THE GLOBE THEATRE, STOCKTON-ON-TEES
The Globe Theatre gets a facelift with this striking new building wrap, which was installed on the front of the theatre, in Stockton High Street. The bright design provided a temporary facelift and highlighted the building’s potential, whilst Willmot Dixon worked on developing proposals for its renovation.
Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Councillor Mike Smith, said: “This temporary façade is not only a sign of our support for the Globe itself but also for the wider regeneration of the northern end of the high street. We’re really encouraged to see new investment in this area and the redevelopment of the Lambton Castle as well as the external improvement works to the front of Debenhams are a welcome sign of transformation. We’re sure that we’ll continue to see more exciting developments in the area as the multi-million pound regeneration of the High Street continues to take shape.” To view the image larger, click on the photograph.
The restoration work continued during December 2017 when these photographs of the original bar area, entrance and foyer were taken. The constructors had to deal with asbestos, pigeons and water leaks before installing extra scaffolding inside. Then, during late 2018, it was announced that the scheduled opening has yet again been delayed as further structural problems were discovered. Engineers found unsupported walls, rotting timbers and a badly corroded drainage system. However, we understand that the local council is now facing a bill of at least £22m to the revamp the theatre after initially allocating just £1m. Work to refurbish The Globe began in 2011 with a budget of £4m being shared between Stockton Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund. But structural problems pushed the total bill up to an estimated £26.5m, further delaying the planned reopening. The theatre finally re-opened in June 2021. See the Globe Theatre website for more details.
The Globe Theatre in Stockton High Street in the 1930's. It first opened to the public in 1935. We hope the brief history we have provided on this page is to your liking. As time goes by we will try to add more photographs and material as, and when, we receive it. Please do keep checking back, from time to time, for more updates.
The reception of The Globe Theatre 1954. The films being advertised at the time included the Dan Duryea movie "36 Hours" from 1953 (which later had its name changed to "Terror Street") and the horror film "Them" which starred James Whitmore in 1954. It's also interesting to see a poster on the wall which reads "Records played in this theatre were supplied by Leslie Brown" - the record shop in the High Street. The photograph, which can be viewed in a larger size by clicking on it, was supplied courtesy of Dusashenka's collection of Old Cinema Photographs.
The Globe Theatre with a classic Art Deco exterior and as the banner says 'Coming Soon" but, sadly, not as soon as we hoped. However, thanks to a recent £4m pounds heritage lottery grant the restoration is now going ahead and we expect to have live shows back on stage in this wonderful theatre within a couple of years.
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.
Tommy Hicks - a young man from Bermondsey, in London, made quite a big name for himself in later years when he changed his name to Tommy Steele.
The Platters, who had some wonderful hits including "Only You", "The Great Pretender", "My Prayer" and "Twilight Time", took to the stage of The Globe on April 1st in 1957.
Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers had a smash hit with "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" in 1956 and appeared at The Globe Theatre from Monday, May 6th, 1957 for one week.
Buddy Holly and The Crickets on stage in March 1958. The Crickets were Joe Mauldin on bass, drummer Jerry Allison with Buddy on Fender Stratocaster.
Buddy Holly and The Crickets with Joe Mauldin on upright bass, Buddy Holly playing his famous Fender Stratocaster with Jerry Allison on drums. Photograph © Copyright unknown.
It was said, back in the 1950's and 1960's, that if you wanted to learn to play the guitar you had to have a copy of Bert Weedon's tutor book "Play In A Day" and many did buy it - even Brian May of Queen fame had one! Bert Weedon, along with Craig Douglas, The Mudlarks and Lord Rockingham's 2nd Eleven played The Globe on November 18th, 1969 with tickets selling at 6/-, 5/- and 4/-. Bert Weedon passed away on 20th April 2012.
Norman Wisdom ( second right) with Mrs Joan Chadwick, assistant manager of The Globe Theatre and George Chadwick, the manager, taken on April 20th 1959. Photograph copyright © Madge Fagan and used with thanks.
Gene Vincent visited The Globe Theatre on February 24th, 1960 backed by The Fabulous Wildcats - by kind permission of Marty Wilde as the publicity poster said! The Wildcats at this time included musicians Brian Locking and Brian Bennett who were soon to become members of The Shadows.
The Everly Brothers - Don and Phil - appeared at The Globe Theatre on April 11th, 1960. They didn't have their own band so they were backed by The Crickets.
Cliff Richard and The Shadows on stage in the pantomime "Babes in the Wood" during Christmas 1959/60 with Bruce Welch, Jet Harris, Hank B.Marvin, Tony Meehan and Cliff.
