I remember going to see the D’oyly Carte opera company’s presentation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado in the 60’s; the first live performance I ever saw.
I remember going on stage with the band of 266 ATC at the showing of the film Angels 15 and Veronica Hearst was there. I also remember the pantos with Frank E Franks and being a Minor on Saturday mornings. Happy memories of those days.
I think I remember Frankie Franks singing a song which had the words “Feed my lambs,Feed my sheep, Watch the Baby while I sleep,Tell the world that I love you”. Can anyone else remember this song ?
Just to reminisce about the Globe Stockton, the projectionist was Raymond Watson. His younger brother Peter, used to assist i.e. taking newsreels to the Empire etc. He also, on at least one occasion, used to take the ponies from the cinderella pantos, for walks up the High street, and remembers Frankie Franks very well. He in fact got my brother John and myself made members of the ABC Minors. These times at least 60 years ago and hey I married said Peter. Just celebrated our 51st anniversary
I went to the Globe on my first date with my wife-to-be and saw Mickey Rooney in ‘Life begins for Andy Hardy’ in 1942. I also saw the Sadlers Wells operas in the fifties. Great memories.
Well done Ms Watson for coming up with the words (in my own mind I think I had confused it wth the song of the Ovaltinees). Was not one of the highlights of the year a visit by Coco the Clown (there were probably many more than one) with his Belisha beacon walking stick to encourage road safety?
THIS IS AS I REMEMBER IT:- ‘We are the boys & girls well known as minors of the ABC, and every saturday we all line up to see the films we like and shout aloud with glee. We love to laugh and have a sing song, such a happy crowd are we, we’re all pals together, we’re minors of the ABC’
Beryl, I remember you winning your bike, also the presentation at the Globe. If I remember correctly ‘The Girl’ comic had just been introduced that year and you were probably the first competition winner! I went to the Saturday morning ‘Minors’ at The Globe for a long time, loved it. I can even sing the song we would all sing before the show.
Have read with interest the comments about the Globe and remember well the excitement of the visits to the pantomime each year starring Frank E. Franks. A family friend, Kathleen Leaworthy, used to work there during the 1940’s and she used to smuggle me in to the half crown seats for free when it was a cinema. Does anyone remember her? Lost touch many years ago.
In 1952 when I was 12 years old I won a bicycle in a competition run by the girls’ comic called ‘The Girl’ which was sister paper to the boys’ comic called ‘The Eagle’. It was presented to me on the stage at the Globe Theatre Saturday morning ABC Minors. The bicyle was on display for a whole week in the foyer before the presentation.
Grand memories of the Globe Theatre – I was working there as Secretary and head cashier when it closed and have fond memories of the staff (George Skelton, Mr Postgate, Mr Buston and all the girls) and the stars that appeared there who were The Beatles, Kathy Kirby, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Morecombe and Wise (who accused me of drinking their gin with affection), Nana Mouscouri, Russ Conway, Frankie Vaughan, Frank Ifield, Ken Dodd, The Who, Russian Red Army Ochestra, Kenneth Williams, Frankie Franks, Mrs Mills Pianist. Here to the good old days and many more to come.
Live music is on its way back to one of the North East’s most iconic venues – Stockton’s historic Globe Theatre. Find out more about this exciting project on the Stockton Council website at http://www.stockton.gov.uk/globe
I read with interest about the redevelopment of the site, is there an update on this or possibly some film or photographs? I looked on the council site but couldn’t find anything.
Yes Ian, they did in the 50’s in a show called ‘Rose Marie’ I was a young lad sat in the front row with my grandmother, I was bored rigid! Far to young to appreciate what I was hearing I suppose.
I have just bought “The Beatles Hello..Goodbye” a Daily Mirror Special Anniversary Celebration magazine. Page 17 is a picture “a female fan invades the stage in Stockton and only has eyes for John”
I am a huge Beatles Fan. I wonder is this the only picture which exists of the concert in Stockton?
I remember walking past the alley that ran alongside the side of the Globe, there was a big removal van at the side doors and some lads where unloading stuff. One of them shouted and asked if I’d give them a hand,I said OK. I helped unload big amplifiers,drums guitars etc,taking them down the stairs and onto the stage. When I asked who’s gear it was the lad replied it was the WHO’s.
I think it would have been around 1966 at the Globe theatre going to see the-CILLA BLACK SHOW.
Also appearing was supposed to be-P.J. PROBY.
