A ROYAL guest has officially opened a theatre in the region following its restoration.
The Globe Theatre, in Stockton, reopened this year after being closed for more than 40 years.
The Duke of Gloucester had a tour of the Grade II art deco venue yesterday, when he officially opened it.
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Councillor Kevin Faulks, mayor of Stockton, who accompanied the prince, said: "It was an absolute privilege to welcome His Royal Highness to the Globe and show him this wonderful venue so steeped in local history.
"The famous Globe is very much a part of the community and holds a special place in people’s hearts, which all makes today’s opening a very special occasion indeed.
“It’s great to have it back.
“So much hard work has gone into the Globe’s restoration and today was also an opportunity to thank all our partners, including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and ATG, and the many staff, colleagues and volunteers who have played their part in restoring this beautiful building and bringing it back to life.
“ATG have put together a superb line-up of acts and shows – the autumn programme starts tomorrow night – and I’m looking forward to watching it take off.”
Jo Ager, general manager at Stockton Globe, added: “It was such an honour to extend a warm welcome to His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester at our wonderful venue.
"The opening has been such a long time coming and this visit was such a fitting start to the, very exciting, next chapter.”
The restoration of the Globe, which was built in 1935, was funded by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and a £4.5million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Enterprise scheme, as well as a £774,000 grant from the Capital Kickstart Fund, part of the Government’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund.
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