Mushroom Theatre Company in Rayleigh provides regular classes for dance, drama, singing and musical theatre; as well as holiday workshops.
Mushroom Theatre Company (MTC) aims to promote and encourage each student to achieve their full potential in a totally inclusive, safe and happy environment. To build self-esteem and thoughtfulness to our world and those around us.
Our current term dates can be found here – Term Dates
A selection of our favourite photos from our last 20 years, as shown during the interval of “I Found A Place” in April 2024
October Half term only 3 weeks away
Charity Ball Event
End of term letter July 26
Dance with me Daddy
Grade 6 Ballet & Tap
My daughter took part in the Greatest Showmsn Carnival week. Wow, what an amazing team! X
Both my 11 year old boys have attended Mushroom Theatre Company for a good number of years now. We have always found Mushroom to be very supportive of the boys additional needs. Both my boys have a diagnosis of ASD. They both attend a SEN session every Saturday morning & workshop days during half term holidays. The young people that work with the boys are fabulous. They engage very well with the boys & always support their additionsl needs. Mushroom is a caring environment and has great facilities including a sensory room. I certainly would recommend the Mushroom Theatre company, they cater for all children and make sessions motivating and enjoyable.
My daughter started at mushroom in the infant musical theatre class as soon as she turned 5 - she is 10 now and has added classes as they years go by and loves her time at mushroom. It's such a welcoming environment, enabling my daughter to enjoy her fun classes as well as pass her dance exams in a non competitive, inclusive and encouraging environment. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Mushroom!
There honestly aren’t enough words to express just how amazing the Mushroom Theatre Company is. It’s not just about dancing/drama/singing lessons - it’s a proper little family. The talent that comes from MTC is phenomenal but more than that, it’s the morals and values that the children all develop, thanks to the incredible ethos that MTC has. Everyone is welcoming, friendly, supportive and encouraging. There’s no rivalry, or intimidation. My daughter has been part of MTC for almost 5 years now. Before that she had been at another dance school for 4 years which she ultimately left because there was an expectation and pressure for her to conform to being the same as everyone else. At Mushroom, my daughter can be herself and that is truly not only welcomed but it’s embraced by all the staff and students. I will forever be grateful to MTC for the joy they have brought to my daughters life.
Amazing team my girls love coming here and are always so happy after Honestly such a good company
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. 😉
I was privileged again this afternoon to have been invited to attend Mushroom Theatre’s show, Friend Like Me. As always, the work Penni and her team put in to establishing a totally inclusive, wonderful, inspirational theatre company simply blows me away. I am proud to know so many of the performers I saw dance, act and sing today - thank you for a fabulous afternoon xx
My daughters had the best 5 years at Mushroom Theatre 🎭 she comes home accomplished and with self certainty whist experiencing an environment of inclusivity, nurture and most importantly fun! Not only have I seen my daughter’s development but other students too. It’s a humbling sight.
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..
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 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,
A fantastic, inclusive theatre company where everyone has a place and a voice. Cannot recommend them enough - finally our boys feel like they have an extended family where they can be themselves.
My daughter has Aspergers she is very arty, loves to sing and dance, she tried 4 dance schools before this one, she loves it so much and just finished taking part in their show, which was so inspirational. I feel proud she is apart of such an amazing dancing school with lovely people.
Excellent children party staff brilliant
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 🙂
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.
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
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
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.
Our little boy has been attending the MTC for over a year now and loves every minute of it! He has come on so much in the short amount of time he has been going. The staff are amazing! Very friendly, caring, professional and super talented in all they do! Thank you x 🥰
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.
My Grandson loved his first SEN Musical Theatre session
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.
Our daughter has been attending the SEND class at Mushroom Theatre Compnay for about 7 years and she loves it! The staff and helpers are so good and all understand SEND children and is really inclusive. I highly recommend them, especially the SEND classes.
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.
After dancing since a toddler my 13 yr old was losing her love of dance until she changed dance school and joined Mushroom 🍄 I’m not sure how they do it, but they have an amazing ability to bring the kids on and teach dance at a high standard yet in a way they laugh and have so much fun without any competitiveness, building strong loving bonds between the students. My daughter has grown in personality, achieved fantastic grades and absolutely enjoys every second of her time there! She’s made new friends which extend to outside of dancing and has found her passion for dance again. I really like how they also involve the family, with regular events and showcases at the studio plus fb lives and photos to give us an insight into what the kids get up to 😁 I honestly can’t recommend them highly enough 💖
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!
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,
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.
Excellently organised my daughter had the best time at the zombie workshop and can’t wait for summer ones
Such a lovely Arts school for all children! Everyone is included no matter what their needs and for my daughter it is also teaching her how to be a caring, considerate child to everyone, because we are all equal and deserve the same chances in life.
u were all so amazing ☆☆ loved the show..so much hard work must of gone in to all the performances..massive well done to all of u ♡
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.
The most warm, welcoming, inclusive community. My son has thrived over the years that he has attended. Mushroom is part of who he is.
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.
