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Blyth, Northumberland

Comedian Mark Steel uncovers a riot of characters and stories in this former mining town in Northumberland. From strongman Willie Carr to er, The Flower Pot men.

The famous Blyth Staithes (created for off-loading coal into ships) were the backdrop for one of the grimmest scenes in the Michael Caine classic Get Carter - the smoggy industrial view at the time described by the director as an "absolute vision of hell". Undaunted, comedian Mark Steel travels to this part of Northumberland and finds a fascinating industrial legacy, a posh pub, a very nice beach and prominent indications of its role in the first and second World Wars. Does a town blighted by so many closures show any evidence of green shoots? Mark presents his findings to a local audience at The Phoenix Theatre and as ever gets away with just the right amount of affection rudeness and we learn more about a very distinctive coastal town in the UK.

The full box set of all episodes (with well over 50 towns visited) is available now wherever you get your podcasts.

Written by and starring...Mark Steel
With additional material from Pete Sinclair
Production Coordinator...Beverly Tagg
Producer...Julia McKenzie
A 麻豆社 Studios Production.

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Thu 9 Dec 2021 05:30

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Broadcasts

  • Wed 1 Dec 2021 18:30
  • Wed 8 Dec 2021 07:30
  • Wed 8 Dec 2021 17:30
  • Wed 8 Dec 2021 22:00
  • Thu 9 Dec 2021 05:30

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