The Shadows - Hank B. Marvin, Tony Meehan, Jet Harris and Bruce Welch - appeared at The Globe on February 7th, 1960. Ticket prices were 9/6, 8/6, 6/6 and 4/6.
Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent appeared at The Globe Theatre on February 24th, 1960. Photograph © Copyright unknown.
I'm in Charge says Bruce Forsyth as he appeared at The Globe week commencing April 25th, 1960. Appearing on the bill with him were The Dancing Lovelies, The Skylons, Italian singing star Tino Valdi, The Keefe Brothers and Annette - novel balancers; Albert & Les Ward hilarious discords, Carmita, dynamic singing personality from the South Pacific along with Larry Macklin and his Orchestra. RIP - Sir Bruce Forsyth 1928-2017.
The souvenir programme from the American Triple Star Show with Freddy Cannon, Johnny Preston and Conway Twitty stopped off at The Globe on May 19th, 1960. Also on this bill were Chris Wayne and The Echoes and Tony Crombie.
American singing star Bobby Rydell visited The Globe Theatre twice - on March 3rd, 1961 and again in December 1963 with Helen Shapiro, The Spotniks and The Searchers.
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.
Adam Faith, supported by the John Barry Seven, stopped off at The Globe on Saturday, May 6th 1961 for one night only. Other stars on this bill included Dave Allan and Gerry Dorsey - later to be known, of course, as Engelbert Humperdinck.
Adam Faith and The Roulettes in concert. The bass guitarist with The Roulettes was John Rogan, formerly of The Hartbeats from Hartlepool. Photograph Copyright © Peter O'Stuart.
Children enjoying a photograph session with the stars of the 1961/2 pantomime "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. Frank Ifield, who lives in Australia these days, says: "I recall the show with great memories as it was my first panto and even my first production show since arriving in the UK at the end of November 1959. I think the Panto was in Christmas 1960 and I had just had my first minor hit on the charts with "Lucky Devil". How nice to see Frank Ifield mentioning his appearances at the Globe on his website news page.
Marty Wilde was one of the stars topping the bill on the Mammoth Star Show on December 7th,1962 with Billy Fury, The Tornados, Jimmy Justice, Mike Sarne, The Karl Denver Trio, Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers and Mark Wynter.
The Tornados with Alan Caddy, Roger LaVern, Clem Cattini, Heinz Burt and George Bellamy.
Joe Brown and The Bruvvers rehearsing at Stockton Globe Theatre in 1962/63. The photograph 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. I was fortunate to have appeared on the stage with Joe - albeit briefy. Photograph © Stan Laundon.
Joe Brown played "Wishee Washee" in the panto "Aladdin" over the Christmas period 1962/3.
Joe Brown as he was featured in the programme for "Aladdin" over the Christmas period from December 1962 until January 1963. Photograph from the Barry Jones collection.
Joe Brown with The Bruvvers bass guitarist and "A Picture Of You" co-writer Peter Oakman relaxing backstage. Photograph © Stan Laundon.
Joe Brown, Marty Wilde, Billy Fury and Mark Wynter were regular vistors at The Globe Theatre. Photograph © Copyright unknown.
Shane Fenton and The Fentones came to town on April 2nd, 1962. Some years later he changed his name to Alvin Stardust and returned on October 26th, 1974. It's interesting to note that Shane's drummer was, at the time, Bobby Elliott who was later to join The Hollies.
Chubby Checker had all his supporters "'Twisting Again' in the isles when he appeared at The Globe on September 7th, 1962.
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 - Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr - appeared at The Globe Theatre on Friday, November 22nd, 1963. This was the day that President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Be sure to see our special page about The Beatles at The Globe on this night in 1963.
The Beatles with Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Photograph © Copyright John Sandals and used with thanks. It is also 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. The Beatles made two appearances at The Globe - on Friday, November 22nd, 1963 and again in 1964.
At some time or another they have all appeared at The Globe Theatre. They are, left to right, Billy J.Kramer, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Susan Maughan and George Harrison.
The Shadows with John Rostill, Hank B. Marvin, Brian Bennett and Bruce Welch took to the stage with Cliff Richard on Thursday, November 5th, 1964.
The Searchers - Chris Curtis, Tony Jackson, John McNally and Mike Pender - appeared at The Globe in November 1963.
The Searchers on stage with Chris Curtis on drums, John McNally on rhythm guitar, Mike Pender on lead guitar with Tony Jackson on bass. Copyright © Unknown.
