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The Globe

 

Image © Charlie Gracie website.

Charlie Gracie was the first solo American rock 'n' roller to bring the music to the United Kingdom in his two extensive concert tours for Lew and Leslie Grade in 1957 and 1958. His first show at the Globe Theatre in Stockton is available from his website. This is a piece of rock 'n' roll history.

The late Buddy Holly was just one of many great stars to grace the stage of The Globe.

The All Comedy Pantomine "Babes In The Wood" with the fabulous young star Cliff Richard. This show dates to 1959/60.

The Gene Vincent & Eddie Cochran Show visited on February 24th, 1960.

The Gene Vincent poster, from 1960, which also included Eddie Cochran and Vince Eager.

The American Triple Star Show with Freddy Cannon, Johnny Preston and Conway Twitty stopped off at The Globe on May 19th, 1960.

No Cliff Richard on this show - just The Shadows with Frank Ifield and Ken Platt. The poster dated to 1961/62.

The Shadows, Frank Ifield and Ken Platt all starred in the pantomine "Dick Whittington" at Christmas 1961/62.

Chubby Checker had them all 'Twisting Again' is the isles on September 7th, 1962.

Guitar twangin' Duane Eddy appeared on November 15th, 1963. Jimmy Justice replaced Little Richard on the bill who was 'indisposed' said the billing.

A star studded bill of stars were scheduled to take to the stage on December 7th, 1962 with Billy Fury, Marty Wilde, The Tornados, Mark Wynter and Peter Jay and The Jaywalkers. Joe Brown was all set to star in the pantomime "Aladdin" the same year. The admission prices were reasonably priced, too!

Joe Brown

Joe Brown and The Bruvvers starred in "Aladdin" in 1962/63. Joe played the part of "Wishee Washee" and was his first ever pantomine. Joe had topped the charts earlier this year with "A Picture of You" which was co-written by one of his Bruvvers, Peter Oakman.

Joe Brown relaxing backstage. Photograph © Stan Laundon.

Joe Brown recorded his album "Joe Brown - Live" at the Globe Theatre in 1963. The photograph on the main body of this page shows Joe and his band in rehearsals.

The Cliff Richard Show - all 4,858 seats sold out for his appearance on March 9th, 1962.

Cliff Richard visited the Globe on November 5th, 1964.

Cliff Richard with The Shadows appeared again on Saturday, April 18th, 1964. This press cutting advertises The Dave Clark Five, Chuck Berry, The Swinging Blue Jeans and The Animals as forthcoming acts that year.

Cliff and The Shadows appeared at The Globe several times over the years:

Babes in the Wood pantomine 1959/60; Cliff and The Shadows February 7th, 1961; Frank Ifield and The Shadows, without Cliff, in the pantomine Dick Whittington December 1961/62; Cliff and The Shadows Sunday, March 17th, 1963; Saturday April 18th, 1964 and Thursday, November 5th, 1964 - a 'cracker' of a show!

Gerry and The Pacemakers, with support from The Fourmost, Tommy Quickly and Sounds Incorporated stopped off in town on February 21st, 1964. It was almost like a Liverpool invasion of talent with Jimmy Tarbuck as compere.

Another classic rock 'n' roll show with The Dave Clark Five, The Hollies, The Kinks, The Mojos and Mark Wynter - some bill!

Cliff Richard & The Shadows topped the bill at The Globe in April 1964 with support from Dailey & Wayne and Bob Miller and The Millermen.

Another great rock 'n' roll star to visit Stockton was Chuck Berry in 1964. Carl Perkins, writer of "Blue Suede Shoes" for Elvis Presley, was a co-star along with The Swinging Blue Jeans and King Size Taylor and The Dominoes from Liverpool and The Animals from Newcastle.

Mike Berry and The Innoents, Inez and Charlie Foxx and The Mojos shared the star studded bill with the Rolling Stones.

Christmastime in 1964/65 saw The Seekers, Al Read and Ronnie Carroll star in"Cinderella" at The Globe.

The Nashville Teens stopped off at The Globe in October 1964.

The Rolling Stones visited on September 20th, 1964, October 8th, 1965 and September 29th, 1966.

Another star-studded bill from 1964 with Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas, The Kinks, The Ronettes and The Yardbirds.

