‘Salt & Smoke: Stories of Blyth was a theatrical adventure through the stories and streets that have shaped Blyth.
A leap into the unknown lead audiences to hidden and unfamiliar parts of the town to encounter narratives inspired by 500 years of Blyth’s history. Audiences were immersed in the 18th century salt trade, 200 years of commerce and industry and even the golden age of cinema.
Over three days in September 2025, Novo Theatre delivered 37 performances to an audience of almost 400 people.
You can read Cultured. North East’s review of Salt & Smoke: Stories of Blyth.
“Born and bred in Blyth, you did our stories justice, absolutely loved it and even as a big history fan I learned things! Costumes, performances, staging, props, script, all impressive. Bravo!”
Jackie Phillips
Melanie Dagg
Micky Cochrane
Bob Nicholson
Darcy Lauren and Freddie Barrett
Matthew Bryant
What people said about Salt & Smoke
“Born and bred in Blyth, you did our stories justice, absolutely loved it and even as a big history fan I learned things! Costumes, performances, staging, props, script, all impressive. Bravo.”
— Audience member
“Superb preview today. Really enjoyed it. Thank you!”
—Audience member
“We were there on Saturday and had a fabulous time. The whole thing was so professional and so interesting. The actors held your attention and the stewards made it a seamless progression between acts.”
— Audience member
“We did the tour this afternoon and loved it - good fun and very interesting - the actors were very professional and engaging - thanks to everyone involved !”
—Audience member
“Great performance from the whole cast, brilliant idea. I hope to see more from you”
— Audience member
“I volunteered to steward this event not really knowing what to expect but I am so pleased I did. The theatre staff were so friendly and the actors nothing short of brilliant. Everyone I spoke to after the sessions really seemed to enjoy it.”
— Volunteer
Credits and thanks
Cast
Freddie Barrett, Matthew Bryant, Micky Cochrane, Melanie Dagg, Darcy Lauren, Anna Mullak, Bob Nicholson and Jackie Phillips
Production
Imogen Cloët, Chris Tindall, Robin Forster, Colin Cumpson, Gary Connor, John Goodacre, Laura Swaddle (Swaddle Creative), Naomi Daley, Caroline Ryan, Matthew Stephenson and Becky Madeley.
Novo Theatre Staff
Artistic Director & CEO Novo Theatre – Joe Hufton
Participation and Talent Producer – Louise Taylor-Asheg
Business & Operations Director – Andrea Perrett
Volunteers
Hannah Jenner, Mary Finn, Ivan Allen, Gordon Mitchell, Joyce Woodhouse, Dave Jenkinson, Carol Groves.
Venues and businesses
Market Pavilion, High Street Social Club, Phoenix Theatre Blyth, Unfolding Theatre, CVA Blyth, King Street Boxing Fitness, Blyth Library and The Wallaw (Wetherspoons).
And to the Blyth Celebrates team who commissioned Salt & Smoke: Stories of Blyth as part of the Energising Blyth regeneration programme, with funding from the UK Government, Northumberland County Council and the North East Combined Authority.
Photography
Ben Hines Photos
Film
Jason Thompson/Sound Ideas
