Joe begun his career working at the National Theatre under Richard Eyre and then Trevor Nunn. His time there culminated in producing the Transformation Season in 2002.
From there he went on to work in New York for four years for Broadway producer Ron Kastner where he co-produced a number of shows including Life x3, Gypsy, Talking Heads and Retreat from Moscow both on and off Broadway.
On returning to London Joe was Executive Producer of Old Vic Productions: from 2006 until early 2017. Joe lead the OVP team in producing a wealth of productions including the Olivier Award-winning Jerusalem, Clybourne Park and the critically acclaimed Passion Play, Private Lives, Good People and The Pajama Game. In addition, he represented the company in its role as co-producer with Working Title Films of the smash hit, Billy Elliot The Musical in London and worldwide.
Joe also runs his own production company, Smith & Brant Theatricals, with his partner John Brant. Before the formation of Smith & Brant Theatricals in 2013 Joe was a Partner of McCabe/Smith. There his producing credits included Broadway hit revivals How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and Promises, Promises. In the West End he produced Million Dollar Quartet, and the multi award-winning Sweeney Todd and Spring Awakening.
For Smith & Brant Theatricals a selection of Joe’s West End credits include: Come From Away (also Broadway and Worldwide), True West, Bitter Wheat and the national tours of Gaslight, Strangers on the Train and Fatal Attraction.
Alongside running Smith & Brant Joe is also the Theatre Producer for Rocket Entertainment; Elton John and David Furnish’s production company. There he is currently producing the original musical Tammy Faye in collaboration with the Almeida Theatre.
For the past 10 years Joe has headed up Stage One as Chief Executive and strongly believes in nurturing and supporting the next generation of commercial producers. In 2014 he was instrumental in creating the One Stage season at the St James Theatre.
Joe has just finished his tenure as Chair of the Board at the Gate Theatre, in Notting Hill. As a passionate supporter of new writing, he was proud to Chair the Board of one of London's leading new writing theatres.
Joe lives in Alexander Palace with his family.