Billy Fury topped the bill on May 5th, 1965 with support from the Pretty Things, Dave Berry and The Cruisers, Brian Poole and The Tremeloes, The John Barry Seven and others.

The Roy Orbison Show with Marianne Faithful and the Rockin' Berries visited on Saturday, March 6th 1965.

Gene Pitney, Lulu, The Rockin' Berries and Peter & Gordon stopped off at The Globe in November 1965. Comedy was provided by Syd and Eddie - later to be known as Little & Large.

Pantomime season in 1965/66 with Billy J.Kramer & The Dakotas in "Mother Goose" with Ken Platt.

Herman's Hermits topped the bill on April 16th, 1966 with support from The Mindbenders, Pinkerton's Assorted Colours, David & Jonathan and Dave Berry and The Cruisers.

The Walker Brothers topped the bill on October 8th, 1966 with support from Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich and The Troggs.

Stan Laundon with Reg Presley of The Troggs.

The Rockin' Berries, Bill Maynard and Charles Hawtrey starred in "Babes in the Wood" in 1966/67.

Freddie & The Dreamers appeared in the pantomine "Cinderella" during December 1967 and January 1968.

Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich starred in "Dick Whittington" during the winter of 1968/69.

Carl Perkins with Stan Laundon. Photograph © Billy Crallan.

The Blue Caps became the first local group to appear on the main stage at The Globe in 1966.

The Globe 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. 

On April 5th, 1937 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 Donegan, who made their acting debuts here in pantomime. The Beatles famously played at the Globe on Friday, November 22nd, 1963 the day President Kennedy was assassinated and, as late as the 1970's, bands such as Mud, Showaddywaddy and The Bay City Rollers played here.

The Shadows composed their "Stars Fell on Stockton" - the 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 June 15th, 1974.  Status Quo was the final rock band to play there in December 1974, followed soon after by the London Philharmonic Orchestra during early 1975.

Historic features:  Many original ornamental features have survived.  The Theatre's 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.

The Beatles actually played at the Globe Theatre on November 22, 1963 and again on October 15, 1964.

All photographs on this page (except those stated) are from the collection of Globe Theatre archivist and historian Barry Jones and used with permission and thanks. Barry is pictured here with Hank B. Marvin's famous red Fender Stratocaster.

What are your memories of The Globe Theatre? Why not drop us a line and tell us about them - and do you have any photographs? For me personally? I saw Frank Ifield there along with The Shadows; sang the "Grand Coulee Dam" for Lonnie Donegan is his dressing room and was employed by Joe Brown when he appeared in the pantomime "Aladdin" in 1962/63 and recorded "Joe Brown-Live" at the theatre.

The material on this page is Copyright © Barry Jones (unless otherwise stated) and must NOT be used or copied in any way without prior written permission.

 

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The Globe Theatre - Stockton

 

The Globe's 1930's splendour is to be restored. Live music is on its way back to one of the North East’s most iconic venues after 35 years – Stockton’s historic Globe Theatre. Where thousands once flocked to see The Beatles, Buddy Holly, The Shadows, The Rolling Stones and other stars, top bands and entertainers are set to thrill audiences once again – by September 2013 if all goes to plan.

The Globe Theatre in Stockton High Street in the 1930's. It first opened to the public in 1935. It is almost impossible to record the history of this famous theatre on just one page - so we've narrowed it down slightly to fall in line with the remainder of our Bands' pages which mainly covers the 1960's - although we have stretched it just a bit with the appearances of Lonnie Donegan, Buddy Holly and Tommy Steele during the late 50's.

The Globe Theatre with a classic Art Deco exterior and as the banner says 'Coming Soon" hopefully by September 2013.

American singing star Guy Mitchell appeared at The Globe Theatre in September 1954. He wasn't "Singing The Blues" on this night because probably his most famous hit single wasn't released until 1956 and didn't hit number one until 1957. He was though singing "She Wears Red Feathers" and "Feet Up (Pat Him On The Po-Po)" to excite his many fans.

Long before The Beatles caused mass hysteria and had constant screaming at concerts, a young man from Bermondsey, in London, called Tommy Hicks created similar scenes in the 1950's. He became better known as Tommy Steele - Britain's teenage idol - and this photograph shows huge queues outside The Globe for his appearance there in 1957.