Teenage star Helen Shapiro was "Walking Back To Happiness" in December 1963. American idol Bobby Rydell shared the bill with her.
Cliff Richard & The Shadows - always popular visitors to The Globe - with Bruce Welch, Jet Harris, Cliff and Hank B. Marvin. As nearly always the poor drummer, Tony Meehan, is hidden. Photograph © unknown.
Cliff Richard relaxing in a garden on this early shot - and quite rare it is, too! Copyright © unknown.
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, with support from The Fourmost, Tommy Quickly and Sounds Incorporated stopped off in town on February 21st, 1964.
The Dave Clark Five programme from their appearance at The Globe on May 7th, 1964. They are Rick Huxley, Denis Payton, Dave Clark, Lenny Davidson and Mike Smith.
The Hollies shared a star studded bill with the Dave Clark Five, The Kinks, The Mojos and Mark Wynter on May 7th, 1964.
Mark Wynter, a popular young balladeer at the time shared the bill with The Dave Clark Five, Hollies, The Kinks and The Mojos in May, 1964.
A photograph of Frank Ifield as it appeared in the concert programme on April 6th, 1964 for his appearance with The Dallas Boys, Maureen Evans, Ted Rogers, Arthur Worsley and the Lana Sisters. However, on the bill that night the programme indicated that the Johnny Hawkins Four might have replaced the Dallas Boys. As well as Frank appearing at The Globe with The Shadows in the 1961/2 pantomime his other appearances were on October 16th, 1962 with The Everly Brothers and Ketty Lester and on April 4th, 1963 with Dan Arrol.
The Animals with Alan Price on keyboards, John Steel on drums, Eric Burdon on lead vocals, Chas Chandler on bass and Hilton Valentine on rhythm guitar shared the bill with Carl Perkins, The Swinging Blue Jeans, King Size Taylor and The Dominoes supporting Chuck Berry on May 13th, 1964.
The Swinging Blue Jeans, King Size Taylor and The Dominoes and The Animals were also support to Chuck Berry.
Mike Berry and The Innocents were support to The Rolling Stones, Inez and Charlie Foxx and The Mojos on September 20th, 1964. The Innocents were drummer Roger Brown, Dave Brown on bass, Bobby Angelo on vocals with Colin Giffin on rhythm guitar and saxophone.
The Nashville Teens stopped off at The Globe in October 1964.
Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas topped a star-studded bill on October 4th, 1964 with The Kinks, The Ronettes, The Yardbirds with Cliff Bennett and The Rebel Rousers. This shows the band in concert with Billy J. Kramer on the left, Tony Mansfield on drums, Robin MacDonald on guitar, Ray Jones on bass with Mike Maxfield on guitar. They also visited the theatre again during pantomime season in 1965/66 in "Mother Goose" with Ken Platt.
Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas with Robin MacDonald on guitar, Tony Mansfield on drums, Billy J. Kramer at the front with Mike Maxfield on guitar. Photograph © copyright unknown.
The Ronettes - Ronnie, Nedra and Estelle - came to town on October 4th, 1964. Ronnie's real name was Veronica Bennett - also known as Ronnie Spector. Estelle Bennett was her sister and Nedra Talley was a cousin.
Marianne Faithfull supported Gerry and The Pacemakers and Gene Pitney on Friday, December 4th 1964. Also on the bill were Bobby Shafto and The Kinks.
The Kinks appeared at The Globe Theatre twice during 1964 - on May 7th with the Dave Clark Five and again on December 4th with Gerry & The Pacemakers.
Gerry and The Pacemakers played The Globe twice in 1964 - on February 21st and December 4th.
The management of Stockton's Globe congratulate Miss Cilla Black whose latest hit "Anyone Who Had A Heart" is this week's chart topper on February 21st, 1964.
Christmastime in 1964/65 saw The Seekers, Al Read and Ronnie Carroll star in "Cinderella" at The Globe. Photograph © copyright unknown.
Bill Wyman, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards pose for a photograph on stage. Photograph © Unknown.
A very early photograph of The Rolling Stones. As well as Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards on stage the gentleman at the back playing the maracas, Graham Wright informs me, is Ian Stewart their roadie and keyboard player who is also known as the unknown stone! Photograph © Unknown.
Roy Orbison topped the bill on March 6th, 1965 with support from The Rockin' Berries, Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Marianne Faithfull. This was the official programme cover.
Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers - a great supporting act to Roy Orbison in 1965.
The Rockin' Berries - another supporting act on the Roy Orbison bill from 1965.
