Mushroom Theatre Company in Rayleigh provides regular classes for dance, drama, singing and musical theatre; as well as holiday workshops.
Mushroom Theatre Company (MTC)Β aims to promote and encourage eachΒ student to achieve their full potential inΒ a totally inclusive, safe and happyΒ environment. To build self-esteem andΒ thoughtfulness to our world and thoseΒ 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
End of term letter July 26
Dance with me Daddy
Grade 6 Ballet & Tap
Showcase extra Drama Rehearsals
Runfest 12th July 2026
Choreographic Showcase ‘The Process’ β Sunday 5th July 2026
Great Dance and Theatre company! My daughter loves all the classes she attends. Staff are fantastic! So accommodating, great at harnessing talent and ability!
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 🤣🤣🤣
My daughter loves attending the SEN sessions here .Friendly helpful team very inclusive of all abilities
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!
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!!
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 daughterβs development but other students too. Itβs a humbling sight.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I am Freya Gaigerβs grandmother and I should like to congratulate you on the fantastic work you do. I have witnessed Freyaβs 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 ladyβs hearing, I heard the word βRussianβ instead of βMushroom β and couldnβt think how Freya would benefit but I was soon corrected. Keep up the good work. Regards Pat Dutton
I love going to mushroom theatre company as it is really fun.
Fantastic day!! It was my daughters first time at any theatre workshop and she absolutely loved it!
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 π
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.
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.
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.
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 (Iβve lost count how many). Itβs 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. Itβs meant over the years that not only has my son been welcomed by the team of staff at Mushroom, heβs 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. Weβve 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. 🥰
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 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 was privileged again this afternoon to have been invited to attend Mushroom Theatreβs 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
u were all so amazing ββ loved the show..so much hard work must of gone in to all the performances..massive well done to all of u β‘
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.
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.
Excellently organised my daughter had the best time at the zombie workshop and canβt wait for summer ones
Very welcoming lovely atmosphere
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.
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 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 )
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. π
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.
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.
Excellent children party staff brilliant
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 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.
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
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!
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 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.
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! 😊👍
My Daughter had a fabulous time at your most recent βZombiesβ 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!
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
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 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!
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. Thank you Mushrooms 🍄
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!
My Grandson loved his first SEN Musical Theatre session
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!!!!! 😊😊😊
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
Such a great place; teachers are all brilliant with a wide variety of classes that give opportunities to try new things. I feel that Mushroom is so much more than just a dance school - thereβs a real, strong sense of community and inclusivity here where everyone is encouraged to reach their own potential.
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
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 itβs proving challenging itβs enabling her to build on her resilience not just her dance ability!
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!
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..
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.
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
My daughter joined Mushroom at just three years old (sheβs 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 teamβwhat youβre doing is incredible! Keep up the amazing work!!
Amazing was a truly wonderful show
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
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!
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 🍄
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!
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!
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 😊
Mushroom Theatre Company has been an incredible experience for my 3-year-old. She attends three classes a weekβtap, modern, and balletβand itβs 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!
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 comeβ¦.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 didnβt 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,
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
The most amazing family of talented people. Inclusive, fun and welcoming.
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!
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.
Our studios are used for so much more than our own classes. π We love seeing local businesses, groups and organisations making use of the space, and every studio hire helps support the work we do at Equal People Performing Arts Looking for a space locally? We'd love to hear from you. π
Park visit as part of yesterdays Essex Activate Workshop
2 weeks to go until weβre back in the studio π€© Thinking of joining the MTC family then this is the perfect time! β¨A fun, welcoming space for all ages with classes in many different styles β€οΈ Qualified teachers who care about your growth π Lots of performing opportunities, including a yearly full school show π ISTD & LAMDA exams πͺ Build confidence and grow valuable life skills Visit the link in our bio or message for more information #performingarts #performingartsschool #newyear #newgoals #rayleighessex
β¨ Want a fantastic night out that also supports a local charity? Our Autumn Charity Ball is one of our favourite events of the year, great food, brilliant entertainment, and an amazing community coming together for a cause that really matters. π If you're looking for an excuse to get dressed up this October, we'd love to welcome you. All the details are in the post below. π
We have had a fantastic start to our Summer Holiday workshops π₯³ There are limited spaces left for the rest of summer, message us to get booked on!
SEND FEST - The PALS boys had a fantastic morning performing at Marsh Farm with send_fest last week! #sendfest #sendcommunity #inclusion
End of Year BBQ & Awards π A big thank you to everyone for another amazing year! See you all back in the studio from Tuesday 1st September
This Saturday, the final cake sale of the year! Donβt miss out on the yumminess π
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.












