Grey Swan is a creative studio for theatre.
We support theatre work from inception to presentation.
We come from theatre and performance, from photography, writing, and design – disciplines that meet where image and imagination converge.
We combine creative, commercial and production expertise to support and amplify stories that matter – whether by creating dynamic digital projects, promoting bold voices, capturing performance, or publishing text and image.
Our approach is always personal, collaborative, and driven by care. We bring deep experience across the creative industries, with a special focus on independent and socially engaged theatre.
Integrity
We stand for stories with depth and purpose.
Care
Collaboration built on empathy and listening.
Imagination
A belief in the creative unknown.
Equity
Working across boundaries and platforms to elevate unheard voices.
Excellence
Craft, commitment, and curiosity in all we do.
Find out more about the creatives behind the scenes.
Tim Stubbs Hughes
Founder & Director
Tim trained as an actor at Manchester Polytechnic School of Theatre before completing a Master of Arts in Theatre Direction at Goldsmiths, University of London. Alongside his creative career, he built extensive commercial experience in investment banking, specialising in presentations and desktop publishing.
In 2010, Tim founded Grey Swan to provide clients with bespoke marketing solutions that combined creativity, strategy, and clarity of communication. Since then, the company has evolved into a creative studio that works in theatre across PR, photography, publishing, production and digital support.
Tim also holds a Master of Arts in Photography from Falmouth University, where he refined his practice in both digital and analogue photography.
Julia Stubbs Hughes
Director
Julia began her career training as an actor at Manchester Polytechnic School of Theatre before building a wide-ranging career in theatre, working as an actor, producer, and director across the UK and internationally in Europe and South Africa. Alongside her creative work, she has developed strong commercial expertise through senior support roles in both established consultancies and fast-growing start-ups.
Her directing has focused primarily on new writing, with her practice shaped by the influence of Robert Lepage, Katie Mitchell, Declan Donnellan, and the Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
More recently, Julia has expanded into teaching, supporting and inspiring the next generation of theatre talent.