About

Welcome to Smoke & Shadow Productions

From the earliest known periods of human history, we have been telling stories. Myths and legends were born around fires and performed using whatever was at hand, human beings have always had an enjoyment for stories that carries through to today. It is from this history of the use of smoke, shadow, words and firelight that Smoke & Shadow Productions takes its name.

We are a production company dedicated to bringing stories to life using theatre, film and audio. Our aim is to transport our audiences and place them in the heart of moving, thought-provoking and exciting stories and to push the boundaries of storytelling as we do so. We strive for artistic excellence in all that we produce, as well as nurturing new talent in writing, performing and beyond.

Smoke & Shadow Productions is also committed to equality, accessibility and diversity. Meaning we are determined to ensure our productions, and any job roles within them or the company, are accessible and inclusive to everyone regardless of gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, national origin, religion, marital status or political views.

Our Team

Danielle Boughey – Education & Workshop Director

Danielle is an actor, collaborator, educator and producer with over 10 years experience working in Arts and Education settings. As an actor she has performed in a variety of theatrical productions including: ‘Sweeney Todd’, ‘Guys and Dolls’ and ‘The Beautiful Game’ and as a collaborator on a modern physical theatre adaptation of JM Barrie’s ‘Peter Pan’, ‘The Tales of Beedle the Bard’ and a movement adaptation of ‘Beowulf’. 

She is a fully qualified teacher, teaching courses to all ages, including GCSE Drama, BTEC Technical Award in Performing Arts and A Level Drama and Theatre Studies.

Danielle received her Masters in ‘Collaborative Theatre Making’ in association with Frantic Assembly and studied both her BA and PGCE at the University of Warwick. When not working for Smoke & Shadow, Danielle is also assistant producer for the children’s theatre company, Five Star Theatre.

Jake Benson, Founder

Our Founder

Jake Benson is an actor, writer and director that has been working in the Arts for over 10 years. As an actor he has performed in various theatrical productions including : A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Y Theatre), Macbeth (UK Tour), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Greenside, Edinburgh) and Gaslight (Crescent Theatre, Birmingham)
His screen work includes being in the supporting cast of Years and Years (BBC/HBO) and has provided voice work for the LEGO video game franchise and The King’s Man, the latest release in the Kingsmen series.

As a writer Jake debuted his first play How to (Politely) Dispose of One’s Mother in 2015 to a sell-out run before working on Jötunn which is set to be Smoke & Shadow’s first release.

Jake is a graduate of the University of Warwick and trained with the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
He is also a member of the Kiln Theatre Collective.