One of Newcastle's favourite old venues, The Stage Door, is about to leap into the 21st Century and re-emerge as the Cosmic Ballroom. This legendary nightclub began life as the Bird Cage, in 1966, in Stowell Street, in the centre of what is now known as Chinatown. With its casino it soon became a favourite haunt for lovers of Newcastle's nightlife and probably would have been on the visiting list of the Kray twins when they paid their famous visit to Tyneside in the 1960s in search of business opportunities. The Krays were sent scuttling back to London but The Bird Cage went on to better things before being updated in 1974 when it adopted the name of The Stage Door. It went on to become one of the most successful nightclubs in the country in the late 1970s and 80s boasting among its visitors the likes of The Who, David Bowie and Motorhead. Steve Armstrong has been in charge of the club for the last nine years but has been heavily involved for 27 years, starting as a glass collector at the age of 17. "It has always been very popular and many a married couple have met their partners here," he says. "But I tell them, jokingly of course, sorry we don't do divorces, it's all your fault." Steve says that when the new licensing laws came in they had to lose the casino. "It was because the casino part had to have separate toilets and entrances and we did not have the room." Around the mid-80s the competition meant a drop-off in trade - until one particular event happened. "A student came in and asked if we did birthday parties and if so how much," said Steve. "The boss said we do and it's free and what's more I'll throw in a bottle of champagne. "After that word got around and the place took off again and we had some brilliant nights." The venue has recently enjoyed success with its Saturday night nice promotions and its Under 18s Rock Night, at which only 13 to 17-year-olds are allowed to attend. "We get about 350 youngsters in and only serve soft drinks and I can honestly say that in the four years it has been going there has been no bother. "The kids have been absolutely great and the parents know they are safe." The club is now going through a major overhaul and looks set to rise again when it reopens as the Cosmic Ballroom in February. Have any Remember When readers memories or photographs of The Stage Door or Bird Cage? Write to Ray Marshall, Remember When, Evening Chronicle, Groat Market, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1ED, or call 0191 201 6239. | 
Tyne Bridge Publishing