My daughter has been part of the Mushroom family for a year now and has taken part in 2 stage shows. She absolutely loves her time in all of her classes and loves the knowledge and guidance of her teachers as well as the older children who are there for support and to lead by example. It’s been fantastic to watch her dancing skills develop over the year and we are already looking at more classes for her to join in the week. Couldn’t recommend more!
Our daughter has been attending the SEND class at Mushroom Theatre Compnay for about 7 years and she loves it! The staff and helpers are so good and all understand SEND children and is really inclusive. I highly recommend them, especially the SEND classes.
Love this group for my 12 year old 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’s just taken on another class & whilst it’s proving challenging it’s enabling her to build on her resilience not simply her dance ability! Additionally - Mushroom’s inclusivity is a very special ingredient which is vital to any community. Whether approaching from an SEN standpoint or not, being a part of this wonderful group will enrich any child or young person’s experience of theatre/dance.
My daughter joined Mushroom at just three years old (she’s now six), and from day one, she was welcomed in like family. Mushroom has played a huge role in building her confidence, and even during challenging times, like facing bullying at school, she always looked forward to seeing her Mushroom family. With three shows under her belt and currently rehearsing for her fourth, dancing has truly become her passion, and it brings her so much joy. A huge thank you to Penni and the team—what you’re doing is incredible! Keep up the amazing work!!
My niece has been coming to Mushroom theatre since she was a toddler and absolutely loves it so I thought I would join my 5 year old daughter up on Thursday to musical theatre to help with her confidence as she isn’t the most confident of children, and I can honestly say she is a different child, her confidence blossoms and every one has noticed it. She even loves the half term work shops they do
I have worked with this company for a short time a long time ago loved the company and I’m happy for how they have moved things forward
it's an awesome company to be apart of it really keep me busy as Im really interested in drama and music and theatre shows
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!!!!! 😊😊😊
This is a great inclusive theatre school. I have a child with Down's Syndrome who is non verbal and she loves going to her dancing classes Mushroom Theatre Company. They run some classes specifically for pupils with special educational needs but also integrate pupils with SEN into their mainstream classes. Their last show 'Free' showed the range of children that they teach, from very young children getting their first experience of appearing in a show, to seniors who could be heading off to dance professionally.
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! 😊👍
Both my children started here this week and I can not recommend it enough! What a wonderful place. The staff are so welcoming and friendly and amazing with the children. My son has always struggled with confidence due to his learning disabilities and it’s a huge struggle to get him to partake in anything and his first class here he was up and joining in and cannot wait to be back next week. My daughter has asked multiple times a day to come again 😂 and has thoroughly enjoyed both her classes. So happy we found this place it really is lovely 🍄 ❤️💙
This place is amazing! My daughter is autistic and has been attending attending a SEND musical theatre class since she turned three. She takes part in theatre shows every year and it has helped hugely with her confidence and her copying skills. Would definitely recommend!
The most amazing family of talented people. Inclusive, fun and welcoming.
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.
My daughter has just started with The Mushroom Theatre and she comes out of her classes with the biggest smile on her face! She cannot wait to show me or talk about what she has done! The people that run the classes are engaging, fun, and encouraging she feels very welcome and happy! Thank you so much this has been really needed after the last year!
Fantastic day!! It was my daughters first time at any theatre workshop and she absolutely loved it!
My Daughter had a fabulous time at your most recent ‘Zombies’ day! She came home excited to show us her new dance routines! The staff were very welcoming and professional. She enjoyed it so much that we have booked her in for more dates in the summer!
Grace loves Mushroom- the highlight of her week! Everyone is so lovely and she is making some lovely friends. So happy we found Mushroom- I love everything it stands for!
I have been coming to Mushroom theatre for about 15 years now and it is the best place to be and it is so friendly and all the staff are amazing people and I love coming to Mushroom Theatre Company and it is a really fun place to be and I have made so many lovely new friends at mushroom 🍄
Kind, caring, understanding and truly marvelous. Haven't come across an organisation as supportive of young people with and without SEND anywhere else locally.
As a visitor from California, I was very impressed by the happiness on the faces of the children and young adults in the various classes I observed. They are obviously accepted and treasured, no matter their ability or disability level, by both staff and their fellow students - which allows them to grow and develop to their individual potential. I wish we had a facility like Mushroom Theatre Company in Southern California.
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
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.
Absolutely amazing place to be. An all inclusive theatre company enabling everyone to be who they want to be.
Very welcoming lovely atmosphere
Lovely theatre / dance company. We have felt very welcomed since joining. They also do a big production in the theatre which is an amazing opportunity for the kids. They are completely inclusive for all children with various needs and this is what attracted me to them.
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.
Noah only started 4 weeks ago and he absolutely loves it already. Thursdays are now called Mushroom Theatre day and he counts down the sleeps in anticipation. The staff have been so helpful and welcoming, Noah comes out beaming and can`t wait to go back! So glad we gave it a go.