The Supremes, Motown Recording Artists, came to town as part of a stunning show with Martha & The Vandellas, Little Stevie Wonder, The Miracles and Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames on April 2nd, 1965.
Brian Poole and The Tremeloes played, as part of a star-studded 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.
Brian Poole and The Tremeloes on stage. Photograph copyright © Unknown.
The John Barry Seven supported Billy Fury, The Pretty Things, Dave Berry and The Cruisers, Brian Poole and The Tremeloes on May 5th, 1965.
Manfred Mann shared the bill with The Yardbirds on November 18th, 1965. Also on the show were Charlie & Inez Foxx and Paul and Barry Ryan.
Paul and Barry Ryan - sons of Middlesbrough-born singer Marion Ryan - were on the bill with Manfred Mann, The Yardbirds and Charlie & Inez Foxx on November 18th, 1965. PHOTOGRAPH BY GERED MANKOWITZ © BOWSTIR Ltd. 2014/Mankowitz.com
Herman's Hermits topped the bill on April 16th, 1966 with support from The Mindbenders, Billy Fury, Dave Berry and The Cruisers, Pinkerton's Assorted Colours and David & Jonathan.
On April 16th, 1996 The Mindbenders appeared on the bill without Wayne Fontana.
Dave Berry on stage at the Carre Theatre in Amsterdam in 1964. Two years later he was on stage at The Globe supporting Herman's Hermits on April 16th, 1966, along with The Mindbenders, Pinkerton's Assorted Colours and David & Jonathan.
Dave Berry at "Top Of The Pops" in 1964. Photograph © Harry Goodwin.
The Walker Brothers came to town on April 7th, 1966 and again on October 8th, 1966.
The Troggs appeared on a star-studded bill on October 8th, 1966 with The Walker Brothers and Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich.
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich in concert. They were also in Stockton on October 8th, 1966.
Freddie & The Dreamers appeared in the pantomime "Cinderella" at The Globe in December, 1967.
A studio portrait of Freddie & The Dreamers. They were a popular act at The Globe Theatre in December 1967. Photograph © copyright unknown.
Freddie & The Dreamers having fun in Hong Kong.
Status Quo took to the stage on May 2nd 1968 with Gene Pitney, Don Partridge, Amen Corner and Simon Dupree and The Big Sound. The Mike Cotton Sound backed Gene Pitney. Radio 2 DJ Tony Brandon was the compere for the show.
The Stars Fall on Stockton - people from across Stockton Borough have selected five acts to be immortalised in Stockton Town Centre. The Bee Gees, Norman Wisdom, Ken Dodd, T-Rex and local band The Blue Caps will join ten other acts in a spectacular piece of artwork installed in the pavement outside The Globe Theatre. The happy smiling faces above are former Blue Caps members Ian "Tex" Peacock, Eric Whitehouse, Alby Smith, Peter Embleton, Les Bennett, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Ken Dixon and Blue Caps member Charlie Peacock. I'm so pleased to mention that my own Fender Telecaster guitar made it into the picture! Photograph © Stan Laundon.
“STELLAR: The Stars Fell on Stockton” is Stockton’s very own version of the Hollywood style walk of fame. It will see spotlights etched with a portrait of the Globe’s past performers surrounded by colourful LED strips. In March it was announced that ten of the positions would be occupied by Buddy Holly, Cliff Richard, Ike & Tina Turner, Morecambe & Wise, Roy Orbison, Shirley Bassey, Status Quo, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Tom Jones.
During the early part of 2014 members were invited to nominate acts who performed at The Globe to complete the line-up. Through the voting it emerged that The Blue Caps should be remembered alongside some of the biggest recording artists of the 1960s and 70s.
The Blue Caps formed in the late 1950s and were the only Stockton-based band to ever perform on the stage at the town’s iconic Globe Theatre. They played at the Globe eleven times along with other major theatres and night clubs across the North-East, supporting various acts ranging from Brenda Lee to Freddie and The Dreamers and Georgie Fame. They may not have had national success but in Stockton, and across the North-East, The Blue Caps live performances led them to become a household name.
Stockton Borough Council intended to spend £10.5m revamping The Globe in a bid to generate £18m a year for the town. The council said a total of £15m would be spent restoring the theatre and creating 250 jobs. Council leader Bob Cook said it would be the biggest venue between Newcastle and Leeds and hoped it would attract big names in comedy and music. The theatre reopened in 2021. The National Lottery contributed £4.5m to the project. Mr Cook said the authority would borrow the £10.5m, but was confident it would "reap rewards" for the town. The deal will see a profit-sharing arrangement with Ambassador Theatre Group, which will run the Globe. The company owns and operates 50 venues worldwide, including several in London's West End and on Broadway in New York. The 2,500-seater theatre closed in 1997 and the newly revamped theatre will have capacity for 3,000.
