Heritage Open Days take place each September and allows people behind the scenes to explore historic buildings and monuments – in particular those normally closed to the public on a day to day basis. As part of the celebrations The Globe Theatre Foundation invited people to take a free glimpse inside Stockton’s iconic Globe Theatre. We were lucky enough to have a tour around part of the theatre and hear from local historian Barry Jones about the history of the building and how the restoration is progressing. Enjoy the snaps!
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
Produced by “FRANK E FRANKS” Cinderella, Jack and The Beanstalk,Puss in Boots Etc: to say nothing of Dawn Patrol with an Aeroplane suspended outside above the canopy. Snow White seen from the Gods, Hi Ho,Hi Ho its: Lavish productions for the people of the North. Who remembers the Regal where Diana Dors came in her pink Cadillac?
Nugents the Tobacconists next door. Two great Cinemas with two wonderful organs. I believe one of them is now in Norfolk/Suffolk.
Stockton market was the best in the country supplied with fresh green grocery from the local nurserymen. I think we should all respect our wartime saying BUY BRITISH everything else for EXPORT. Show the world we really are Great Britain.
My Dad fought two world wars for it! I am nearly ninety and will still fight for it. When I left Stockton they were still building Landing Craft and can still hear the riveters hammering away.
J.Norman Kidd.-
An iconic building and theatre in the town.
My Dads employers social club used to book it out as a trip for the Pantomime each year.
I remember Freddie and the Dreamers and Cliff Richard too!
I’m now in the idle south and too far to come up for a random visit 😔
During the the second world war my Mother Ada Moore used to work at the Globe in the ticket box, fond memories
Great to see the Globe is being restored, my friends and myself were regulars at the films there and the live shows including Tommy Steele, Buddy Holly, Lonnnie Donegan to name a few plus all the pantomimes when younger.I now live near Beaconsfield but find this a fantastic site to keep in touch with Stockton and occasionally come across a name from my past.
I am A Huge Fan of the Globe and think it is very important for it to be fully restored. I too was lucky enough to tour inside on Saturday. It’s a fantastic building oozing history and I really hope Stockton get the money that will restore this grand old lady to her iconic glory
My son and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Globe yesterday, 13/09/2013. As my father, M R Westaway, was manager there during the late forties and early 1950s I found it all rather sad having been allowed in the theatre, as a child. I particularly remember the International Ballet Company, especially their leading ballerina of the time, Mona Inglesby, a very beautiful lady, who was very kind to me. Also, since yesterday, I have found that Paul Robeson, the great opera singer was due to perform at the Globe, but unfortunately, didn’t as there was a mix up with the dates. Also Gigli another opera singer, was also due to perform, but did not for some reason. So in view of all this I hope funding is provided for this lovely old theatre.
Paul Robeson did perform at the Globe on October 1958. I went with my Grandfather and I too went on the tour and sat on the same seat,albeit carefully, as I sat in all those years ago. I still have the original programme and tickets that we purchased on the night.
Paul Robeson gave a magnificent performance of spirituals,shanty songs,poetry and obviously ‘ Ol Man River’ but no opera.
Interesting to actually be able to see a little of what the place actually looks like inside. Still pretty impressive given it’s lain almost derelict (give or take the odd attempt at maintenance work) for ages.
I hope they manage to get the funding to open the old place again. Would do some good for Stockton too if they could.