Georgian Theatre in Stockton celebrates 20 years as thriving music venue (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Georgian Theatre in Stockton celebrates 20 years as thriving music venue

11:55am Friday 8th March 2013 in News

A HISTORIC theatre once threatened with demolition is celebrating 20 years as one of the region’s hotbeds for new music and could be treated to a facelift.

Famous bands including Arctic Monkeys and The Charlatans have graced the same stage as homegrown talent at The Georgian Theatre in Stockton which claims to be the oldest surviving Georgian Theatre in the UK.

The festivities were kick-started last night (FRI) with performances by The Chapman Family, Beak and Bisons.

Built in 1766 as a touring house on the northern circuit it fell into disrepair during the 19th century and even enjoyed life as a sweet factory until the late 1950’s. It was bought by Stockton Borough Council before it was reopened as a community venue.

Tees Music Alliance (TMA), a not-for-profit organisation, launched to champion the thriving music scene in Teesside, moved in as tenants in 1993.

Future plans include remodeling the Georgian Theatre to make the most of the space available. “Everything is there but not in the right order, the thing that stops us getting more people in is the lack of toilets,” Paul Burns, TMA director, explained. “Whatever changes happen we would not want to lose the intimate nature of the Georgian Theatre.”

The thirst for live music has led TMA to create Stockton Calling, a one day festival being held on Saturday, March 30, which will see more than 50 bands play across seven venues including the Georgian Theatre and local pubs.

It also hosts the popular summer Stockton Weekender festival which attracts thousands of revelers and this year is being headlined by Primal Scream and The Proclaimers on July 27 and 28.