A Legacy of Creativity and Innovation
The Up In Smoke Theatre Co. Ltd. was founded in the late 1980s by actor and electrician Michael Smoker. With his unique combination of technical expertise and artistic flair, Michael quickly began creating dramatic effects that captured the imagination. These simple yet powerful effects soon became a hallmark of the company, making a lasting impact across a wide range of events.
Bringing Visions to Life
From art installations in crypts to UFO landings, fire and smoke effects, and carnival floats, we have been at the heart of bringing extraordinary visions to life. Our work even extended to safety messaging for the Dorset Fire & Rescue Service, combining creativity with functionality.
Shaping Future Creatives
For many years, our theatre company nurtured young talent through our youth theatre section, providing students with hands-on experience in the creative arts. Today, many of these former students are thriving in the industry, with careers in the arts and entertainment. One of the most notable moments from our early days was the creation of our company logo by a 13-year-old student in 1992. This logo was first designed as part of an advertising image for our original Halloween play, "Dying A Dorset Death," which delved into local myths and legends like The Cerne Giant, Knowleton Elves, and the creation of Milton Abbas.
The Birth of a Retail Business
Our first Halloween production required an array of special effects that simply weren't available in the UK. Horror masks, gore effects, UV lighting, smoke, coffins, and severed limbs had to be sourced from America, highlighting a gap in the market. This need sparked a natural progression: if we needed these effects, others would too. Thus, the retail side of our business was born, leveraging the early days of the internet.
Our Commitment
As our company grew, so did our reputation. The combination of Michael’s name and the Up In Smoke brand quickly made us a sought-after source for fire effects, which have since become a staple in the Halloween world.
Expanding Our Creative Reach
As we continued to grow, we combined our signature smoke effects with blood, gore, and animated props to create truly terrifying scare effects. Over time, we’ve managed to source and create these effects locally, offering more accessible and readily available products to our clients. This expansion has allowed us to maintain high standards while keeping up with evolving trends in the industry.
Making Memories, One Event at a Time
Making Memories, One Event at a Time
Making Memories, One Event at a Time
We consider ourselves incredibly lucky to be a part of so many people’s fun moments. There’s something magical about helping creative minds, or even those who don’t realise how easy it is to create something special, bring their ideas to life. Seeing the pride in people’s faces as they decorate their events with unique, non-mass-produced Halloween effects is a joy we never tire of. When our customers learn simple tricks to surprise their guests or create that perfect jump scare, it sparks something exciting in them, and we love being a part of that transformation.
Creating Fun, Affordable Escapes
Making Memories, One Event at a Time
Making Memories, One Event at a Time
We understand that in today’s world, it’s easy to feel weighed down by the daily grind. Our business is about offering a much-needed distraction from the pressures of everyday life. We strive to create affordable, stress-free fun that families and friends can share and cherish for years to come. Whether it’s a Halloween party, a themed event, or simply adding a touch of magic to any gathering, we’re here to help bring a sense of joy and excitement to your special moments.
A Dedicated, Creative Team
Making Memories, One Event at a Time
A Dedicated, Creative Team
We’re a small family-run business, supported by an amazing team of casual and external staff. We’re fortunate to collaborate with companies and suppliers who understand the demands of creating effects on short notice and often from scratch. Many of our projects are entirely bespoke, designed specifically for each event. While we offer a wide range of off-the-shelf props, make-ups, bloods, and animations, we also hold Halloween stock year-round, with a dedicated section of our premises in North Dorset where we showcase and create our effects.
Discuss Your Needs
Have an idea for your next event? Reach out to discuss your unique needs with our creative team. We’re here to help make your vision a reality with custom effects and props that will wow your guests.
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