"This is just the start": First act confirmed for Stockton's famous Globe

The restoration of the much-loved art deco theatre, which is operated by the world-renowned Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), is on course for completion in April.

Paloma, a coach on The Voice Kids UK, will bring her 'Infinite Things' tour to the Globe on Saturday, October 9 2021, with tickets going on sale next Friday (October 2).

It's part of a 26-date UK tour and comes as she releases new single, Better Than This, from her forthcoming album, Infinite Things.

And further announcements are incoming, with ATG assembling a programme for the initial phase following completion of the restoration in April through to the end of 2021.

Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "This is just the start, and what a start it is!

"ATG have lined up some fantastic acts and it just so happens that Paloma Faith's October show is the first one we can announce.

"There's lots more to come and the Globe's calendar is starting to fill up very nicely indeed.

"In the coming weeks we'll have a flurry of further announcements featuring some very big names in music and comedy and with really broad appeal."

He added: "I know it's been a long time coming but it's a very exciting time and we're starting to see what kind of pull a 3,000-plus capacity venue of this quality can bring.

"The Globe is the biggest live entertainment venue between Newcastle and Leeds but more than that, it's a venue with a rich history and a special place in people's hearts.

"When you look at the roll of acts that have graced its stage it reads like a 'Who's Who' of music and comedy.

"The Beatles, Shirley Bassey, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, The Bee Gees, Tom Jones, Morecambe and Wise, and Ken Dodd, to name just a few.

"You often hear people saying they have to travel to see the big acts but we're bringing the stars back to Stockton and creating a fantastic attraction in the Tees area."

The announcement comes as ATG prepares a 'virtual industry showcase' event next month to show off the Globe to industry representatives from across the world.

The Globe's General Manager, Jo Ager, said: "We are completely delighted to reveal Paloma Faith as the first show on sale at Stockton Globe and we simply cannot wait to virtually showcase the venue and the amazing programme we have in store.

"This is the start of something really special; as we move forward, we will continue to focus on booking the best music, comedy and family performances in the business, and truly bringing the stars back to Stockton."

Built in 1935, the iconic Grade II-listed Art Deco Globe occupies a prime spot on Stockton High Street and has been empty since last closing its doors in 1993.

Its restoration is being funded by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and a £4.5million National Lottery grant through The National Lottery Heritage Fund's Heritage Enterprise scheme.

David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Our Heritage Enterprise scheme is about using money raised through the National Lottery to unlock the potential of buildings like the Globe.

"The restoration of the Globe is saving a much-loved and famous part of our heritage from neglect and bringing it back into use as a major venue with huge potential to spark wider regeneration, economic growth and job creation.

"Today's announcement represents a big step towards that potential being realised - big shows like this will bring big audiences into Stockton and we look forward to seeing what else lies in store."