They're raising the roof at the Globe...and the venue's manager has been appointed too!

More than 200 tonnes of steelwork has arrived on the site in recent months and the steel structure for the roof of the Globe is now being lifted into place. 

A brand new dressing room block is being built to the rear, with steelwork, liftshaft and decking in place already. The stage and orchestra pit are also nearing completion.

The Globe is gearing up to bring the biggest names in music and comedy back to Stockton for the first time in more than 40 years.

With a 3,000-plus capacity it will be the biggest live entertainment venue between Newcastle and Leeds when it opens in November.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, the Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: "The restoration is progressing very well and it is great to see the roof coming on. The large steel trusses span 30 metres each and the lifting and fitting process will be completed within a week.

"With recognisable features like the stage and orchestra pit in there now, it's all very exciting because you can start to imagine what it'll be like when the place is packed to the rafters.

"There's no doubt the Globe will be an absolute game-changer for the area, pulling in up to 200,000 visitors every year, and I can't wait to see it open its doors and start welcoming the big acts.

"Keep your eyes peeled for further updates in 2020!"

Meanwhile, the Globe's operator - the world-renowned Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) - has recently appointed Jo Ager as the venue's General Manager.

Jo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and previously managed Scarborough Spa.

And she'll soon be joined by a Head of Marketing and Communications and Creative Learning and Community Partnerships Manager, with ATG expecting to appoint to both roles by the end of February.

"It's an incredible privilege to lead the team that will bring Stockton Globe back to life, and the passion and support for the venue to re-open are wonderful to see," said Jo.

"Stockton's history and culture are steeped in music, and it's extremely exciting to be establishing the town as a focus of the North East's incredible live music scene once more."

The 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.