Inner Voices – new Singing group open to all
We're very excited to announce a new singing group for adults, where no audition or experience is necessary! Come and share your love of music and enthusiasm with us and our singing teacher, Chelsea. Don't let the fact that she's a professional signer put you off!...
Carnival Week 15-19 August 2016
It's Carnival time! We've decided to go ahead and enter Southend Carnival again this year, collecting money for Equal People Performing Arts whilst performing along the seafront on the Saturday evening. Our theme will be "Rio", complete with songs and characters from...
Alice in Wonderland – 16 April 2016
Our Junior and Senior Drama groups are currently busy preparing a production of Alice in Wonderland. The production will take place on Saturday 16 April at Holy Trinity Church Rayleigh: 2pm Matinee for Mushroom Theatre parents and friends 6pm Evening performance for...
Word up! Little Mix workshop coming to Rayleigh this Easter
How ya Doin'? If you're Going Nowhere on Thursday 7 April then maybe the fun-packed workshop we have planned in These Four Walls (some call it a Madhouse, but officially it's the Equal People Performing Arts Towers) could Change Your Life... or at least the day. If...
Studio 29 – Mr Bean Night – 8 March
Are you ready for a Mr Bean night at Studio 29? Studio 29 is our exciting social group for disabled young people and those with additional needs aged 13 and over. Held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Equal People Performing Arts studios, Rayleigh at 6.30pm till...
Quiz Night – 19 March
Back by popular demand, we're holding a Quiz Night on Saturday 19 March at Equal People. As always there'll be a prize for the winners, and lots of fun for all! Tickets are £6 per adult, and you can create your own team of up to 6, but we'll create teams on the night...
Term Dates
Mushroom will be closed for classes (except PALS) throughout half-term week, so there will be no classes on Saturday 20 February. We're back to normal from Monday 22 Feb, with the next Saturday Spectacular being 27 Feb. PALS will continue as normal on Monday and...
Christmas Break
This Saturday, 19 December will be our last session for the term. Classes resume on Monday 4 January, with the first Saturday back being Saturday 9 January. We'll also be drawing our Christmas hamper raffles on Saturday and Lee's coat raffle.
“Open Classes” Sat 12Dec
This Saturday, 12 December, we want to give parents and carers a chance to see what their children have been doing in classes over the last term. This isn't always possible as it can be distracting for the students, and isn't always appropriate for some of the...
ELF Christmas Holiday Workshop – 30 December
We are running a full day’s musical theatre activities workshop on Wednesday 30 December, 10am-3pm, open to all children of all abilities aged five and above. Participate in Singing, dance & drama sessions and create a fun, lively short production to music from...
Clothing Recycling
Thinking of sorting out your wardrobe to make room for Christmas presents? We can turn your unwanted clothes into cash for Equal People PA. Drop your bags of clothing off at the Studios - we can accept clean clothing and shops, but not socks or underwear. Thanks!
2016 Ball
Save the date - our Annual Ball will be on Saturday 30 April at the Mill Hall Rayleigh. Further details to follow
Parking
Thanks for your patience and understanding over the diminished parking, while some of our neighbours have building work carried out. Those able to may wish to park further down the road - or on adjacent roads - and walk down to the Studios, saving valuable space for...
Christmas Fayre – 29 November
Little Theatre Company, who also meet at the Equal People Studios, are holding a Christmas Fayre at the Park Inn Southend on Sunday 29 November from 11am to 3pm. With a range of gifts, stalls and entertainment, the event is open to all with free entry.
Studio 29 – resumes in January
Unfortunately we've had to delay Studio 29 - out social club for young people with additional needs - and it will now resume in early January. Contact Us if you want further information.
Spook-tacular Hallowe’en Disco
Come and join us for eats, drinks and mischief at our Spooktacular Hallowe'en Disco on Friday 30 October, 4-6pm. Tickets cost £6 and are available from the Mushroom Theatre Company reception at 29 Brook Road Rayleigh. Fancy dress is optional. Contact us for more...
Holiday Workshop: Thiller
This October half-term we're running a fun-packed day of song, dance and drama with a Thriller theme. The workshop will run from 10am to 3pm on Friday 30 October, for children aged 5 and above. The day costs just £15, and children should bring a packed lunch. To...
Studio 29 is back – social group for young people with additional needs
After a short break, Studio 29 - our exciting social group for disabled young people and those with additional needs aged 13 and over - is back! Starting on Tuesday 3 November, and then on the first Tuesday of the month from 6.30pm till 8pm, we will be offering the...
Mobile Mushroom Schools Workshops
Our new schools brochure is now available from the Office, or can be downloaded here. Examples of our work in Schools includes: Book Week Workshops: Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory History Challenges - The Greek Tragedies. WW2 -Learn the Lindyhop Cross...
