Stockton Globe, Ambassador Theatre Group’s new, 3,000-capacity, flagship music and comedy venue has unveiled the completion of its £28m restoration by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
The iconic Grade II-listed Art Deco Globe, which has stood empty since 1997 and closed as a live entertainment venue in 1974 is packed with 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 venue will be will be run by Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) and has been designed with a modern audience in mind, with exceptional customer and artist experience, a £1.8m technical infrastructure and digital ticketing system.
After more than 45 years since the last live performance, Stockton Globe is due to open its doors this Autumn, and will be a huge asset for the Borough’s economy, attracting up to 200,000 visitors per year and bringing millions of pounds into the local economy each year while ‘The Link’ which adjoins the Globe will open in July as a venue in its own right.
Considered as an incredibly exciting development for Stockton and its residents, Stockton Globe will bring world class acts to the town and will also put an end to local people having to travel to Newcastle or Leeds to see big shows.
Acts announced at the globe for the 2021/ 2022 opening season include Paloma Faith, Status Quo, Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Amy Macdonald, UB40, Nina Conte, Tim Peake, Tim Minchin, Jools Holland, The House and Garage Orchestra, The Waterboys, Adam Kay, Chris Ramsey, John Bishop, Jon Richardson and Diversity.
The impressive music and comedy line-up is a statement of intent by the ATG venue, in its ambition to emulate a history that saw global stars such as Morecambe and Wise, The Beatles, The Supremes, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder and Chuck Berry grace the Globe’s stage in its previous life.
Councillor Nigel Cooke, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: “It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for – the Globe is back and it’s looking absolutely stunning! Make no mistake, this is an absolute game-changer for the area and it puts Stockton back on the map as a live entertainment destination.”
He added: “Stockton Globe has played host to the biggest names in show business and when you’re in there you can almost feel the history. It most definitely holds a special place in people’s hearts and memories. The restored venue will pull in visitors from far and wide and generate millions of pounds of additional spending in the local economy and will also put an end to local people having to travel elsewhere to see big shows.”
Stockton Globe General Manager, Jo Ager, said: “We are so excited to announce that the day we have all been waiting for is finally upon us; the restoration of Stockton Globe is complete and it is absolutely incredible! We simply cannot wait to throw the doors open, welcome people in and show this phenomenal venue off.
“Tour promoters have taken the cautious approach to delay programming until later in the year to ensure a safe environment for all who attend. The first acts will take to the Globe stage in September 2021, but fans will be able to see the newly renovated building in all its glory and get their live entertainment fix at the adjoining venue, ‘The Link’, well before then. The Link will open its doors in mid-July, operating as a café, bar and live entertainment venue with an exciting programme of local and emerging artists to be announced shortly.”
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 £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund.