What are your memories of The Globe. Did you go there? Who did you see? Why not send us an email to tell us. 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 he recorded the album "Joe Brown-Live" at the theatre.
Special thanks to Dave Berry for supplying photographs from his own collection on this page, to Charlie Gracie Jnr. for the photographs of his father Charlie Gracie; to Linda Hoffman, Assistant to Bobby Rydell for the Bobby Rydell images and to Gered Mankowitz for the use of his Paul & Barry Ryan photograph.
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Bands
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 2020 if all goes to plan. It has, of course, been given the go-ahead following the news, in October 2013, that the project has won a £4m heritage lottery grant.
The Globe
A souvenir of the re-building of The Globe Theatre which opened on December 16th, 1935.
Frank E. Franks appeared in the pantomime "Cinderella" at The Globe in December 1936.
A newspaper cutting advertising Frank E. Franks in the panto "Cinderella" at The Globe back in 1936.
Scottish entertainers Dot Carr and Tom Cable appeared in the pantomime "Red Riding Hood" at The Globe in 1946. Dot was Red Riding Hood with Tom appearing as Dame Durden and Widow Horner. Photograph kindly supplied by their grandson Colin Rees.
The programme from the pantomime "Red Riding Hood" which was staged at The Globe during Christmas 1946. Two of the cast - Tom Cable and Dot Carr - were the grandparents of Debbie Carroll who was kind enough to send us the programme - costing all of 2p!
Harry Secombe, Lita Roza, Ken Platt, Arthur Haynes and full supporting show were all at The Globe on Monday, June 28th, 1954.
The advertisement says "Our next big stage show" takes place on November 29th, 1954 and stars singing sensation Al Martino.
Also from the 50's, one of the heart-throbs from this era, Guy Mitchell appeared at The Globe on September 13th, 1954.
Cole Porter's "Can-Can" visited The Globe on October 22nd 1956. The souvenir programme was all of 6d.
Johnnie Ray, along with Vic Lewis and His Orchestra and songstress Irma Logan, appeared at The Globe Theatre on March 26th, 1957.
A newspaper advertisement for the Johnny Ray Show.
Lonnie Donegan was a frequent visitor to The Globe Theatre. His first appearance was with his Skiffle Group on October 21st, 1957 for one week. He was there again starring in the pantomime Aladdin over the Christmas period 1958/59 and in Lonnie's Xmas party on Monday, December 23rd, 1963.
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.
Charlie Gracie's appearance at The Globe on August 26th, 1957 was captured on this live LP at the theatre. Judging by the date it would suggest it's the same record as above - but with The Globe poster being featured on the sleeve. You can read more about the LP and read a review on the AllMusic website. It's also interesting to see two tracks on YouTube video featuring music from his Stockton appearance - Guitar Boogie and Hound Dog.
Charlie Gracie then and now. The black and white image is from about 1957 and the colour photograph from 2014. Thanks to Charlie Gracie Jnr for the use of these images which are copyright © and used with permission.
The late Buddy Holly was just one of many great stars to grace the stage of The Globe on Wednesday, March 5th 1958.
Diana Dors was another popular visitor to come to town - week commencing Monday, September 15th 1958.
The souvenir programme for the popular Paul Robeson was priced at two shillings.
Paul Robeson's appearance at The Globe was scheduled to take place on October 10th, 1958 but this ticket clearly shows April 22nd so perhaps it was cancelled and arranged for a later date. The concert, with Lawrence Brown, also had Bruno Raikin on piano. Barry Jones informs us that ticket prices were 15/-, 12/6, 10/-, 7/6 and 5/-. Thanks again to Dave Macnamara for the items above which came from his father's collection.
Norman Wisdom appeared the The Globe Theatre on April 20th, 1959.
Russ Conway visited on September 14th, 1959. Photograph © 'Rovert'.
The All Comedy Pantomime "Babes In The Wood" with the fabulous young star Cliff Richard. This show dates to 1959/60.
A poster showing the cast of the all comedy pantomime "Babes in the Wood" starring Cliff Richard and full supporting company who were Elliott and Stone, Marian Miller, John Carolan, Chick Robini, Jimmy Lee and Mark Brackenbury.
The Gene Vincent & Eddie Cochran Show visited on February 24th, 1960.
