From the moment I set foot through the doors I felt a warmth and a welcome that encompasses me and makes realize that this is a place where everyone is welcome. I am very proud to be a supporter and fund-raiser for this amazing charity.

Mushroom is such a friendly and welcoming place, the staff are amazing, caring and encouraging in sharing their passion for their craft. There is something for everyone and not just the kids, dancing, singing and acting. My 2 girls both have attended from a young age for several years and have loved being part of the shows.

Mushroom Theatre Company has been an incredible experience for my 3-year-old. She attends three classes a week—tap, modern, and ballet—and it’s been such a positive journey. Although she's naturally shy, the teachers and student teachers have been so patient, kind, and encouraging, helping her feel comfortable and confident in the classroom. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the way they work with each child to build both their skills and self-esteem is truly impressive. I love hearing her talk about her classes and seeing her grow in her love for dance. Highly recommend Mushroom Theatre for anyone looking for a nurturing and supportive environment for their child!

My son really enjoy attending to Mushroom Theatre and he is always fulfilled and happy after each session. Stuff and play buddies are friendly and approachable yet possess professional manner and reliable. Highly recommend.

My daughter is a wheelchair user with spina bifida, been coming to Mushroom Theatre Company for under a year, and she did her first show last week, she really enjoyed it doing it to the point she now saying she going be famous one day. Me and my husband loved watching the show.

Very welcoming lovely atmosphere

I cannot rate Mushroom Theatre Company enough! I have had 3 children dance with them of varying ages, one of whom is now a teacher, one of whom is a student teacher alongside his classes and one who has additional needs which have been met excellently! The teachers are all so encouraging and it really is like being part of one big family. Corny I know!

Absolutely love this theatre school. I love the fact I can drop both of my children off and know they will be well looked after , happy and encouraged to shine as the people they are. I also love the fact that both my children will be mixing with all different people with all different abilities and will grow up to be inclusive and understanding and within this community they will be included and understood themselves..

My daughter loves attending the SEN sessions here .Friendly helpful team very inclusive of all abilities

Absolutely amazing place to be. An all inclusive theatre company enabling everyone to be who they want to be.

After being welcomed in for a special viewing of how my son was doing in his send session, dance, music, fun, they look after him well, nice interaction and thanks to the girl dancers that help and support him, he's non verbal but he can't wait for his next session as he knows it in his usual Saturday morning routine, and says "Dancing" asking to go. He will miss it during the summer break. I fully recommend! 😊👍

I leave my autistic son , who has very limited speach , at this amazing place knowing he is well looked after, and comes out of there one very happy boy

Our son has been attending MTC for over a year now. He loves going and now attends 4 classes! He has come along so much in such a short period of time. There is so much support on offer and we recommend the MTC to everyone we know. Simply AMAZING x

Mushroom Theatre Company - You make us so proud; fill us with hope; and give us a reason to smile, laugh and cry (the good kind of tears)! Everyone, from the students, the student helpers, the teachers, the parents, the management and the cheerleaders/supporters - make Mushroom the magical place it is! The safe, inclusive and welcoming place it is! We are so so so thankful for all the hard work you put in, all with a smile - to make every single person that walks through your doors feel happy, safe, supported, and most of all, have fun and be themselves! We are so thankful, and so proud of everyone at Mushroom, and can't wait to see the next steps in our children's journey with you! Keep doing what you're doing! All our love, appreciation and heartfelt thanks, The Twine family (and friends) xxx

Mushroom Theatre has given my child confidence, indepence skills and I know she will be well looked after. She has alot of different friends from the groups she attends and the activate/sen holdiay dates she attends. I can highly recommend and feel that all the staff/management go above and beyond to make her days/evening fun and somewhere she loves to go.

Mushroom Theatre is a wonderful place to send your child if they wish to undertake lessons in things such as drama, singing, street dance, modern, ballet and much much more! It is a fun, safe, and all inclusive place where children of all abilities take part. They just put on an absolutely fabulous annual show at The Chelmsford Theatre and we were blown away! Check out their website on https://mushroomtheatre.co.uk.

Mushroom has helped my girl's confidence so much. Its been a place to go when they've been struggling at school. Because of Mushroom, one wants to study dance and the other is on her way to becoming a SEN teacher. Thank you to everyone at Mushroom for all you do.

