
ABOUT US
Five Star Theatre is an award-winning production company that has been producing pantomimes, children’s tours, musicals and various one-nighter concerts for 17 years.
​
Having grown from what was founded by Ethan J Smith in 2008 as a youth theatre company – fused with an adult community theatre – the team has developed an intrinsically resourceful, multi-skilled and collaborative approach to creating theatre. Because of its humble, homegrown roots, Five Star Theatre is led by a production team with “many fingers” in “many pies”, who have all worked in virtually every capacity of theatre production and performance, rendering them in many ways a producing powerhouse when their skills, creativity and energy are combined.
​
In a similar vein, because of how the company began producing theatre, performance is key: the commercial aspect is what has developed over the last five years, but the quality, originality and memorability of the performance are always of paramount importance to a Five Star show.
​
Coming from an events background before theatre production, the Five Star team takes an enormous amount of pride in customer service and experience, working with partner venues to create a theatrical experience whereby audiences have an amazing visit from the moment they step through the venue doors.
​
All costumes are designed and created in-house and another arm to the business is the hire of costumes to other productions and companies. The company strives to continually innovate whilst providing outstanding opportunities for performers, creatives and theatregoers alike.

THE FIVE VALUES OF FIVE STAR THEATRE
Family & familiarity
We strive to create an environment that is warm and welcoming: where everyone matters and feels safe.
Collaboration & creativity
We aim to push boundaries with our producing work and draw on the creative input of all involved.
Passion & professionalism
We set high standards and challenge each other, motivated by a shared love of excellent theatre.
Exceeding expectations
We endeavour to engage and excite our audiences by breaking records and surpassing expectations.
Assuring accessibility
We value the importance of the arts for all and seek to ensure our shows are affordable and accessible.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE MAGIC
Five Star Theatre is run by a Board, led by Owner/Founder Ethan J Smith. While each show we stage is delivered by a creative team comprising our four producers (responsible for the rehearsal and production process), our Board oversees wider company affairs including programming, marketing, development, finances and resources. ​

ETHAN
PRODUCER
Ethan founded the company in 2008. He leads on the direction, delivery and execution of all our shows and heads-up our marketing and publicity function.

KERSTIN
SENIOR PRODUCER
Kerstin joined Five Star in 2014. She takes responsibility for all show choreography, manages internal communications and is our Safeguarding Lead.

EMMA
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Emma joined Five Star in 2022. She oversees musical direction and script/score administration for all shows, as well as audio recording and sound design.

CIARAN
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Ciaran joined Five Star in 2016. In addition to general production delivery, he is responsible for stage management and coordinating sound, lighting and tech.
OUR BOARD

BROGAN
BOARD MEMBER

KAT
BOARD MEMBER

KATE
BOARD MEMBER

KATY
BOARD MEMBER