The Gene Vincent poster, February 24th, 1960 which also included Eddie Cochran and Vince Eager & The Quiet Three.
The souvenir programme from the Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran show.
Eddie Cochran & Gene Vincent.
A press cutting from the Evening Gazette which reviewed the Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran show at The Globe on February 24th, 1960 and not praising our American visitors too well and with an error when mentioning one of Gene's biggest hits!
The Everly Brothers appeared on stage on April 11th, 1960.
This cutting came to us from Brian Swales and shows a review of the Everly Brothers Show which appeared in the Evening Gazette on Tuesday, April 12th, 1960 and used with thanks.
Bruce Forsyth was 'in charge' on Monday, April 25th, 1960.
Bruce Forsyth with the Globe staff Monday, April 25th, 1960. Photograph copyright © Madge Fagan and used with thanks.
The American Triple Star Show with Freddy Cannon, Johnny Preston and Conway Twitty stopped off at The Globe on May 19th, 1960.
Freddy Cannon's current album was advertised in the souvenir programme when he appeared with Conway Twitty and Johnny Preston in May, 1960.
British band Chris Wayne and The Echoes were one of the support acts on the Conway Twitty show in May, 1960. The Echoes musicians were, left to right, Peter and Tony Oakman, Chris Wayne, George Staff, Dave Burns and drummer Laurie Jay who, like most drummers, is hidden.
Adam Faith and Emile Ford appeared in "Seeing Stars" on June 13th, 1960 for one week.
The Lana Sisters also shared the "Seeing Stars" bill on June 13th, 1960 with Adam Faith and Emile Ford. I wonder how many people spotted Dusty Springfield on the photograph above?
Dusty Springfield © unknown.
American singing star Bobby Rydell came to the theatre on March 3rd, 1961 sharing the bill with Jess Conrad.
Jess Conrad who, together with his fellow "beat boy" Bobby Rydell, will be topping the bill at the Globe Theatre, Stockton, tomorrow evening is a refreshing change from the average run of teen-age "idols" said this newspaper advertisement below.
Outstanding attraction on the stage - Bobby Rydell and Jess Conrad.
Tommy Steele visited during April 1961.
Who remembers the western TV show "Wagon Train"? Shown on television in the early 1960's featuring, among others Ward Bond & Robert Horton. Apart from being an actor Robert Horton was also a singer and on Thursday, May 25th, 1961 he appeared at The Globe with support from The Mudlarks, Norman Vaughan, Ronnie Aldrich and Alan Randall.
Meade Howard Horton, Jr., (July 29, 1924 – March 9, 2016), known as Robert Horton, was an American television, stage actor and singer.
No Cliff Richard on this show just The Shadows with Frank Ifield and Ken Platt. The poster dates to 1961/62.
The Shadows, Frank Ifield and Ken Platt all starred in the pantomime "Dick Whittington" at Christmas 1961/62.
Adam Faith, supported by the John Barry Seven, stopped off at The Globe on Saturday, May 6th 1961 for one night only.
The Frankie Vaughan Show appeared at The Globe twice a night for a week from June 12th, 1961.
Other stars on this bill included Dave Allan and Gerry Dorsey - later to be known, of course, as Engelbert Humperdinck.
Billy Fury and Eden Kane were the bill toppers on November 30th, 1961 with two shows at 6.15pm and 8.30pm with supporting acts The Allisons, The Karl Denver Trio, Charles McDevitt ad Shirley Douglas, Dave Sampson, The Hunters and Gordon Peters.
Billy Fury, Cliff Richard and Jess Conrad. Photograph © Ian Wright.
Eden Kane appeared with Billy Fury in November, 1961.
Shane Fenton and The Fentones came to town on April 2nd, 1962.
The Fentones send best wishes to all readers of The Globe page.
Billy Fury along with Eden Kane, Joe Brown, Shane Fenton & The Fentones, Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers were on this star-studded bill on April 12th, 1962. Joe Brown and Eden Kane signed this poster.
Chubby Checker had them all 'Twisting Again' in the isles on September 7th, 1962.
Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers (above) shared the bill with Billy Fury, Marty Wilde, The Tornados, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice and Karl Denver in the Mammoth Star Show on December 7th, 1962.
Joe Brown was all set to star in the pantomime "Aladdin" the same year. The admission prices were reasonably priced, too!
Joe Brown and The Bruvvers starred in "Aladdin" in 1962/63. Joe played the part of "Wishee Washee" and was his first ever pantomime. 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 backstage. Photograph © Stan Laundon.
Joe Brown with Stan Laundon in 1962. Photograph © John Heddon
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.
Outstanding attractions for February and March in 1962 - The Sadler's Wells Opera Company and Cliff Richard & The Shadows.
The Cliff Richard Show - all 4,858 seats sold out for his appearance on March 9th, 1962.
Cliff Richard and the fabulous Shadows took to the stage on Thursday, November 5th, 1964 instead of the 'usual film programme' says the poster.
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 pantomime 1959/60; Cliff and The Shadows February 7th, 1961; Frank Ifield and The Shadows, without Cliff, in the pantomime Dick Whittington December 1961/62; Cliff and The Shadows Friday, March 9th 1962; Cliff and The Shadows Sunday, March 17th, 1963; Saturday April 18th, 1964 and Thursday, November 5th, 1964 - a 'cracker' of a show!
The Beatles poster from November 2nd, 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. Be sure to see our special page about The Beatles at The Globe on this night in 1963.
Strong advice here to "get your tickets in advance" for The Beatles.
The Brook Brothers - Ricky and Geoff - appeared on The Beatles bill in November, 1963.
The Kestrels were another support act to appear with The Beatles bill. The brothers also starred on such shows as Sunday Night at the London Palladium, Putting on the Donegan, All that Jazz and Songs from the Shows.
The Vernons Girls, an all singing and all dancing troupe that originally started within a football pools company in Liverpool. Eventually, the group were reduced to just three members - Maureen Kennedy, Jean Owen and Frances Lea - who also toured with The Beatles.
The Vernons Girls in one of the dressing rooms backstage at The Globe Theatre.
Little Richard and Duane Eddy were featured on the front of the official souvenir programme but British singer Jimmy Justice replaced the keyboard rocker on the night.
Duane Eddy as seen inside the official programme.
Guitar twangin' Duane Eddy appeared on November 15th, 1963. Jimmy Justice replaced Little Richard on the bill who was 'indisposed' said the billing.
The Shirelles shared a star-studded bill with Jimmy Justice, Duane Eddy, The Flintstones and Mickie Most.
Mickie Most was compere on The Shirelles show. He was an English record producer with a string of hit singles with acts such as The Animals, Herman's Hermits, Donovan, Lulu and Suzi Quatro, often issued on his own RAK Records label.
The Spotniks visited Stockton on December 13th, 1963 and appeared in concert with Bobby Rydell, Helen Shapiro and The Searchers.
Sixties heart-throb Bobby Rydell.
Bobby Rydell, Helen Shapiro, The Spotniks and The Searchers were on stage in December 1963.
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.
Gene Pitney in the 1960s. Photograph copyright © unknown.
Gerry and The Pacemakers, Gene Pitney, The Kinks and Marianne Faithfull stopped by on December 4th, 1964.
Another classic rock 'n' roll show on May 7th, 1964, with The Dave Clark Five, The Hollies, The Kinks, The Mojos and Mark Wynter.
The Trebletones were a supporting act to The Dave Clark Five, The Hollies, The Kinks, The Mojos and Mark Wynter on May 7th, 1964.
Cliff Richard & The Shadows topped the bill at The Globe in April 1964 with support from Dailey & Wayne and Bob Miller and The Millermen.
Frank Ifield made several appearances at the Globe but this one is from Monday, April 6th 1964 with Arthur Worsley, Charlie Brown and the Dallas Boys.
An advertisement for Frank Ifield's recordings on Columbia from the 1964 programme.
The Dallas Boys visited on April 6th, 1964.
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 Innocents, Inez and Charlie Foxx and The Mojos shared the star studded bill with the Rolling Stones in 1964.
Christmastime in 1964/65 saw The Seekers, Al Read and Ronnie Carroll star in "Cinderella" at The Globe.
The Rolling Stones programme from September 20th, 1964. Also on the bill were The Mojos, Mike Berry & The Innocents, Charlie & Inez Foxx with compere Don Spencer.
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.
The Kinks in one of The Globe Theatre's dressing rooms. They appeared at The Globe, as you can see in the main column, during 1964.
Tom Jones came to town on Saturday, February 13th 1965 with Cilla Black and Tommy Roe.
The Roy Orbison Show with Marianne Faithfull and the Rockin' Berries visited on Saturday, March 6th, 1965.
A souvenir programme from The Bachelors Show.
The Morton Fraser's Harmonica Gang shared the bill with The Bachelors, Freddy Davies, The mission Belles, The Mike Leander Showband, Elaine and Derek, Hal Roach and Susan Maughan.
