Salt & Smoke: Stories of Blyth
Outcomes
Opening New Doors For two-thirds of our audience (66.3%), this wasn't just another show—it was their very first arts or cultural event.
Bringing the Community Together More than half our audience came from Blyth and elsewhere in Northumberland (27% and 26% respectively), proving that extraordinary theatre can ignite local pride and draw communities to their own doorstep.
Building New Connections Over two-thirds of our audience (68.3%) had never experienced Novo Theatre before. This wasn't just a performance—it was the beginning of hundreds of new relationships between artists and audiences.
*Information taken from the post-show evaluation survey sent audiences with 109 responses.
‘Salt & Smoke: Stories of Blyth was a remarkable theatrical adventure through the stories and streets that have shaped Blyth.
Novo Theatre was commissioned to create an extraordinary promenade performance that would transform Blyth's streets into a living stage—starting in the Market Place, at the site of the newly unveiled Market Pavilion arts venue, and weaving through the town. Building on the rich discoveries of the Energising Blyth project (see below) and diving deep into their own explorations of the town, Novo Theatre crafted something truly remarkable.
Novo Theatre developed an inventive theatrical adventure that thrust audiences into the unknown. Armed with nothing but a map, participants became urban explorers, navigating hidden corners and forgotten spaces while uncovering original stories drawn from 500 years of Blyth's captivating history.
The journey was unforgettable: a mysterious market stall holder beckoned from the bustling Market Place; an 18th-century salt trader shared secrets outside the social club; an old sailor and Antarctic explorer held court above the boxing gym; a starry-eyed 1950s courting couple whispered sweet nothings in the old cinema; and a 19th-century architect recounted the devastating great fire that destroyed his life's work.
Over three electrifying days in September 2025, Novo Theatre delivered 37 performances to nearly 400 spellbound audience members. The response was phenomenal: every single survey respondent rated their experience as 'excellent' or 'good,' and a staggering 87.3% said the show exceeded their expectations. The glowing testimonials below speak for themselves.
You can read Cultured. North East’s review of Salt & Smoke: Stories of Blyth.
Salt and Smoke formed part of the ‘Culture Placemaking Programme’, Blyth Celebrates, a creative engagement initiative which complements the Energising Blyth regeneration programme. This programme is funded by the UK Government, Northumberland County Council and the North East Combined Authority
Energising Blyth’s purpose is to stimulate confidence and further investment in Blyth. Blyth Celebrates aims to enhance the town’s attractiveness, raise its profile as an appealing place for visitors and investors, as well as enabling local people to celebrate Blyth’s unique culture and heritage, galvanising a sense of local pride.
Video of Joe Hufton, Novo Theatre’s Artistic Director and CEO, describing Salt & Smoke
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
“I attended with my disabled grandmother. The staff and volunteers couldn't have been more helpful. We felt so welcome. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.”
— 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
“A most enjoyable experience. Although I have lived in Blyth for decades, l learnt so much of the history of what is now my hometown. Well done to everyone who made it happen. I invited my family to attend and they were all dubious about coming but afterwards were full of it. It was so well organised and the theatre company were excellent. We had a baby with us and the actors engaged with her throughout. I would love to see more events like this one.”
—Audience member
“I think it's great that events like this are offered to people in Blyth - it's an opportunity to learn more about the history of the town. It's not something we usually do as a couple but really glad we came along. We really appreciated the effort put in by everyone & loved the touch of the bag of salt at the end :-) I live in Blyth but am not from here so found it very interesting, thank you”
—Audience member
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