Buddy Holly and The Crickets on stage in March 1958. The Crickets were Jerry Mauldin on bass, drummer Jerry Allison with Buddy on Fender Stratocaster.

Gene Vincent on stage at The Globe in January, 1960 - backed by Brian Locking and Brian Bennett, soon to be members of The Shadows.

The Everyly Brothers - Don and Phil - on stage at The Globe Theatre in 1960. They didn't have their own band so they were backed by The Crickets.

The Shadows - Jet Harris, Hank B. Marvin, Bruce Welch and Tony Meehan - sporting their new tailored shirts backstage in 1960.

Cliff Richard and The Shadows on stage in 1961. It shows Bruce Welch on rhythm guitar, Cliff in the centre, Hank B.Marvin on lead with Jet Harris on bass at the rear.

The King of Skiffle, Lonnie Donegan, appeared at The Globe several times. He first appeared in October 1957 and then in pantomime Aladdin in 1959.  The photograph, with his many admirers, dates to Christmas 1963.

Children enjoying a photograph session with the stars of the 1961/2 pantomine "Dick Whittington" with Ken Platt, on the extreme left, with Frank Ifield who played 'Dick" and Hank B. Marvin and Jet Harris of The Shadows on the right.

Joe Brown and The Bruvvers rehearsing at Stockton Globe Theatre in 1962/63. The photographs shows drummer Bobby Graham, Joe, Peter Oakman on bass and his brother, Tony Oakman, on rhythm guitar. Joe recorded his album "Joe Brown - Live" at the theatre. Photograph © Stan Laundon.

Joe Brown played "Wishee Washee" in the panto "Aladdin" over the Christmas period 1962/3.

Joe Brown & The Bruvvers appearing on the ITV programme "Thank Your Lucky Stars" in 1962 with Bobbie Graham on drums and Brian Dunn, from Ripon, on rhythm guitar.

Heinz (Burt) of The Tornados and Billy Fury from October, 1963.

Marty Wilde sings his hits in October, 1963. He's backed here by Big Jim Sullivan on lead guitar.

The Beatles on stage at The Globe Theatre on Friday, November 22nd, 1963. This was the day that President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Ringo Starr is hidden by his drum kit but Paul McCartney, George Harrison and John Lennon can be clearly seen.

It's a well known fact that The Beatles appeared at The Astoria, in Middlesbrough, on June 23rd, 1963 with local band The Johnny Taylor 5 in supporting role. They also made two appearances at The Globe - on Friday, November 22nd, 1963 and again in 1964. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison and John Lennon are shown here in Stockton with entertainer Cherry Roland.

The poster from that night in 1963. Sharing the bill with the 'fab four' were The Brook Brothers, Peter Jay and The Jaywalkers, The Vernons Girls and The Kestrels with compere Frank Berry.

The Searchers - Chris Curtis, Tony Jackson, John McNally and Mike Pender - appeared at The Globe in November 1963.

Teenage star Helen Shapiro was "Walking Back To Happiness" in December 1963. American idol Bobby Rydell shared the bill with her.

Many said that Cliff Richard was Britain's answer to Elvis Presley. The success of his first hit "Move It" proved he was a force to be reckoned with. Cliff is seen here backstage at The Globe signing autographs for fans in 1964.

The Shadows on stage with Tony Meehan on drums, Bruce Welch on rhythm guitar, Jet Harris on bass and Hank B. Marvin on lead.

Gerry and The Pacemakers played The Globe twice in 1964 - on February 21st and December 4th.

Cilla Black photographed backstage in 1964. She was another popular act from Liverpool and this young lady, from Scotland Road, was christened Priscilla White when she was born.

Charlie Watts, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, at the back, with Billy Wyman and Brian Jones seated - The Rolling Stones visited The Globe in 1964.

Mike Berry - second left - and The Innocents supported The Stones in September, 1964.

Brian Poole and The Tremeloes played, as part of a star-studed bill, at The Globe on May 5th, 1965. This photograph, part of an original Decca Records publicity shoot, was taken in 1963 near the River Thames on the Embankment in London. Brian says he still has fond memories of The Globe and often talks about Jim & Keith Lipthorpe who used to run The Fiesta in town.