Susan Maughan signed this especially for Barry Jones and those people who remember the Swinging 60's.
Susan Maughan was born in Consett, County Durham in 1938 and started life wanting to be a PT instructress and, after answering an advert in a musical paper, and became a singer with the Ronnie Hancox Band.
The Bachelors topped the bill on March 16th, 1965 with Susan Maughan, Freddy Davies and Morton Fraser's Harmonica Gang on the bill.
Taking to the stage on April 2nd, 1965 was a Tamla-Motown show with The Supremes, Martha & The Vandellas, "Little" Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles along with supporting acts the Earl Van Dyke Six and Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames.
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.
Gene Pitney, Peter & Gordon, Lulu and The Luvvers, The Rockin' Berries played The Globe on Friday, October 29th 1965. This advertisement appeared in the Stockton Express.
The poster from the Gene Pitney show. Comedy was provided by Syd and Eddie - later to be known as Little & Large.
The Yardbirds appeared in Stockton on November 18th, 1965.
Publicity material about the Manfred Mann Show which also featured The Yardbirds, Charlie & Inez Foxx, Paul & Barry Ryan and The Scaffold which stopped off at The Globe Theatre in November, 1965.
Manfred Mann shared the bill with The Yardbirds. Also on the show were Charlie & Inez Foxx and Paul and Barry Ryan.
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.
A press cutting praising Herman's Hermits and Dave Berry.
The Seekers with support from Crispian St. Peters were in Stockton on June 4th, 1966.
The Walker Brothers topped the bill on October 8th, 1966 with support from Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich and The Troggs.
The Rolling Stones along with Ike and Tina Turner, The Yardbirds, Peter Jay and The New Jaywalkers and The Kings of Rhythm Orchestra appeared at The Globe Theatre in October 1966.
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.
Mike Yarwood appeared in town on March 13th, 1967.
Freddie & The Dreamers appeared in the pantomime "Cinderella" during December 1967 and January 1968.
Engelbert Humperdinck, with support from The Rockin' Berries and Lance Percival, appeared for one night only and on stage on November 3rd, 1967.
Tom Jones, the Ted Heath Orchestra and special guest star Kathy Kirby toured on November 4th, 1967.
The Bee Gees along with Grapefruit and Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich - together with a 67-piece orchestra - came to town on April 13th, 1968.
The Gene Pitney flyer from May 2nd, 1968. Note the banner says the ABC in Stockton.
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich starred in "Dick Whittington" during the winter of 1968/69.
Stevie Wonder, together with The Foundations and The Flirtations visited on March 16, 1969.
The Clancy Brothers appeared at The Globe on Wednesday, January 14th, 1970 as this cutting from Stockton Express shows.
A ticket from the Clancy Brothers show was sent to us by local man Nick Swales who was there on the night.
Gerry Marsden along with Jim Bowen appeared in the pantomime "Jack and the Beanstalk" from December 26th, 1972 to January 6th 1973. Two dancers from Hartlepool, Pat Fisher and Karen Dearlove, were also in this panto.
Carl Perkins with Stan Laundon. Photograph © Billy Crallan.
According to the Evening Gazette newspaper on Wednesday, May 9th in 1963 one of Teesside's local bands get their chance to appear on the main stage at The Globe. The Panthers appeared live on the stage on Saturday, June 8th, 1963.
The Blue Caps were another local group to appear on the main stage at The Globe during August 1966.
Memories of The Globe Theatre by former Teesside resident Gillian Samples who now lives in Glendale, California. She wrote this article for the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette "Remember When" column in November, 2013.
Those of us who attended the ABC cinemas back in those days we could always get the latest copy of the Film Review. This one, costing all of 6d, shows Duane Eddy on the front cover.
An advertisement for The Globe Theatre which appeared inside most programmes. It informed clients that car parking facilities were available near the theatre, there was an “on call” service for doctors and nurses and the sales kiosk in the main entrance was open during the intervals for sale of cigarettes and confectionery. Photography inside the theatre was not allowed.
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 (Saturday, November 23rd, 1974) 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 22nd, 1963 and again on October 15th, 1964.
Sites
Other sites you may find of interest relating to this page.
During restoration of the original bar area in December 2017 a blue metal beam was discovered with the words Dorman Long, Middlesbrough along the top.
Barry Jones is pictured here with Hank B. Marvin's famous red Fender Stratocaster. Cliff Richard had the guitar imported from the United States and it was believed to be the first ever Fender Stratocaster in England.
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....Copyright © Stan Laundon