The most warm, welcoming, inclusive community. My son has thrived over the years that he has attended. Mushroom is part of who he is.

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! My favourite place to go. I have been to two previous dance school before I joined mushroom when I was in year six and Mushroom theatre is 10000000% the best, most inclusive one! It has a very welcoming feel and a place I have made some very amazing friends! Thank you so much!!!!! 😊😊😊

Great Dance and Theatre company! My daughter loves all the classes she attends. Staff are fantastic! So accommodating, great at harnessing talent and ability!

My granddaughter has been a member of Mushroom Theatre company for 15 years. Our experience with MTC has been exceptional as Penni and team have exceeded above and beyond our expectations. This has been from confidence building, providing a safe environment and always made to feel that the MTC is not just a company but a family. They have a wide selection of classes which cater for everyone which promotes equality in all walks of life. I would highly recommend this local business if you are looking to learn a new skill or/and have fun.

Thank you for all the care and consideration you give the kids. Both my two love mushroom and they enjoy being part of the mushroom Community.

I love love LOVED Sing, Dance, Clap! Every number is so different, you just never know what to expect! From the exceptional dance routines with original and sometimes thought provoking choreography, to the comical drama acts and the singers….. its a complete joy and a feast for the eyes and ears! The way the video screen is used really adds something extra to the numbers, with video recordings from the studio used in conjunction with the live numbers on stage. The auditorium was also used by the senior dancers which gave another aspect to the routine. It is a real skill and a tribute to the schools teachers and students to accomplish the seamless choreography, integrating the special needs students and PALS and the very youngest students into the various numbers, which is a total delight seeing everyone working together. Everyone is catered for and they look after one another and have a great time performing together whilst still maintaining such professionalism! Then of course the touching moment when the school pays tribute to the years ‘leavers’ providing them the space to perform together for a last time, a really heartwarming moment with all the students photos and memories of the years displayed on the large screen behind, i defy anyone to not need a tissue! I've seen many dance school shows, but never have i experienced one like Mushroom Theatre Company. Its well organised, professional, with a high standard of dancing, fantastic choreography - and the audience leaves feeling high on life and grateful knowing that there is such a place that can invoke so much happiness in so many people whilst encompassing such diversity. Every person i took along enjoyed ALL of the numbers and personally i cannot wait for the DVD 🙂

Mushroom theatre company is the best place to be apart off is like an second home to me and being at mtc and pals is also like an home for me and i love all my friends at pals and mtc. I still love the staff because they have been absolutely fabulous making everybody feel happy and make me feel special when I first came into mushroom theatre company by meeting the team ( thank you very much for making me feel like being an drama son )

We were fortunate to find Mushroom Theatre Company through our autistic niece. She has been a member of the troupe for 2 years now and we were invited to watch last year's show. We had no expectation of what was to come….How lucky we were to be completely in the dark! WOW! We were blown away by the professionalism, inclusion and diversity of the spectacle before us. To see each and every child committed, engaged and smiling was overwhelming. The lump in my throat started after the third scene and didn’t leave until well after the curtain had come down. As a result, our 2 daughters were chomping at the bit to join too! So we have now been part of the extended family for a year. And what a heartwarming family they are! To be in the presence of this particular stage troupe is to know pure joy. Every person is equal and yet differences are celebrated and spot-lighted to show that being different isn't a negative. In fact, it can be your Unique Selling Point! Children are cherished and adults are adored. Hands are held and hearts are inspired. And I feel that just as a parent on the doorstep as I drop off and pick up! Those smiles are real at every lesson, not just for the show! Mushroom Theatre Company is special. It has created its own happy bubble away from the stresses of school and bustle of home. Mushroom instils positivity in its pupils and brings joy on a daily basis, not just at showtime. It's not just a business, it's a way of life. Always in awe of what you do,

My Grandson loved his first SEN Musical Theatre session

My daughter has been going to mushroom theatre company since she was 3 and now she is 5. It has built her confidence up, helped with coordination, the progression Is anmazing and she has made long lasting friends. She also has started the acro which looks so much fun and she enjoys it. The teachers are very understanding and caring with my daughter, she loves to go every week.

