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 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!
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! 😊👍
Friendly setting which seems to not only be a hub for children through to teenagers to all spend time together, but also a fantastic setting for people with additional needs. My daughter has been attending the SEN session for approximately 2mths once a week and has now stayed for the holiday club and has settled amazingly which is a huge thing for her and all credit for that to mushroom!
We absolutely adored this year's performance! To witness the relentless work and passion that went in from all teachers and staff made it truly memorable. The creativity, planning and talent witnessed was second to none, but more importantly the dedication and enjoyment from all the children was easy to see from the audience! Such happy faces, to be in such an inclusive environment actually made me cry. It was our sons first show with Mushroom theatre group, and from the moment we first entered the premises, we knew we had made the right decision. Having had previous experience of other dance schools with my elder children, the difference was plain to see. Passionate, dedicated staff producing the most amazing and entertaining shows, whilst nurturing the children and making them so happy. We laughed, cried, and cheered. Roll on 2024's show!!
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 six year old attended the zombie dance workshop here and loved it the staff where so good at making sure she felt comfortable will defiantly be attending other workshops here
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!
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.
Cant say enough good things about MTC. It truly is an inspiring and wonderful place for ALL children to thrive. Everyone is accepted with open arms, irrespecive of their abilities and provided with the opportunity to perform on stage They have just concluded their annual show at the Chelmsford Theatre and it yet again blew all the parents away. To see their children shine in such an amazing and inclusive environment always brings a lump to the throat Thanks to Penni and Team for all the amazing work you do
Absolutely amazing place to be. An all inclusive theatre company enabling everyone to be who they want to be.
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.
The most amazing family of talented people. Inclusive, fun and welcoming.
My two children 6 & 10 one with SEN both attended the Halloween 🎃 workshop and disco. They had such a fun time learning some routines and playing games. My son has kept the Zombies theme going all week making himself a costume and carrying on with the routine he learnt. Mushrooms helps my daughter to build her confidence and independence in a safe environment where we can relax for the day knowing she is in safe hands.
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 🙂
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 💖
The Mushroom Theatre Company are a credit to the community near & far! My son, is SO HAPPY. THAT MAKES FOR A HAPPY HOME LIFE/FAMILY. HAPPY YOUNG PERSON! 🙂 He attends weekly singing, dancing and drama classes & is excited to return every week. I am over the moon to have found a fully inclusive theatre school that caters for EVERYONE, irrespective of age, gender, disability, e.t.c. Keep up the good work, Mushroom Theatre! 🍄
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!
Very welcoming lovely atmosphere
Amazing was a truly wonderful show
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.
Excellently organised my daughter had the best time at the zombie workshop and can’t wait for summer ones
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!
My twin 5 year olds love attending infant musical theatre every week and last week I got the opportunity to watch, which was amazing! Penni talked through everything they were doing which all made a lot of sense and it was lovely to see the confidence that my 2 children have developed during their time here 🥰
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 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!
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.
Such a brilliant company for children who are mainstream or have additional needs. My son, who has Down syndrome and Autism has been coming here every Saturday for tap dancing and musical theatre for years (I’ve lost count how many). It’s a safe space for him to explore his individuality and meet with others. When he was younger, he attended the themed days during the holidays, which is such good value for money. The company run a buddy system, where the older students come and help out. It’s meant over the years that not only has my son been welcomed by the team of staff at Mushroom, he’s been made welcome by every single student in that dance school. It has felt like a family to us for years, for which we are eternally grateful. Now that my son is 18, he can attend the PALS sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays, where again, he gets to socialise and learn life skills with others who also need that little bit of extra help in life. We’ve experienced dance shows at Chelmsford theatre with Mushroom Theatre company for the last 2 years and both occasions were amazing, with the SEND children intermingled with the mainstream children. With a different classes available, there is something out there for everyone. Plus I understand they do adult classes for ballet and tap too. Whether your child/young adult is mainstream or special needs, this is the place to be. 🥰
My daughter had her 5th birthday party at MTC this afternoon and we couldn't have been happier. Ellen and Sophie were amazing with all the children, and taking the time to sign to the hearing impaired children in the group was really appreciated. Nice big studio space, and plenty of facilities for adults too (tea, coffee, sofas etc) I wouldn't hesitate to book again!
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!
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 🍄
MTC has given my girls so much more than just the ability to dance. Since they both joined 7 years ago their self confidence has grown, they have made new friends and have found a hobby they both love. Penni and her team go above and beyond to make every child feel like a superstar! Thank you MTC.
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.
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.
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.
I have just started Adult Ballet and been made to feel very comfortable & welcoming
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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 🥰
Sam Burling, really loves coming to Mushroom. Lovely people ❤. Made lovely friends. Best place ever. X x x
Having worked with children and young people with SEN and disabilities for over 10 years, I can honestly say MTC are the only truly inclusive setting I have ever known. They are amazing, they just get it - no judgements or token gestures. Able bodied members get as much out of it as those with difficulties. They are a genuinely unique and wonderful family that restore your faith in human nature xx
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 is such a welcoming place! From the moment we started taking Lucy here everyone very quickly knew her name and treated us like we'd been coming forever, it's great value and Lucy is always happy knowing she's going and even happier after her class. I'd have no hesitation in recommending Mushroom to anyone!
Excellent children party staff brilliant
My daughter took part in the Greatest Showmsn Carnival week. Wow, what an amazing team! X
Daughter has been attending the SEN Saturday class for well over a year - absolutely fantastic people and place - with a special shout out to Amanda, Niamh and Dionne x Andy Hughes (not sure why Allen Chambers comes up !)
This isn't just your everyday dance school, there is a very special feel about this place. The teachers are extremely welcoming and friendly and make the children feel at home. The children strike up fantastic friendships and are supportive of each other. My daughter loves coming here and calls it her second home! Would highly recommend this lovely place.
Great Dance and Theatre company! My daughter loves all the classes she attends. Staff are fantastic! So accommodating, great at harnessing talent and ability!
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.
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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
An absolutely wonderful dance school. They are kind, inclusive and very good value. Everyone is, not only welcome, but treated like family. I wish I went here as a child.
My daughter does the acro class at Mushroom she absolutely loves it there. The teacher and helpers are amazing with the kids, and my little one has made lots of friends there, she was soo happy to be part of the annual show which was absolutely amazing, would highly recommend x
I love going to mushroom theatre company as it is really fun.
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.
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.
Fantastic day!! It was my daughters first time at any theatre workshop and she absolutely loved it!
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.
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
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.
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 😍
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 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
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.
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. 😉
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!!
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,
Lower School Showcase! Superstars from start to finish 🤩 well done everyone!
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 🫤
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.












