The New Vic Theatre will stage the world premiere of Whatever Happened to Phoebe Salt by Arthur Berry this May, marking a major highlight in the Arthur Berry 100 centenary celebrations.
Set in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, the play is a gritty and atmospheric exploration of working-class life, penned by Berry in 1988 but never performed before. It was his final play before his death in 1994.
The production has been edited by New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins, with additional material by Karen Brown McKee, and will be directed by Abbey Wright (The Mentalists, The Father, Five Finger Exercise).
Stoke-on-Trent native Isabella Rossi makes her professional debut in the title role of Phoebe Salt, joined by fellow debutant Matthew David Jones as Tommy Frizzell.
The cast also includes Alasdair Baker as Sammy Salt, Laura Costello as Nellie, Perry Moore as Gerry Dewsnap, Elliot Goodhill as Arnold, Andrew Pollard as Cyril Pepper, Erika Poole as Mrs Winkle, and Tracey Ann Wood as Elsie.
Theresa Heskins said: “Whatever Happened to Phoebe Salt is a vital and moving piece of work that Arthur Berry wrote for us, and we are proud to finally bring it to life in his centenary year. His voice remains as potent and relevant as ever, and this premiere is a highlight of our year-long celebration of his incredible contribution to theatre and the arts.”
Director Abbey Wright added: “It is a great joy to be directing Arthur Berry’s unperformed play; Whatever Happened to Phoebe Salt? It’s an amazing play and it’s an immeasurable honour to bring to life this vital modern classic for the very first time.”
The play follows Phoebe Salt, a woman working in a meat market who dreams of glamour and escape. When a chance to appear on television arises, she must decide whether it offers true freedom or another illusion.
Part of the Arthur Berry 100 programme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the production also contributes to SOT100, celebrating 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent’s city status.
Whatever Happened to Phoebe Salt runs at the New Vic Theatre from Saturday 31 May to Saturday 21 June 2025.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