I am Freya Gaiger’s grandmother and I should like to congratulate you on the fantastic work you do. I have witnessed Freya’s excitement when she knows it is the day to visit you and that excitement is as strong as ever. I must admit I was a bit confused when my daughter first told me she had enrolled Freya with you. With my old lady’s hearing, I heard the word ‘Russian’ instead of ‘Mushroom ‘ and couldn’t think how Freya would benefit but I was soon corrected. Keep up the good work. Regards Pat Dutton

Sam Burling, really loves coming to Mushroom. Lovely people ❤. Made lovely friends. Best place ever. X x x

My son really enjoys going there but there is ongoing confusion about how people who attend should enter and exit the premises (for covid purposes) especially if it is raining. Once that is resolved things will be much better. If there is any change to the latest standard procedure then it should be made very clear rather than parents/carers having to guess what it is.

Mushroom helped my shy infant blossom into a confident teenager. Penni and the team gave her so much support as an individual and as a performer and MTC's tuition helped her succeed in getting LAMDA distinctions and A in her A level drama. She has had lots of opportunities to develop her acting and dancing skills and the regular shows, workshops and other performances have been so enjoyable to watch. We wholeheartedly recommend MTC as it is fully inclusive with students with additional needs encouraged and supported to perform alongside everyone else. Thank you so much!

My daughter has absolutely loved going to Acro classes with the Mushroom Theatre Company over the last year. The teachers explain the moves in a very simple and clear manner. My daughter has grown in confidence, flexibility and all of the other students are very friendly.

My child has been coming for over a year and she is absolutely shining when I collect her from class! She has always given up most things after a few weeks but she loves dancing at Mushroom. The encouragement and support are second to none! We recently watched a production put on by the studio and it was fabulous, there was a space for everyone to shine on the stage and the sense of community on and off stage was amazing. If you are looking for a dance singing or drama class for your child look no more 😍

This is special academy for special needs kids n people. Equal people performing arts. Fee structure is minimal, bearable. There is some 1-1 sessions which will help kids to gain confidence. Every child is important and special 🙂

Love this group for my daughter who became interested in Acro when we moved to the area. Really welcoming students and teachers alike offering wonderful opportunities to perform along with regular classes developing skills and fitness. After two and a half years she just taken on another class & whilst it’s proving challenging it’s enabling her to build on her resilience not just her dance ability!

We had my daughters party at Mushroom and she had an amazing time. The team were fantastic, eager to help and made the whole process really enjoyable for all. Thank you!

I've known The Mushroom Theatre/Equal People for a number of years now and the amount of positivity that is created through the mutual love for the performing arts young and old all levels of abilities is wonderful. The level of ability is amazing very talented and awe inspiring to watch.

Staff at MTC are absolutely fantastic! My SEN daughter loves attending her sessions which has helped develop her social skills, she always comes out happy 😊

The most amazing family of talented people. Inclusive, fun and welcoming.

Kind, caring, understanding and truly marvelous. Haven't come across an organisation as supportive of young people with and without SEND anywhere else locally.

I have been coming to mushroom since I was 2 and still there now. Mushroom has helped me achieved a lot in life and has helped me to be able to now to go to dance college. All teachers there are so lovely and helpful, it has become my second family. Xxx

We are very proud to be part of the Mushroom family. My little girl started at 2 years and very shy. She went on to do her first show on stage at 2 and then again this year at 3. I always get compliments how confident she is being so young and can only but THANK this wonderful Dance school for encouraging her and helping her thrive in such a beautiful, warm and friendly environment. We couldn't recommend this theatre company enough ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have been a student at mushroom theatre company for 16 years and taken part in many singing, dancing and drama classes. Mushroom has taught me so many things over the years, not just the arts and performing. Due to mushrooms SEN provision I have volunteered since the age of 12 and now work in an SEN school. Mushroom is the most welcoming and friendly place filled with so much laughter and fun. Mushroom has a very special place in my heart.

Amazing ! Best hour I've spent on a Saturday morning for ages. Went with Sandy today and loved every minute. Staff Amazing ! Kids Amazing ! Keep up the good work . Cheers Wilko. 😉