On Monday 6 September, the Stockton Globe threw open its doors for the very first time since 1975, with British pop act McFly performing a special show for the launch of the historic Grade II-listed Art Deco venue, now operated by Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG).
McFly were the very first band to perform on the Globe’s iconic stage following its £28m restoration, joining the who’s who of global music stars that have performed there, including The Beatles, The Supremes, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder and Chuck Berry.
The act will launch the venue’s spectacular 2021/2022 music programme which features Paloma Faith, Jools Holland, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, The Waterboys, Status Quo, UB40, the House and Garage Orchestra and much much more.
Stockton Globe General Manager, Jo Ager commented: “I feel quite overwhelmed to finally be welcoming people into the magnificent Stockton Globe. We’re delighted to welcome McFly, one of the UK’s best loved bands, as the act to share this truly historic moment with us. This is an incredible moment for Stockton-on-Tees, and a testament to the tenacity of the Council, our wonderful volunteers and everyone who has supported us on this journey. This gig is the first of many, and we’re looking forward to celebrating for many more months to come.”
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, Jim Beall said: “So here we go, the very first show at the Stockton Globe since its stunning restoration and it is safe to say we are starting in style. With two number one albums and a string of top-40 hits in their repertoire, McFly will bring their much-loved brand of pop to Stockton in just a matter of weeks to get the venue truly up and running. It’s another feather in the cap for what is an outstanding programme of music, comedy and entertainment for us to look forward to.
“It will be a real night to remember at the Globe watching the first band grace its historic stage since 1975 – the good times are back at the Globe and are here to stay!”
The 3,000-capacity venue has been designed with a modern audience in mind with a £1.8m technical infrastructure and digital ticketing system.
Brand-new features including the flexible standing and seated configuration, new purpose-built bars, VIP areas, dressing room suites, orchestra pits and of course the additional 200 capacity gig venue and cafe bar, The Link.
The restoration of the Globe, which was built in 1935, was funded by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and a £4.5m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Enterprise scheme, as well as a £774,000 grant from the Capital Kickstart Fund, part of the Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund.