Get to know me...

I’m Jennifer and I have a very particular set of skills. Creative skills I’ve acquired over a long career. And now you’ve found me, I’ll use those skills to thrill you.

Writer: Persuasive copy, award-winning scripts and hilarious comedy.

Actor: A funny and gritty stage and screen actor.

Teacher: Laugh while you learn improv and sketch writing with me.

Humour and fun are powerful. I offer this power to businesses to increase staff and customer engagement, enhance skills and build teams. I’m combining all my skills into a new venture that I’m currently conjuring up, provisionally titled Funny Business – and it’s coming soon. But if you can’t wait and want to know more, get in touch…

Let's chat!

Writer

Copywriting

A versatile copywriter, my words have achieved results for organisations of all kinds:

  • Content for international magazines series that have turned over millions of dollars.
  • NHS campaigns that have increased health screening uptakes and health outcomes.
  • Publicity for a community share offer that raised more than £300,000 in investment.
  • Recruitment advertising that’s boosted applications, increased quality and saved money. And more…

I can help you with…

Advertising
  • Campaign concepts
  • Online ad copy
  • Social ad copy
  • Outdoor ad copy
  • Web copy
  • Radio ad copy
PR, sales & marketing
  • PR campaigns
  • Press releases
  • Website & blog content
  • Social media content
  • Content marketing
  • Packaging & POS materials
  • Brochures
Internal communications
  • Comms management
  • Comms planning & strategy
  • Newsletters & briefings
  • Event management
  • Intranets
Publishing
  • Magazine content
  • Book content
  • Editing & sub-editing
  • Proofreading
Could I help your brand? Let’s chat!

Some of the brands I’ve written for…

Writing portfolio

From poetry to promo videos. From marketing to magazine content – here are some examples of my work for print, digital and screen. Swipe left or use the dots to browse and tap the captions to see more.

​The Co-operative Bank campaign

​

​Cygnet Health Care campaign

​

​Alsop High School poem

​

​Kier Highways video series script

​

​ Bishop Grosseteste University campaign

​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​

Case-temonials

What’s a ‘case-temonial? It’s a case study and a testimonial rolled into a singular succinct snapshot of my creative superpowers. Swipe or tap the dots to see more...

​​Rachael Oakley, Managing Director, Byline Publishing
Fabulously versatile, full of great ideas and always fun, Jennifer is a safe pair of hands to fulfil any brief that requires creative thinking and captivating copy. Her words and ideas have always hit the mark to help launch and sustain the sales of many profitable products. As chief writer on the Charmed magazine series, Jennifer consistently produced engaging copy, resulting in a product that turned over more than $30 million in international sales. As editor of Winx Beauty Club, she conceptualised, planned, wrote, edited and managed the successful delivery of more than 60 issues of a popular girls’ magazine that generated £28 million in sales.
​Wendy Carter, Head of Communications and Marketing, Co‑operatives UK
With a talent for telling compelling stories – and turning complex information into easy-to-understand copy – Jennifer adds value to our team. Her work has helped us achieve high levels of engagement with our campaigns, as well as attendance at conferences, events and training courses. We contracted Jennifer to manage the launch publicity for the Student Co-op Homes community share offer. She skilfully planned, created and delivered multi-channel PR and marketing communications, gaining coverage on BBC TV and radio, The Guardian newspaper and more. The result: the share offer was a huge success and raised £308,000 in investment.
​Stuart Atherton, Managing Director, Media and Digital
Jennifer is a real asset to any business. She understands how to get to the heart of a subject, tease out the most compelling facts and tell engaging stories. She has done just that for many of our clients here at Media and Digital. She’s brought creativity and skill to a number of our filmed projects which have gained industry accolades. Jennifer was the scriptwriter for Charlie’s Story – a series of short dramatised films for Kier Highways to raise awareness of mental health in the road construction industry. The project won The Site Safety Initiative Award at the 2019 Highways Awards.
​Rowan Marriott, Head of Resourcing, Cygnet Healthcare
Jennifer has a real talent for getting under the skin of a brand and creating copy that compellingly speaks for that brand – it’s what she does for us at Cygnet Health Care and the team here love her work. She’s also a gifted storyteller who captures the captivating aspects of life as a healthcare professional – and turns them into persuasive content for our recruitment marketing campaigns. Jennifer has produced a raft of materials for us that has helped us to double the number of job applications we receive.

Case-temonials

What’s a ‘case-temonial? It’s a case study and a testimonial rolled into a singular succinct snapshot of my creative superpowers. Swipe or tap the dots to see more...

​​Rachael Oakley, Managing Director, Byline Publishing
Fabulously versatile, full of great ideas and always fun, Jennifer is a safe pair of hands to fulfil any brief that requires creative thinking and captivating copy. Her words and ideas have always hit the mark to help launch and sustain the sales of many profitable products. As chief writer on the Charmed magazine series, Jennifer consistently produced engaging copy, resulting in a product that turned over more than $30 million in international sales. As editor of Winx Beauty Club, she conceptualised, planned, wrote, edited and managed the successful delivery of more than 60 issues of a popular girls’ magazine that generated £28 million in sales.
​Wendy Carter, Head of Communications and Marketing, Co‑operatives UK
With a talent for telling compelling stories – and turning complex information into easy-to-understand copy – Jennifer adds value to our team. Her work has helped us achieve high levels of engagement with our campaigns, as well as attendance at conferences, events and training courses. We contracted Jennifer to manage the launch publicity for the Student Co-op Homes community share offer. She skilfully planned, created and delivered multi-channel PR and marketing communications, gaining coverage on BBC TV and radio, The Guardian newspaper and more. The result: the share offer was a huge success and raised £308,000 in investment.
​Stuart Atherton, Managing Director, Media and Digital
Jennifer is a real asset to any business. She understands how to get to the heart of a subject, tease out the most compelling facts and tell engaging stories. She has done just that for many of our clients here at Media and Digital. She’s brought creativity and skill to a number of our filmed projects which have gained industry accolades. Jennifer was the scriptwriter for Charlie’s Story – a series of short dramatised films for Kier Highways to raise awareness of mental health in the road construction industry. The project won The Site Safety Initiative Award at the 2019 Highways Awards.
​Rowan Marriott, Head of Resourcing, Cygnet Healthcare
Jennifer has a real talent for getting under the skin of a brand and creating copy that compellingly speaks for that brand – it’s what she does for us at Cygnet Health Care and the team here love her work. She’s also a gifted storyteller who captures the captivating aspects of life as a healthcare professional – and turns them into persuasive content for our recruitment marketing campaigns. Jennifer has produced a raft of materials for us that has helped us to double the number of job applications we receive.

Script writing

From marketing videos to stage and screen plays – I create scripts for a range of genres, media and audiences. I penned Charlie’s Story – a series of short dramatised films for Kier Highways to raise awareness of mental health in the workplace. This project won the 2019 Site Safety Initiative Award.

  • Viral marketing videos
  • Voice over scripts
  • Instructional and educational videos
  • Awareness raising
  • Comedy sketches
  • Sitcoms
  • Short films
  • Stage plays

Comedy writing

Stand-up, sketches, sitcoms, short stories and other funny things beginning with ‘s’ – I love creating comedy. My two-woman comedy play Strife In A Northern Town was shortlisted for the 2017 national Funny Women Best Show Award – and I’m currently creating a comedy sketch show. I’m a writer-performer who enjoys the lighter side of life – and who knows how to harness it to help you engage and attract your audience. Contact me to find out more…

Let's chat!

Actor

Acting

I’m a versatile stage and screen actor who’s played leading roles in award-winning and award-nominated productions. I was award nominated for Best Actor at the Greater Manchester Fringe for my roles in White Is The New Black. See selected credits below or check out my Spotlight page for my full credit listings.

Comedy roles

Making people laugh is my passion! My two-woman show Strife In A Northern Town was nominated for the national Funny Women Best Show Award. And after my appearance as ‘One’ in multi-role comedy, Trollope, the play went on to win Best Comedy Play at the Greater Manchester Fringe and Fringe Production of the Year at the Northern Soul Awards.

Selected credits

Kay in Takeaway

Director Michelle Parker, short film, 2022

Susan Floury Fear Factory Live

Director Martin Cooper, immersive theatre, 2022

Marjorie in No Filter:

Director Kevin McDonagh, TV, 2021

Jillian in Three Bull-Mastiffs In A Corner Kitchen: 

Director Paul Chambers, short film, 2020

Amanda in Welcome To Rowan View:

Director Victoria Kay, video, 2020

Old Woman in Mrs Lowry & Son:

Director Adrian Noble, feature film, 2019

Sandra in Smooth Like Barbie:

Director Victoria Tunnah, theatre, 2019

Mrs Cambers in Little Star:

Director Jack Casey, short film, 2018

Various roles in Trollope:

Director Ronnie Leek, theatre, 2018

Prison Officer in Coronation Street:

Directors Tim Dowd, Sean Healy, Durno Johnston, TV, 2017-2018

Various roles in Strife In A Northern Town:

Director Rhonwen McCormack, theatre, 2017-2018

Interested? Let’s chat!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0a2my4nPas

Acting image gallery

Tap the dots or swipe to browse these shots from some of my stage and screen appearances. Then tap the image to see it in full. Also – ridiculous facial expressions alert – you have been warned!

​Jillian in Three Bull-Mastiffs...

​

​Marjorie in No Filter

​

​ Sandra in Smooth Like Barbie

​

​Lulu in Strife In A Northern Town

​

​Donna in Strife In A Northern Town

​

​Marjorie in No Filter

​

​Jillian, Three Bull-Mastiffs audition tape

​

​Jillian in Three Bull-Mastiffs...

​

​Mrs Chambers in Little Star

​

​Hosting Monologue Mondays

​

​Sid Vicious in Trollope

​

​Boss in Trollope

​

​Doctor in Trollope

​

​Behind the scenes, Trollope

​

​Maureen in Strife In A Northern Town

​

​Lulu in Strife In A Northern Town

​

​Donna on Strife In A Northern Town poster

​

​Gillian in Plastic Fantastic

​

​Gillian in Plastic Fantastic

​

​Improv with ComedySportz UK

​

Testimonials and reviews

Swipe or tap the dots to see reviews and audience reactions, as well as director and producer testimonials from a selection of productions I’ve worked on.

Reviews for Strife In A Northern Town
★★★★ Strife In A Northern Town is a good, fun out night and is performed fantastically by Gabbitas and Banks. Gritty, honest, Northern humour! Paul Downham, North West End UK

★★★★ Gabbitas and Banks give strong comical performances. Both actresses are deft and energetic, making costume changes at lightning speed. Annie Power, London Pub Theatres

★★★★★ I think it would be fair to say that we have two rising stars here and if they produce further shows, I’ll be there like a shot. Malcolm Day, The Audience Club
More Reviews for Strife In A Northern Town
"The joy of this production comes from watching how much Gabbitas and Banks create from just some furniture and props. Banks gives a touching performance as Donna the supermarket worker who goes from hating people to finding her place in the town.”
Kate Stone, Funny Women

“Bradford Playhouse delighted to the very human, funny, troubling Strife In A Northern Town, performed to captivate and disturb. Fast moving characters, keenly observed by Jennifer Banks and Tracy Gabbitas, moved hilariously through costume changes and comic strip scenes.” Eve Winterburn, Yorkshire Gig Guide
Audience response to Strife In A Northern Town
“Saw this last night and cried with laughter. Brilliant show, super talented ladies.”

“Fabulous evening watching Strife In A Northern Town at Bradford Playhouse. Two very talented and funny performers.”

“Brilliant characters – funny, thought-provoking, witty and incredibly well acted... haven’t laughed so much for ages.”
More audience response to Strife In A Northern Town
“Laughed so hard in the first half I had a constant stream of tears! It was incredible to see such a variety of characters performed with such carefree glee and humour.”

“Truly original and spot-on character comedy sketches by two talented actresses remarkably playing so many characters. Love this show and laughed out loud.”

“Really enjoyed this at Bradford Playhouse – funny and amazed that two actors can cover so many disparate characters so quickly.”
Martin Cooper, Writer/Producer, Little Star
When we were casting for the role of pushy mum Mrs Chambers, Jennifer came highly recommended for her comedy acting skills – and she did not disappoint. She delivered a wonderfully comic performance and was a joy to work with on set. In fact, she gave us so many great takes, we were spoilt for choice in the edit. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with her again.
​Ronnie Leek, Writer/Director, Trollope
With 11 characters to portray and a wide-ranging vocal and physical requirement, playing the part of ‘One’ in comedy play Trollope is not a task every actor can pull off. But Jen did, splendidly – and threw herself into the project with gusto. She brought her own ideas and also took direction easily and skilfully. She was a great team player who worked cheerfully and cohesively with her fellow actors to create a happy, entertaining and award-winning production.
Paul Chambers, Director, Three Bull-Mastiffs In A Corner Kitchen
From the outset, Jennifer impressed us with a great audition piece – and she was a pleasure to work with from thereon in. Prior to shooting, she brought lots of insight and ideas to the role of Jillian and impressed us with her ability to explore the character through improvisation. On set, she was cheerful and professional. She nailed the part and produced the goods, take after take, even at the end of a long day’s shooting.
Mike Heath, Director, Write for the Stage
Jennifer has acted for Write for the Stage as part of our Development Week – where we give the writers on our courses the chance to see their work performed in rehearsed readings. As part of a small team of actors, she skilfully played a range of characters across a number of plays. Not only did she put in great performances, she was also dedicated, diligent, professional, a great team player and fun to work with too

Testimonials and reviews

Swipe or tap the dots to see reviews and audience reactions, as well as director and producer testimonials from a selection of productions I’ve worked on.

Reviews for Strife In A Northern Town
★★★★ Strife In A Northern Town is a good, fun out night and is performed fantastically by Gabbitas and Banks. Gritty, honest, Northern humour! Paul Downham, North West End UK

★★★★ Gabbitas and Banks give strong comical performances. Both actresses are deft and energetic, making costume changes at lightning speed. Annie Power, London Pub Theatres

★★★★★ I think it would be fair to say that we have two rising stars here and if they produce further shows, I’ll be there like a shot. Malcolm Day, The Audience Club
More Reviews for Strife In A Northern Town
"The joy of this production comes from watching how much Gabbitas and Banks create from just some furniture and props. Banks gives a touching performance as Donna the supermarket worker who goes from hating people to finding her place in the town.”
Kate Stone, Funny Women

“Bradford Playhouse delighted to the very human, funny, troubling Strife In A Northern Town, performed to captivate and disturb. Fast moving characters, keenly observed by Jennifer Banks and Tracy Gabbitas, moved hilariously through costume changes and comic strip scenes.” Eve Winterburn, Yorkshire Gig Guide
Audience response to Strife In A Northern Town
“Saw this last night and cried with laughter. Brilliant show, super talented ladies.”

“Fabulous evening watching Strife In A Northern Town at Bradford Playhouse. Two very talented and funny performers.”

“Brilliant characters – funny, thought-provoking, witty and incredibly well acted... haven’t laughed so much for ages.”
More audience response to Strife In A Northern Town
“Laughed so hard in the first half I had a constant stream of tears! It was incredible to see such a variety of characters performed with such carefree glee and humour.”

“Truly original and spot-on character comedy sketches by two talented actresses remarkably playing so many characters. Love this show and laughed out loud.”

“Really enjoyed this at Bradford Playhouse – funny and amazed that two actors can cover so many disparate characters so quickly.”
Martin Cooper, Writer/Producer, Little Star
When we were casting for the role of pushy mum Mrs Chambers, Jennifer came highly recommended for her comedy acting skills – and she did not disappoint. She delivered a wonderfully comic performance and was a joy to work with on set. In fact, she gave us so many great takes, we were spoilt for choice in the edit. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with her again.
​Ronnie Leek, Writer/Director, Trollope
With 11 characters to portray and a wide-ranging vocal and physical requirement, playing the part of ‘One’ in comedy play Trollope is not a task every actor can pull off. But Jen did, splendidly – and threw herself into the project with gusto. She brought her own ideas and also took direction easily and skilfully. She was a great team player who worked cheerfully and cohesively with her fellow actors to create a happy, entertaining and award-winning production.
Paul Chambers, Director, Three Bull-Mastiffs In A Corner Kitchen
From the outset, Jennifer impressed us with a great audition piece – and she was a pleasure to work with from thereon in. Prior to shooting, she brought lots of insight and ideas to the role of Jillian and impressed us with her ability to explore the character through improvisation. On set, she was cheerful and professional. She nailed the part and produced the goods, take after take, even at the end of a long day’s shooting.
Mike Heath, Director, Write for the Stage
Jennifer has acted for Write for the Stage as part of our Development Week – where we give the writers on our courses the chance to see their work performed in rehearsed readings. As part of a small team of actors, she skilfully played a range of characters across a number of plays. Not only did she put in great performances, she was also dedicated, diligent, professional, a great team player and fun to work with too

Teacher

Improv

An improv performer who’s trained with ComedySportz UK and Second City in Chicago – I teach improv in a number of different settings to boost performance skills, confidence, creativity, team building and simply to have fun. Get in touch to find out how my improv sessions can help you, your business, community group or organisation.

Comedy and creative writing

I’m a comedy nerd. A structure nerd too. I have an MA in creative writing and was schooled in sketch writing at Second City. So I’m in my element teaching creative and comedy sketch writing, which I always make interesting, challenging, and fun! So if you’re looking for ways to stimulate creativity or build skills and confidence, contact me to find out how I can help.

Interested? Let’s chat!

Testimonials

Swipe or tap the dots to see what people have to say about my teaching.

Chris Coldicott, ImproQuo comedy sketch writing student
A great laugh and highly instructive. Developing creative skills can often be amorphous and confusing, but Jennifer broke down sketch writing into easily digestible components that I could gauge against my own work, so I felt like I knew what to do to improve.

And, most importantly, it was such a good laugh. Jennifer constructed a light, fun and accepting environment where bouncing ideas around and making each other laugh is part of the process! I have friends looking to be comedians that I’ve recommended Jennifer’s courses to because I was so impressed at how I saw myself improving.
Maddie Smith, Director, Stand Up Sisters CIC
Stand Up Sisters works to empower women with lived experience of domestic violence, mental illness, substance misuse or being a carer. Jennifer teaches comedy writing and improv to the women we support – and does so professionally and sensitively. Her fun sessions help our clients build confidence and creative skills, while having lots of laughs along the way.
Eji Osigwe, Director, ImproQuo
Jen is an absolute professional. She’s reliable and always on time – and has easily become one of our go-tos for a lot of our teaching jobs. She’s taught our improv drop-ins, as well as a six-week comedy sketch writing course. The classes she puts on are always engaging and she knows how to manage a room. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jen to anyone.
Michael Keogh, Director, Inspire Actors Studio
Jennifer taught improv for the Inspire Actors Studio in 2017-2018 and her knowledge, skills and expertise empowered our actors to feel confident performing without a script. Thanks to her sessions, many said they were more capable when asked to improvise in auditions and rehearsal rooms – and it helped them land roles too.
Aaron Fletcher, Community Worker, Churches in Cheetham and Crumpsall
The creative writing sessions Jen facilitated for the local community were a great way for people to try something enjoyable and creative, and to express themselves in different ways. She has superb insight, knowledge and the ability to make learning fun. We’re already planning on working with her again to deliver more sessions in future.
Feedback from ImproQuo sketch and improv classes
“Jen made me feel at ease and very much involved with the classes. Her natural warmth and enthusiasm made it a pleasurable experience, one which I would highly recommend.”

