The Stage

Theatresearch takes on Globe Theatre restoration project

Published Wednesday 1 February 2012 at 13:52

Theatre restoration specialist Theatresearch has been appointed to lead a major project at the Globe Theatre, Stockton-on-Tees.

David Wilmore, founder of Theatresearch, recently finished working on the restoration of the Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne, and also lists the City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds and Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond among his credits.

Built in 1935, the Grade II listed Globe closed in the 1990s and has remained empty since. More recently, Stockton-based Jomast Developments acquired the property and last year announced plans for a £4 million restoration, with the support of Stockton Borough Council, as a venue for music, comedy and other events.

Wilmore, who recently edited a book on the life of perhaps Britain’s greatest theatre architect, Frank Matcham, said: “The Globe is a real Sleeping Beauty and its restoration provides a great opportunity to bring this beautiful building back to use. Its art deco architecture creates a wonderful, theatrical atmosphere and we will be working closely with Stockton Council’s conservation officer, English Heritage and the Theatres Trust to reinstate this sensational auditorium.”

Theatresearch recently rediscovered the original architect’s drawings in the Teesside archives and, according to Wilmore, these are greatly enhancing understanding of how Newcastle architect Percy Browne intended his building to appear and be enjoyed.”