Salt & Smoke: Stories of Blyth
Friday 18 - Sunday 20 September and Friday 25 - Sunday 27 September 2026
Back by popular demand, Novo Theatre is bringing ‘Salt & Smoke: Stories of Blyth back to Blyth in 2026.
There are stories here to discover, but not those you expect. This town will continually surprise you.
Take a map… be brave and see where it leads
Join us for a theatrical adventure through the stories and streets that have shaped Blyth. A leap into the unknown will lead you to hidden and unfamiliar parts of town to encounter narratives inspired by 500 years of Blyth’s history. Be prepared to be immersed in the 18th century salt trade, 200 years of commerce and industry and even the golden age of cinema.
Salt and Smoke 2025 film
About the event
This theatrical experience is suitable for children age 8+ and will last approximately 1hr 15 minutes. Your journey will start and finish at Blyth Market Place.
The experience will start and finish at the Market Pavillion. In small groups, you will self-guide between moments of theatre at locations around the town centre (there will be stewards along the way to point you in the right direction of the next performance).
‘Salt & Smoke’ involves walking (approximately 1 mile) between locations around Blyth town centre. The route and locations are wheelchair accessible. Please let us know when booking if any members of your group will be using a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
A full access guide for the event is available to download. If have any specific questions about attending the show not covered in the access guide, please email info@novotheatre.org.uk
Tickets
Adults £7.50 (+ booking fee)
16s and under FREE
Blyth Residents (NE24 Postcode) FREE
Booking terms and conditions
When you book a ticket for a show or performance by Novo Theatre you agree that the conditions listed below shall apply to your booking. Novo Theatre is a registered charity number 1016172 and a company limited by guarantee number 02612362
To qualify for the free tickets for Blyth residents, you must live in an NE24 postcode. You may be asked to provide proof of address.
Free tickets are limited and subject to availability.
Refunds and cancellations
Refunds (excluding the Eventbrite fee) will be processed up to 10 calendar days prior to the event. You can cancel your tickets via Eventbrite. No refunds will be possible for tickets cancelled less than 10 calendar days prior to the event.
In the event that Novo Theatre must cancel a performance. Affected ticket holders will be notified by email and notifications published on the Novo Theatre Facebook and Instagram pages. Refunds (excluding the Eventbrite fee) will be processed within 5 calendar days.
If you have booked a FREE ticket and can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket so they can be made available to people on a waitlist.
Latecomers
The meeting point for Salt & Smoke is the Market Pavilion, Market Place, Blyth. If you arrive after the booked start time of your performance, we will endeavour to help you join the performance. Subject to availability we may be able to add you to a later performance, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Photography and Filming
There may be photography or filming taking place during your performance. You consent to the filming and sound recording of your participation in any Performance, as a member of the audience. We will endeavour to inform you prior to the start of the Performance if such recording is to take place. Should you wish to not be included in any filming or photography please make this known to a member of staff on the day.
Photography and filming of Salt & Smoke is not permitted by audience members.
Dogs
Only assistance dogs are permitted.
Credits and Thanks
Cast
Freddie Barrett, Matthew Bryant, Micky Cochrane, Melanie Dagg, Darcy Lauren, Anna Mullak, Bob Nicholson, Jackie Phillips
Production
Written by: Joe Hufton
Production Design by: Imogen Cloët
Directed by: Melanie Rashbrooke
Novo Theatre Staff
Artistic Director & CEO Novo Theatre – Joe Hufton
Participation and Talent Producer – Louise Taylor-Asheg
Business & Operations Director – Andrea Perrett
Supporting venues and businesses
Market Pavilion, High Street Social Club, King Street Boxing Fitness, Blyth Library and The Wallaw (Wetherspoons).
2025 Production Photography
Ben Hines Photos
2025 Film
Jason Thompson/Sound Ideas
Salt & Smoke: Stories of Blyth was originally commissioned as part of the Energising Blyth regeneration programme delivered by Northumberland County Council with funding from the UK Government, Northumberland County Council, and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority. It returns as part of Blyth Celebrates 2026/27 funded by Northumberland County Council.
For the full listings and programme visit www.blythcelebrates.co.uk