“What a great sketch writing course! From ways to come up with ideas through to different styles of comedy sketches – we laughed a lot and learnt even more!”

“Jen’s intro helped ease me into an immersive fun improv session. I learnt and took part in some well organised activities using space work skills whilst getting into fits of laughter.”
Feedback from Inspire Actors Studio improv classes
“I’ve been meaning to message you to say thanks! I did an audition for a comedy troupe and I found the techniques you taught really useful in the audition! It clearly worked because I’m in the troupe! So thanks!”

“First class at Inspire Actors Studio was absolutely fantastic! Didn’t want it to end! Love improv. Big thanks to Jen Banks – you’re amazing.”

“Fantastic improv at Inspire with the great Jen Banks. Fun, engaging and POSITIVITY all round.”

Testimonials

Swipe or tap the dots to see what people have to say about my teaching.

Chris Coldicott, ImproQuo comedy sketch writing student
A great laugh and highly instructive. Developing creative skills can often be amorphous and confusing, but Jennifer broke down sketch writing into easily digestible components that I could gauge against my own work, so I felt like I knew what to do to improve.

And, most importantly, it was such a good laugh. Jennifer constructed a light, fun and accepting environment where bouncing ideas around and making each other laugh is part of the process! I have friends looking to be comedians that I’ve recommended Jennifer’s courses to because I was so impressed at how I saw myself improving.
Maddie Smith, Director, Stand Up Sisters CIC
Stand Up Sisters works to empower women with lived experience of domestic violence, mental illness, substance misuse or being a carer. Jennifer teaches comedy writing and improv to the women we support – and does so professionally and sensitively. Her fun sessions help our clients build confidence and creative skills, while having lots of laughs along the way.
Eji Osigwe, Director, ImproQuo
Jen is an absolute professional. She’s reliable and always on time – and has easily become one of our go-tos for a lot of our teaching jobs. She’s taught our improv drop-ins, as well as a six-week comedy sketch writing course. The classes she puts on are always engaging and she knows how to manage a room. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jen to anyone.
Michael Keogh, Director, Inspire Actors Studio
Jennifer taught improv for the Inspire Actors Studio in 2017-2018 and her knowledge, skills and expertise empowered our actors to feel confident performing without a script. Thanks to her sessions, many said they were more capable when asked to improvise in auditions and rehearsal rooms – and it helped them land roles too.
Aaron Fletcher, Community Worker, Churches in Cheetham and Crumpsall
The creative writing sessions Jen facilitated for the local community were a great way for people to try something enjoyable and creative, and to express themselves in different ways. She has superb insight, knowledge and the ability to make learning fun. We’re already planning on working with her again to deliver more sessions in future.
Feedback from ImproQuo sketch and improv classes
“Jen made me feel at ease and very much involved with the classes. Her natural warmth and enthusiasm made it a pleasurable experience, one which I would highly recommend.”

“What a great sketch writing course! From ways to come up with ideas through to different styles of comedy sketches – we laughed a lot and learnt even more!”

“Jen’s intro helped ease me into an immersive fun improv session. I learnt and took part in some well organised activities using space work skills whilst getting into fits of laughter.”
Feedback from Inspire Actors Studio improv classes
“I’ve been meaning to message you to say thanks! I did an audition for a comedy troupe and I found the techniques you taught really useful in the audition! It clearly worked because I’m in the troupe! So thanks!”

“First class at Inspire Actors Studio was absolutely fantastic! Didn’t want it to end! Love improv. Big thanks to Jen Banks – you’re amazing.”

“Fantastic improv at Inspire with the great Jen Banks. Fun, engaging and POSITIVITY all round.”

Let’s chat!

Let’s talk! Get in touch with me directly by phone or email – or leave an enquiry using the form below and I’ll get back to you!

07739 902860

jennifer@creativesuperwoman.com

Leave an enquiry here, don’t be shy.