ABOUT US
Penguin in the Room was created over fifteen years ago by entrepreneur and TV star Samantha Baines. Soon after she embarked on a career in the media, Samantha realised that creatives needed help with social media just like big businesses do and Penguin in the Room was born. Sixteen years on, we have a lovely team of Penguins made up of a diverse pool of creative freelancers and Samantha is still with us as company Director. We are proud to have queer and disabled talent in our team and are proud to be an inclusive employer. Check us out below.
What we do
Whether you are a comedian, actor, artist, director, writer, presenter, production company, arts company, charity or a multi-talented creative individual Penguin in the Room is committed to helping you achieve your full potential!
Did you know: 71% percent of people use social media product referrals to make buying decisions (GlobalWebIndex).
With over fifteen years marketing experience in the Arts sector spanning, comedy, film, art, literature, music, theatre and tv and with a couple of social media awards under our wing, Penguin in the Room understands the arts industries and their bespoke marketing needs. All of our staff members are creative individuals in their own right and live and breathe the creative arts and social media. Whether you want to free up some time, protect your mental health or propel your business to new heights we are here to help.
So don't be a lonely penguin: get in contact and let Penguin in the Room take the stress out of your socials!
OUR TEAM
Samantha Baines
Director and Founder
Samantha Baines is our founder and all round arts marketing and social media guru! Samantha is an award winning comedian, author and actress (The Crown, Call the Midwife) and she runs our workshops and consults for freelancers and businesses alike. She is also proud to be deaf (hearing aid user) and is Ambassador for RNID and a campaigner for NSPCC.
Beth O'Brien
Business & Development Manager
Beth has worked across the entertainment industry, including as an Edinburgh Comedy Award winning producer, talent agent, columnist, publicist, show consultant, festival stage promoter and very briefly as a theatre critic for Time Out. Her work also includes accessibility consultancy and disability advocacy, and she is as passionate about disability rights as she is the arts and communication. Beth's sidekick is an assistance dog, a chocolate Labrador called Otis, who is regularly to be found working at her side in London's theatres, venues and galleries.
Lucy Norris
Social Media Expert and Staff Supervisor
Lucy Norris works her magic on a portfolio of social media accounts and is our resident expert on all things trending. She has been with Penguin in the Room since it's inception and is also our staff supervisor, providing support and training. Lucy is a creative freelancer and has a passion for making the world a more inclusive place for those with neurodivergencies. She is studying for a Masters in Autism.
Otis Assistance Dog
Team cheerleader
Otis is Beth's right hand fella/assistance dog and client cheerleader.
Lisa Greenwood
Account Manager
Lisa lives and breathes social media and is a dedicated and enthusiastic account manager for our high-profile individual clients. She is also a whizz with a phone camera and shoots a lot of behind the scenes content for clients. Lisa is an actress, voice artist and content creator.
Yana Penrose
Ad-hoc Account Manager
Yana is a freelance account manager working across social media platforms, she understands the important of a cohesive 'voice' for your account and champions social change. Yana is also a successful actress.
Shona Louise
Freelance Photographer
Shona is a London and Hertforshire based theatre, live events and portrait photographer working with our clients to get those high quality social media/website snaps! She offers a safe space for LGBTQ+ and Disabled people as she is part of those communities herself.
Gaby Jerrard
PR Guru
One of the leading culture, entertainment and comedy PR specialists in the UK, creating bespoke publicity campaigns providing the best opportunities for our clients to be featured in print, online and broadcast media. Our Services include: Campaign Strategy, Crisis Comms, Media Relations, Event and Launch PR, Talent Publicity, Festival, London, Touring Campaigns and Broadcast Publicity