We found out before the show that P.J. would not be appearing as he was banned for splitting his trousers on stage due to his ‘RISQUE’ dance routine.
He was to be replaced by the little known at the time-Mr TOM JONES, singing his latest hit of- IT’S NOT UNUSUAL, we all know where that went!
Also in the show starred- Tommy Roe & The Romans (Dizzy) & Sounds Incorporated!
Does anyone else remember this fabulous piece of history?
Like Christine Lee, my last time was the Beatles concert the night Kennedy was shot. I saw Gene Vincent, Bobby Rydell and I think Bobby Vee there too. Also Cliff Richard and Lonnie Donnegan in panto. Good days.
I agree with the anon earlier in the list. I think it is the hippodrome not the Globe/ABC as I knew it. I remember going to see Red Riding Hood panto there and being terrified of the wolf. We were up in the gods too.
I remember the minors on a Saturday morning 6d downstairs and 9d upstairs.
Great, many good times at the place, seeing bands, films pantos etc in the 60s and early 70s. Recall the ABC minors club on a saturday morning, great days. Anyone recall the record shop near the ABC, I think it was near a store called Robinsons.
I lived in Stockton in the 60″s and went to the Globe on a regular basis.My brother was fanatical about the Shadows and took me and my other brother every time they were on. I got to see Gene Pitney, Billie Davis, Mick Jagger, Lonnie Donegan and many more. After the show the kids were allowed on stage with the stars to have autographs signed. Standing next to Bruce Welch, Hank Marvin and Brian Bennett was the biggest thrill of my life. I learnt all the Shadows step routines as I listened to their records. Those were halcyon days never forgotten.
The last time I was inside the Globe Theatre was on November 22nd 1963 – The Beatles performed and when we went home after the show we learned that President Kennedy had been assasinated
The globe was called the ABC Cinema when i new it,it was the one over the road from the castle and anchor, it was great, i remember when the whole family of kids used to go there and be entertained while mum went shopping on a saturday, we are the minors of the ABC, it was a good morning of fun and laughs, it”s a shame something that important in our lives has fallen into disrepair.
Tony Jackson. I am going back in time to 1947-48 when Max Bygraves had just been de-mobbed from the forces. He performed at The Old Theatre Royal Middlesbrough, it was a pretty run down Theatre on its last days. It was however our Saturday haunt after looking around the shops and town. Max did his spot which was an impersonation of Al Johnson suitably blacked up for the song “Mammy” his other spot in the second half, was in his chalk stripe de-mob suit with some modern songs. I forecast then he would go far in his career! He would find a big change at The Globe it was a great building for Pantomimes and weekly films. I had left the Stockton area when Max appeared there when you refer to. He would certainly have had my support. It is a great pity Variety has finished, ruined by TV, now also a shadow of its former glory when only BBC to watch. The last of the proper comedians is now 80, Ken Dodd who entertained us until 12-45am at Derby this year. The last of the line in comedy.
It must have been in the mid 1950s when for a week I appeared on stage every night at this magnificent theatre. Not that I was the star attraction, I hasten to add. That person was Max Bygraves. I was one of a number of kids who had been selected to sit the audience by Peter Dulay in support of his magician”s act. When he asked for young volunteers from the audience our job was to be first at the steps up to the stage and, having been previously rehearsed in the tricks and illusions we were to take part in, beat any other kids who weren”t “in on the act”. I think Peter Dulay went on to be a TV producer. To be so close to the bright lights was a fabulous experience for ones so young. I”m not sure how we came to be selected – probably through contacts at the theatre being approached for suitable boys! I remember seeing Max every night in the wings waiting for his turn to come on. He seemed so relaxed with a broad smile whilst we were terrified we might get things wrong. I think we got 10 bob (50p) for the week.
Last time I was in The Globe was 1974, to see Jerry Lee Lewis, Ken Jones, and a couple of mates from Counden.
Bill I think that was the last time for me also.
My dad was a St John’s Ambulance man at the Globe for a long time
I remember going to see the D’oyly Carte opera company’s presentation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado in the 60’s; the first live performance I ever saw.
I remember going on stage with the band of 266 ATC at the showing of the film Angels 15 and Veronica Hearst was there. I also remember the pantos with Frank E Franks and being a Minor on Saturday mornings. Happy memories of those days.
