In Under Salt Marsh, the world of Morfa Halen may be a tight-knight, loving community – but it’s under constant threat.
While the death of a nine-year-old is bad enough, the Welsh town is precariously situated on the edge of the coast – just one disastrous storm away from tearing it all to the ground.
As stunt co-ordinator, Abbi Collins was on hand to make sure the cast and crew were protected as they brought this environmental murder mystery to the screen.
Speaking ahead of the series, she explains the trials and tribulations of what the team had to face, and how she tackled the elements as well as some key scenes.
What have been the biggest challenges for the stunt team on this production?
Ironically, one of the biggest challenges has been the real weather. We need stormy conditions for the show, but we want to control them — not have nature throw them at us.
We had amber and red weather warnings in North Wales that forced us to stop filming, even when we were indoors, because crew couldn’t safely get back to their hotels. Logistically, it’s been tough, but the stunt work itself has been challenging in the best way — wet, cold, and physical, but also fun.
Can you tell us more about working with Kelly Reilly?
Kelly completely transforms into her characters, and she’s done exactly that in Salt Marsh. She’s been deeply involved in the physical side of the role — dragging dummies through marshes, pulling bodies from rivers and the sea, fighting in freezing conditions.
She and Rafe were in the water at night in North Wales, and they never complained once. It’s been amazing to watch her develop her character and commit so fully to the physical demands of the role.
What’s it been like working on a production with so many women in leadership?
It’s been fantastic. We’ve got a lot of women leading departments on this show, including myself, and it’s great to see that representation. I love working with both men and women, but it’s refreshing to see more women in high-profile roles.
In stunts, female actors often prefer working with female stunt coordinators, and while we have brilliant male coordinators, there are only about six of us women in the UK doing this job. That number is growing, and it’s exciting to be part of that shift. Watch out — we’re coming!
How excited are you to see the finished show?
Very! We’ve been filming for about five and a half months, and we’ve packed so much into that time. The six episodes are going to be action- packed — not just with stunts, but with incredible performances and chemistry, especially between Rafe and Kelly.
The camaraderie on set has been brilliant, and I think that will really come across on screen. I can’t wait for audiences to see it.
How difficult is it to create a sense of peril on screen?
It’s definitely a challenge, but it’s also a collaborative effort. The art department builds the town, special effects bring in the rain rigs, wind machines, and floating debris, and we coordinate the action to make it feel dangerous and real. It’s a total team effort, and on this show, the departments have worked together brilliantly.
Have you ever worked with this much water before?
Not like this. I’ve worked in tanks before, especially for underwater stunts, but never with this volume of water in a street setting. It’s a first for me, even after all these years, and it’s been great to tick that box. It’s a unique challenge and one that’s been incredibly rewarding to tackle.