My daughter loves attending the SEN sessions here .Friendly helpful team very inclusive of all abilities
The show Sing Dance Clap was a wonderful show of togetherness. Mushroom Theatre Company’s approach to equality and inclusion is something to be admired. The show was beautifully created, choreographed and directed. The show had us laughing, crying and cheering throughout. As a provider for adults with learning disabilities, it is incredible to see the opportunities our guys are given and to see them treated like stars.
Absolutely loved the recent show! Every single student put their heart and soul into everything they did! An absolute credit to Mushroom! Well done all and next time I will take the advice about tissues as ended up with a soggy top 🤣🤣🤣
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
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 🙂
A fantastic, inclusive theatre company where everyone has a place and a voice. Cannot recommend them enough - finally our boys feel like they have an extended family where they can be themselves.
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 )
Behind every little dancer is an older dancer cheering the loudest 💖
We are really looking forward to our lower school showcase this Sunday 🤩 A great opportunity to see what the students get up to in class and how much they are improving! Book your tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/equalpeopleperformingarts/2457393
The PALS looking fabulous by the balloon arch in reception 🎃
Emergency First Aid at Work ✅ Big thank you to Lazarus Training for revisiting the team and giving another fantastic first aid course!
Lots of treats available this Saturday at MTC! Johnny is raising funds for his dance residential next year 🕺🏻
Junior Drama fun 🎭 #dramaclasses #drama #acting #performingarts #rayleighessex
Not long to go until October Half Term! Join us for Dance, Drama, Arts & Crafts, Games & Spooky Fun 👻 Book via this link: https://app.classmanager.com/pay-as-you-go/mushroom-theatre-company-6187
Gorgeous work in the Ballet classes 🩰 Lots of focus, hard work and improvements! #ballet #balletclass #danceclass #performingarts
🎃 Dance, Drama, Arts & Crafts, Games & Spooky Fun 👻 We have two workshops available in October Half Term: https://app.classmanager.com/pay-as-you-go/mushroom-theatre-company-6187
Junior Street working hard in their class this week 😎 we are loving seeing all of their improvements! #streetdance #streetdancing #danceclasses #rayleighessex
🥳 Birthday Parties at MTC 🥳 It’s time to celebrate, let us make your little one’s birthday as special as it can be! Enquire via this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAlJtm1agpOEBC0AM3v-juXeCAxWxHlWWLvQ4Jw94i0Kqwow/viewform
Give a warm welcome to another new team member, Michelle! Michelle graduated from Stella Mann college where she trained in RAD and ISTD in Ballet, Modern, Contemporary (Martha Graham technique), Jazz and Musical theatre. Michelle is an experienced teacher with over 30 years in the industry, and has coached and entered countless children of all ages through their grades successfully. She believes and concentrates on teaching good technical ability from an early age whilst keeping the classes fun with modern techniques. She has worked with some highly regarded examiners in ISTD. Michelle has been at the forefront of many dance shows, Theatre productions, dance displays, festivals and competitions, and has a passion for choreography. She knows what it takes having performed herself in venues such as the Bloomsbury Theatre London. She believes that the love she has for dance passes on through her teaching, and she encourages the children to believe in themselves and to grow with confidence. We are so happy that Michelle has joined us and the students are loving her classes already 🤩
The MTC teaching team is growing, say hello to Vikki! With over 30 years of experience in the performing arts and entertainment industry, Vikki has built a diverse career spanning performance, education, creative direction and leadership. Beginning as a professional dancer Vikki developed a deep understanding of live performance before expanding into choreography, show creation, and large-scale entertainment productions across the UK and Internationally. Vikki’s career has encompassed both creative and operational roles, from choreographer and director to event management and production support, providing a comprehensive perspective on bringing ambitious projects to life. Alongside industry work, Vikki has spent many years shaping the next generation of performers and creatives through senior positions at leading performing arts colleges and universities. We are so excited to have Vikki’s talent and energy in the studio ✨
UPDATE : As it stands the A127 is closed due to a serious incident further down the road. The slip road to us is closed and unlikely to be open any time soon - maybe try the back roads and walk through alleyway? Woodlands or Wyburns Ave 🫤
🎃 Dance, Drama, Arts & Crafts, Games & Spooky Fun 👻 Join us this October Half Term: https://app.classmanager.com/pay-as-you-go/mushroom-theatre-company-6187
Our new hand painted collection pot that Erin very kindly brought in this week after our last one broke! Thank you Erin, we love it 🍄
This Saturday at MTC 😍 only £1 per cake and they are seriously tasty!!
Dress up, dine, and dance the night away! A spectacular 3-course meal followed by an unforgettable ball. Grab your finest attire and your favourite people! Book via the link: https://mushroomtheatre.co.uk/ball-2026/
MTC was set up in 2004, with the express aim of promoting the social and therapeutic benefits of the Performing Arts, alongside the aim of creating a fully inclusive theatre company for the community.
A key part of what we do is integrating disabled students with their non-disabled peers in all our classes. We believe this approach is beneficial to everyone. All are welcome to attend our classes-regardless of gender, race, sexuality or ability. We believe this provides an excellent opportunity for the development of social interaction.












