movie 'Summer Holiday' whilst taking part in pantomime at The Globe.  As a youngster, Shadows band member Bruce Welch used to help on his grandmother's Stockton market stall.

Final performances

The last film was 'The Sting', on 15 June 1974.  Status Quo were the final rock band to play there in December 1974, followed soon after by the London Philharmonic Orchestra in early 1975.

Historic features 

Many original ornamental features have survived.  The Theatres Trust describes Grade II-listed The Globe as "an excellent example of its kind" and it is one of 68 buildings on its 'at risk' register.  Jomast will work closely with the Council's conservation planning officer and English Heritage to maintain its Art Deco character.  

Jomast have previously renovated numerous properties in Stockton town centre, including work to restore upper storeys to use in Silver Street, Finkle Street and Wasps Nest Yard and parts of the Cultural Quarter.

The Globe Years

To celebrate the renovation of The Globe we've pulled some of pictures of the famous productions and folk who have passed through the doors over the years together as a Globe Years e-publication which you can view via the issuu website.

Your comments

We'd love to hear your comments about plans to redevelop The Globe and memories of the building and those who have performed there.

The Globe e-newsletter

Why not sign up for our e-newsletter and keep-up to date with redevelopment plans.

The first edition (July 2011) and second editions (December 2011) can both be viewed online now.

Web Links

Stockton Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

• e-publication : Stockton Town Centre Prospectus
• e-publication : The Globe Years
• Picture Stockton - The Globe Theatre
• Cinema Treasures - Globe Theatre
• BBC News - Stockton's Globe Theatre set for revamp