ONE of the North-East's most iconic entertainment venues is to be restored to its former glory thanks to a £4m revamp.

The Globe Theatre, in Stockton, which once welcomed The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, is to re-open next year as a venue for live music and comedy.

Developers hope to restore the Grade II-listed building back to its 1930s splendour and with a capacity of 2,500, it will be the largest indoor auditorium between Leeds and Newcastle.

Originally built in 1913 as a cinema, it was demolished and rebuilt twice before 1935. It became one of Britain's biggest theatres, presenting music, cinema, theatre and an annual pantomime.

The Beatles famously played at the venue on November 22, 1963, the day President John F Kennedy was assassinated.

The project already has planning and listed building consent and contractors are expected on site in April.

It will create 23 permanent jobs and 72 construction posts.

Stuart Monk, managing director of Jomast Developments, the company behind the project, said: "I am very excited at the prospect of seeing The Globe regain its place as a leading live entertainment venue for the North-East region."

Full story in tomorrow's Northern Echo