I think I remember Frankie Franks singing a song which had the words “Feed my lambs,Feed my sheep, Watch the Baby while I sleep,Tell the world that I love you”. Can anyone else remember this song ?
Just to reminisce about the Globe Stockton, the projectionist was Raymond Watson. His younger brother Peter, used to assist i.e. taking newsreels to the Empire etc. He also, on at least one occasion, used to take the ponies from the cinderella pantos, for walks up the High street, and remembers Frankie Franks very well. He in fact got my brother John and myself made members of the ABC Minors. These times at least 60 years ago and hey I married said Peter. Just celebrated our 51st anniversary
I went to the Globe on my first date with my wife-to-be and saw Mickey Rooney in ‘Life begins for Andy Hardy’ in 1942. I also saw the Sadlers Wells operas in the fifties. Great memories.
We could have a reunion of the ABC Minors and sing our song.
I WONDER IF THEY WILL BRING IT BACK WHEN IT RE-OPENS? THINK US LOT WUD GET IN? LOL.
Pat, these are the words as I remember them too.
Well done Ms Watson for coming up with the words (in my own mind I think I had confused it wth the song of the Ovaltinees). Was not one of the highlights of the year a visit by Coco the Clown (there were probably many more than one) with his Belisha beacon walking stick to encourage road safety?
As ABC Minors we also had luminous badges that glowed in the dark. They’d be banned as a Health & safety hazard these days…
I remember singing it to while clutching my strawberry Mivi.
THIS IS AS I REMEMBER IT:- ‘We are the boys & girls well known as minors of the ABC, and every saturday we all line up to see the films we like and shout aloud with glee. We love to laugh and have a sing song, such a happy crowd are we, we’re all pals together, we’re minors of the ABC’
‘WE ARE THE BOYS AND GIRLS OF STOCKTON, THE MINORS ABC’…soz Julie just had to sing it lol!
Beryl, I remember you winning your bike, also the presentation at the Globe. If I remember correctly ‘The Girl’ comic had just been introduced that year and you were probably the first competition winner! I went to the Saturday morning ‘Minors’ at The Globe for a long time, loved it. I can even sing the song we would all sing before the show.
Have read with interest the comments about the Globe and remember well the excitement of the visits to the pantomime each year starring Frank E. Franks. A family friend, Kathleen Leaworthy, used to work there during the 1940’s and she used to smuggle me in to the half crown seats for free when it was a cinema. Does anyone remember her? Lost touch many years ago.
In 1952 when I was 12 years old I won a bicycle in a competition run by the girls’ comic called ‘The Girl’ which was sister paper to the boys’ comic called ‘The Eagle’. It was presented to me on the stage at the Globe Theatre Saturday morning ABC Minors. The bicyle was on display for a whole week in the foyer before the presentation.
Grand memories of the Globe Theatre – I was working there as Secretary and head cashier when it closed and have fond memories of the staff (George Skelton, Mr Postgate, Mr Buston and all the girls) and the stars that appeared there who were The Beatles, Kathy Kirby, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Morecombe and Wise (who accused me of drinking their gin with affection), Nana Mouscouri, Russ Conway, Frankie Vaughan, Frank Ifield, Ken Dodd, The Who, Russian Red Army Ochestra, Kenneth Williams, Frankie Franks, Mrs Mills Pianist. Here to the good old days and many more to come.
I too saw the Beatles there but was very priviliged as my mum was the manager there and she worked herself to the top from being a cleaner.
Live music is on its way back to one of the North East’s most iconic venues – Stockton’s historic Globe Theatre. Find out more about this exciting project on the Stockton Council website at http://www.stockton.gov.uk/globe
I read with interest about the redevelopment of the site, is there an update on this or possibly some film or photographs? I looked on the council site but couldn’t find anything.
Yes Ian, they did in the 50’s in a show called ‘Rose Marie’ I was a young lad sat in the front row with my grandmother, I was bored rigid! Far to young to appreciate what I was hearing I suppose.
Does anyone know if Jeanette Macdonald or Nelson Eddy appeared here??
I have just bought “The Beatles Hello..Goodbye” a Daily Mirror Special Anniversary Celebration magazine. Page 17 is a picture “a female fan invades the stage in Stockton and only has eyes for John”
I am a huge Beatles Fan. I wonder is this the only picture which exists of the concert in Stockton?
