Globe Theatre

The Globe is an Art Deco theatre in Stockton-on-Tees, standing at the north-western end of High Street. Built in 1913 as the area’s first purpose-built cinema, it was later rebuilt in 1926 to show the first talkies and again in 1935 as a variety theatre with seating for 2,372 people. It became the ABC Theatre in 1938, though live performances continued alongside films. Famous acts like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Cliff Richard played there in the 1950s and 1960s. The venue also hosted the first 3D film in the region and saw Status Quo perform before its final shows in 1974 and 1975. After closing in 1997, the theatre fell into disrepair and was listed as one of 68 buildings on Theatres Trust’s ‘at risk’ register. Plans to revive it faced delays and rising costs, but restoration finally began in 2010. The project cost grew from £4 million to £27.9 million before the theatre reopened in 2021. McFly became the first act to perform there in decades, marking a new chapter for the building. Visitors now find a restored Grade II-listed theatre with original Art Deco features. The interior includes ornate decorations and a stage designed for music, comedy and live events. The surrounding High Street area offers shops and cafés, while the theatre itself stands as a reminder of Stockton’s entertainment history. Its reopening has brought new life to a building once at risk of being lost.