By Jerome Whittingham
Stoke-on-Trent has long been known for its industrial past, but in recent years, the city has seen a cultural renaissance, much of it thanks to the tireless efforts of local arts promoters like Peter Herbert. In a recent interview with community arts podcasters Siobhan Mcaleer and Ryan Ball for a Stoke Creates special commission, Pete shared his journey from theatre production to establishing PH Production Services, his thoughts on the city’s evolving arts scene, and his passion for nurturing local talent.
Listen to the full interview here:
Pete’s connection to the region began when he moved to Staffordshire to work as a technical and production manager at Alton Towers. Following his time there, he founded his own company, PH Production Services, which allowed him to travel the world, working on various projects, particularly in contemporary dance. Despite these global adventures, Pete remained anchored in North Staffordshire, eventually establishing King Street Studios in Newcastle-under-Lyme, a space that has become a hub for local creativity.
One of the standout initiatives Pete has been involved in is the Honey Box, a live-streamed music show that has earned a special place in the local arts scene. The concept for the Honey Box emerged from a collaboration with Lee Barber of popular music venue The Underground in Hanley (https://www.undergroundstoke.co.uk) and the Staffordshire Music Awards. Recognising the potential to build something unique, Pete and his team embraced the then-nascent technology of live streaming. “We were right at the sort of infancy of live streaming,” he recalls, describing the technical challenges and excitement of producing live content.
The Honey Box has since become known for its distinctive, fast-paced format that transitions seamlessly between performances and interviews, creating a dynamic experience reminiscent of classic Saturday morning television. Pete credits his theatre background for the show’s live nature, emphasising the importance of “getting it right” in real-time, which adds an element of authenticity and adrenaline to the production.
Beyond the technical aspects, Pete is deeply committed to developing the local music scene. He speaks passionately about the need for Stoke’s musicians to gain exposure beyond the city’s borders. To this end, he is actively working on initiatives like the Honey Box Hive project, which aims to establish connections with venues in other cities, facilitating opportunities for local bands to perform in new locations.
Pete’s dedication to the city’s cultural development extends beyond music. He expresses a desire to see more support for creative endeavours in the city, lamenting the loss of emphasis on arts education. He argues that creativity is essential not only for individual fulfilment but also for combating broader societal issues such as loneliness and social isolation. “Creativity is a very useful thing in combating those issues,” he states, highlighting the role of the arts in promoting mental health and community cohesion.
As the city continues to evolve, Pete remains hopeful but realistic about the challenges ahead. He points out that while the city has no shortage of creative talent, what it lacks is sufficient support, both financial and emotional, from the wider community. “What the art scene is missing… is a bubble of positivity surrounding it,” he asserts, calling for a shift in attitudes towards a more supportive and optimistic approach to the arts.
Peter Herbert’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of the arts. As Stoke-on-Trent navigates its post-industrial identity, it is clear that cultural leaders like Pete will play a crucial role in shaping our city’s cultural landscape for years to come.