Ike and Tina Turner appeared at The Globe on Thursday, September 24th, 1966.

This goes to show that you can get 'blood from a stone'. This newspaper article says: "Seconds after appearing on stage at Stockton last night Mick Jagger, the Rolling Stones lead singer, was hit above the right eye by a coin thrown from the screaming audience. "Bleeding quite heavily Jagger continued his performance holding a bandage to his face (above). "Jagger had just begun singing when he had to duck to avoid a shoe thrown by a girl in the audience. "He was then struck above the right eye by a coin". After the show Mick received three stitches from one of the St. Johns' Ambulance nurses. Clicking on the picture will open to a larger image.

Freddie & The Dreamers appeared in the pantomine "Cinderella" at The Globe in December, 1967.

Stockton-based Jomast Developments Ltd began its £4 million restoration of the historic Globe to its 1930's splendour during 2011, for use as a live entertainment venue for music, comedy and other events. With its 2,500 capacity, the Globe will be the largest indoor auditorium between Leeds and Newcastle.

David Wilmore (above) is appointed Globe Theatre restoration consultant.

One of the country's leading theatre restoration experts has been appointed as restoration consultant for the iconic Globe Theatre, Stockton-on-Tees.

David Wilmore, of Theatresearch historic theatre consultants, has just finished working on the restoration of the Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne, and also lists the City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds and the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond amongst his credits.

The Globe is a very prominent Grade II listed Art Deco building on Stockton High Street. Built in 1935, it hosted many top names in the music business until the 1970s, famously including a performance by The Beatles on the night President Kennedy was assassinated. It finally closed in the 1990s after nearly two decades as a bingo hall, since when it has remained empty.

More recently, Stockton-based Jomast Developments Ltd acquired the property and last year announced plans for a £4 million restoration, with the support of Stockton Borough Council, as a venue for music, comedy and other events.

Since then, Jomast has been busy carrying out behind the scenes planning, design and preparation work. The company has made the building watertight below the stage, completed the removal of asbestos and stripped out around 100 skiploads of debris ranging from bingo tables to 1970s tiling and old carpets.

This has enabled a more thorough survey of the building to establish a more precise programme of works and Jomast expects more visible signs of the restoration to begin soon.

Dr Wilmore, who has a PhD in Drama, recently edited a book on the life of Britain's greatest theatre architect, Frank Matcham.

After studying at the University of Newcastle, he became involved with the restoration of the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in the city. When the theatre burnt down on Christmas Day 1985 he formed Theatresearch, a consultancy specialising in the restoration of historic theatres.

Since then he has been involved in many projects, including the historic stage machinery for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera.

He said today: "I am relishing the opportunity to once more work in the North-East. The Globe is a real 'Sleeping Beauty' and its restoration provides a great opportunity to bring this beautiful art deco building back to use.

"Both Jomast, the owners, and Stockton Borough Council have made a significant commitment in re-awakening the theatre, which has an important part to play in regenerating Stockton town centre.

"Whilst I've been involved in restoring some very old theatres, I do have a great interest in those built in the 20th century and recently completed a very similar project to the Globe – the Plaza in Stockport which is also a very wonderful Art Deco grade II* listed theatre.

"When Newcastle architect Percy L. Browne designed the Globe in 1935, Great Britain boasted a wealth of more than 1,200 theatres scattered throughout the country. Today less than 120 remain, of which the Globe is one.

"Its Art Deco architecture creates a wonderful magical theatrical atmosphere and we will be working closely with Stockton Council's conservation officer, English Heritage and The Theatres Trust to reinstate this sensational auditorium.

"This project is a bold and imaginative collaboration by Jomast and Stockton Council. The reopening of this building will re-invigorate Stockton during the day and create an exciting and visual impact to the streetscape at night.

"Theatresearch recently re-discovered the original architect's drawings in the Teesside archives and these are greatly enhancing our understanding of how he intended his building to appear and, more importantly, be enjoyed.

"A wonderful theatre in an important town provides a real sense of identity. The Council has recognised the role this kind of building can play in urban regeneration, job creation and a sense of community – in such difficult times, this is truly visionary."

Copyright © Stan Laundon.com

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