ABOUT US
At Broke & Knackered Productions, we believe the best stories are the ones that feel real.
Founded by Alison Stanley and Leah Bell, our independent production company was created to champion authentic storytelling that reflects everyday life. We create theatre and film that is honest, funny, emotional and unapologetically human. Our productions celebrate ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, finding humour in hardship and hope in the moments that matter most.
Rooted in the North East of England but created for audiences everywhere, our work is inspired by real experiences, real conversations and real communities. We are passionate about telling stories that connect with people on a personal level, tackling important subjects with warmth, wit and compassion.
Our debut production, Tits Up, has been praised for its heartfelt balance of laughter and emotion, shining a light on the realities of breast cancer while celebrating friendship, resilience and the incredible strength of the human spirit. Following its success on stage, Tits Up is now touring theatres across the UK and is currently being adapted into a feature film.
At Broke & Knackered Productions, we're proud to create work that entertains, starts conversations and leaves audiences feeling something long after the curtain falls or the credits roll.
Real people. Real stories. No posh nonsense.
MEET THE TEAM
Leah Bell
Leah has enjoyed an extraordinary career in the entertainment industry, spanning decades as a performer, actress, writer and producer. From her early days in variety theatre to entertaining audiences aboard cruise ships with comedy, music and acting, she has built a reputation for bringing warmth, humour and authenticity to every performance.
Her talent has been recognised with some of the industry's highest honours, including the prestigious Stage Award and the Bernard Delfont Silver Rose Bowl, awarded on live television.
As her career evolved, Leah moved into writing and producing, founding her own production company, Entertainment Unlimited, where she created and staged original productions. Always embracing new opportunities, Leah believes the entertainment industry is constantly evolving, and that success comes from adapting, innovating and looking towards the next chapter.
Today, Leah is the co-founder of Broke & Knackered Productions, alongside long-time creative partner Alison Stanley. Together they have written and produced Tits Up, a powerful, funny and heartfelt story inspired by real experiences, which has captivated theatre audiences and is now making the journey to the big screen.
With a career built on creativity, resilience and an unwavering passion for storytelling, Leah continues to inspire audiences through work that entertains, connects and reminds us of the power of laughter, friendship and hope.
Alison Stanley
Alison is a writer, producer and actor from the North East whose work is rooted in authentic storytelling. Passionate about telling stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, Alison has built a reputation for creating productions that combine sharp Northern humour with warmth, honesty and heart.
Whether she's writing about breast cancer, family life, working-class communities or the everyday moments that define us, Alison believes the best stories are the ones that feel real. Her philosophy is simple: Real people. Real stories. No posh nonsense. It's an approach that has resonated with audiences, bringing laughter, tears and genuine connection to every production.
Throughout her career, Alison has written stage plays, films and community projects, always championing authentic voices and creating opportunities for new talent. As the founder of Stanley Creatives and co-founder of Broke & Knackered Productions, she is committed to proving that world-class storytelling doesn't just come from big cities. It comes from community centres, working men's clubs, village halls and kitchen tables across the North.
As co-writer of Tits Up, alongside Leah Bell, Alison has helped create a story that has touched audiences across the country with its powerful blend of humour, hope and humanity. With the production touring the UK and now being adapted for the big screen, she continues to tell stories that celebrate resilience, friendship and the extraordinary strength found in ordinary people.
For Alison, every great story starts the same way: with a conversation, a cuppa and people who have something worth saying.