I remember walking past the alley that ran alongside the side of the Globe, there was a big removal van at the side doors and some lads where unloading stuff. One of them shouted and asked if I’d give them a hand,I said OK. I helped unload big amplifiers,drums guitars etc,taking them down the stairs and onto the stage. When I asked who’s gear it was the lad replied it was the WHO’s.
I think it would have been around 1966 at the Globe theatre going to see the-CILLA BLACK SHOW.
Also appearing was supposed to be-P.J. PROBY.
We found out before the show that P.J. would not be appearing as he was banned for splitting his trousers on stage due to his ‘RISQUE’ dance routine.
He was to be replaced by the little known at the time-Mr TOM JONES, singing his latest hit of- IT’S NOT UNUSUAL, we all know where that went!
Also in the show starred- Tommy Roe & The Romans (Dizzy) & Sounds Incorporated!
Does anyone else remember this fabulous piece of history?
Yes I was disappointed as I had booked to see PJ Proby at the Globe. Always though him a better singer than Tom Jones
Like Christine Lee, my last time was the Beatles concert the night Kennedy was shot. I saw Gene Vincent, Bobby Rydell and I think Bobby Vee there too. Also Cliff Richard and Lonnie Donnegan in panto. Good days.
Thats not the Globe as I remember it. The sign over the stage says “Welcome to Ladbroke’s” …
I agree with the anon earlier in the list. I think it is the hippodrome not the Globe/ABC as I knew it. I remember going to see Red Riding Hood panto there and being terrified of the wolf. We were up in the gods too.
I remember the minors on a Saturday morning 6d downstairs and 9d upstairs.
Oh dear I am old now.
Great, many good times at the place, seeing bands, films pantos etc in the 60s and early 70s. Recall the ABC minors club on a saturday morning, great days. Anyone recall the record shop near the ABC, I think it was near a store called Robinsons.
I lived in Stockton in the 60″s and went to the Globe on a regular basis.My brother was fanatical about the Shadows and took me and my other brother every time they were on. I got to see Gene Pitney, Billie Davis, Mick Jagger, Lonnie Donegan and many more. After the show the kids were allowed on stage with the stars to have autographs signed. Standing next to Bruce Welch, Hank Marvin and Brian Bennett was the biggest thrill of my life. I learnt all the Shadows step routines as I listened to their records. Those were halcyon days never forgotten.
This is the auditorium of the Essoldo (“The Cinema”) and not the ABC Globe.
The last time I was inside the Globe Theatre was on November 22nd 1963 – The Beatles performed and when we went home after the show we learned that President Kennedy had been assasinated
The globe was called the ABC Cinema when i new it,it was the one over the road from the castle and anchor, it was great, i remember when the whole family of kids used to go there and be entertained while mum went shopping on a saturday, we are the minors of the ABC, it was a good morning of fun and laughs, it”s a shame something that important in our lives has fallen into disrepair.
Tony Jackson. I am going back in time to 1947-48 when Max Bygraves had just been de-mobbed from the forces. He performed at The Old Theatre Royal Middlesbrough, it was a pretty run down Theatre on its last days. It was however our Saturday haunt after looking around the shops and town. Max did his spot which was an impersonation of Al Johnson suitably blacked up for the song “Mammy” his other spot in the second half, was in his chalk stripe de-mob suit with some modern songs. I forecast then he would go far in his career! He would find a big change at The Globe it was a great building for Pantomimes and weekly films. I had left the Stockton area when Max appeared there when you refer to. He would certainly have had my support. It is a great pity Variety has finished, ruined by TV, now also a shadow of its former glory when only BBC to watch. The last of the proper comedians is now 80, Ken Dodd who entertained us until 12-45am at Derby this year. The last of the line in comedy.
It must have been in the mid 1950s when for a week I appeared on stage every night at this magnificent theatre. Not that I was the star attraction, I hasten to add. That person was Max Bygraves. I was one of a number of kids who had been selected to sit the audience by Peter Dulay in support of his magician”s act. When he asked for young volunteers from the audience our job was to be first at the steps up to the stage and, having been previously rehearsed in the tricks and illusions we were to take part in, beat any other kids who weren”t “in on the act”. I think Peter Dulay went on to be a TV producer. To be so close to the bright lights was a fabulous experience for ones so young. I”m not sure how we came to be selected – probably through contacts at the theatre being approached for suitable boys! I remember seeing Max every night in the wings waiting for his turn to come on. He seemed so relaxed with a broad smile whilst we were terrified we might get things wrong. I think we got 10 bob (50p) for the week.