I Dance: U Dance – new Dance sessions in Rayleigh with Parents & Toddlers in mind
Mushroom Theatre Company are launching new dance sessions on Friday mornings, specially designed with Parents and Toddlers in mind. Our new studios give us an exciting new opportunity to run two classes simultaneously: Adults in one Studio, Children in the other......
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Congratulations on another great show
Having been asked to let the best audience of the show know that it was all over, I thought about being clever and tying it in with the jokes that had interspersed the show. Maybe asking "What do you get if you cross an inspirational dance teacher, 84 students and an...
Finding Seevic
A few people were asking for directions, so here's a map for you! Post code is SS7 1TW if needed. While I'm at it, a reminder about arrival times for students/performers: Thursday 4.30pm Friday 6.00pm Saturday 1.00pm [map id="6"]
Charity Chinese Night – Monday 13 July
With all the excitement of the show, we've not made much fuss of Penni's upcoming birthday and our Charity Chinese Night, but it's not too late to reserve your place! A mere £15 will get you an "all you can eat" buffet at East in Southend...
Amended Timetable – Sat 11 July
There will be classes held next Saturday for those that want to attend, but we fully realise that many of the children in the show (or at least their parents) may prefer a rest on Saturday morning. For those that don't, classes will be as follows: time Studio 1 Studio...
Show FAQs
Hey all, with the show rapidly approaching, there have been several questions over the last few evenings while I've been on reception that it may be worth sharing more widely...! Tickets will be available at the rehearsal on Sunday. Extra rehearsals You'll have the...
Additional rehearsals
Sorry...! Monday 29th - 5.30-6.30pm Junior Dance & Grade 1 and above Ballet/Tap/Modern Saturday 4th - 2.30-4.30pm Senior Dance, Junior Dance & Grade 1 and above BMT
Show Updates
Several updates related to the show for y'all.. TICKETS Saturday evening is now almost fully booked. If you want Tickets for any of the performances please get an Order Form from Reception. Performances will be 7.30pm on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July, and also at...
Happy Birthday Nanny Pat
Costume designer extraordinary - sorry, Wardrobe Mistress - friend of many, and chief-honcho of "Woody's Line Dancing" here at Equal People too... A VERY Happy Birthday to Nanny Pat. MTC and Equal People really wouldn't be the same without her. Pat has put together...
Summer Holiday Activities
MTC are pleased to announce this Summer's activities! Junior PALs is back every Monday and Wednesday for 8-16 year olds with additional needs (exc Bank Holiday) We'll also be holding One-day Workshops open to all children aged 4-11 on the following Thursdays:...
One Brick at a Time – Show Rehearsals
There will be a Show Rehearsal on Sunday 5 June: Everyone should come to the Equal People Studios at 10am, and groups will finish at... 12 pm - Babies & Primary finished 1 pm - Infants & Junior Drama finished 2 pm - Juniors & Specials finished 5 pm -...
Ballet Be Fit – special offer for supporters
Tina's kindly extending a special offer to supporters of Equal People at her BalletBeFit Class here at our Studios - every Wednesday at 7.30pm You can try this fantastic low impact body conditioning class for just £2.50 if you present this post at the beginning of...
Quiz Night 27 June
It's Quiz time again! Similar format before, but different questions (or so we're led to believe). Bring a Team or just come along and we'll create Teams on the night - no excuses! Tickets are £6. Come down at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, and bring any drinks or nibbles...
Timetable Changes
With showtime looming we're making a few changes to the Saturday Timetable from 13 June: 12.00-1.00 Grade 1, 2 & 3 Ballet 1.00-2.00 Grade 1, 2, 3 & 4 Tap 2.00-2.45 Grade 2 & 3 Modern 2.45-3.30 Grade 4 Modern All other Classes will be at their usual times....
Disney Day – 28 May
Come and join us on Thursday 28 May for a day of singing and dancing to your favourite Disney movie songs, including Frozen, Cinderella, The Lion King, and many more... and a guest appearance from a Disney Princess. The workshop day runs from 10am to 3pm at our new...
Summer Show 2015
We've booked Seevic for our Summer Show, to take place on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July. There will be a Dress Rehearsal at Seevic on Thursday 9 July, 5-7pm, and then one show Friday evening and two on Saturday (matinee and evening). There may be additional...
Easter Raffle
Congratulations to the holder of Ticket 603 - please contact us about your Easter Cake, as we don't know who you are! Congrats to Jessie too, winning second prize, and Sam B winning the picture quiz. There were 123 sweets in the jar, but Brian came closest guessing...
Easter Workshops
We're pleased to announce our Easter Holiday Workshops... Tuesday 31 March - Frozen singing and crafts day Sing along to your favourite Frozen songs, and make some Frozen-themed crafts to take home. Suitable for age 5+ Wednesday 1 April - Grease Day After some fun...
Charity Curry Night – 16 March 2015
MTC are arranging a Charity Curry Night in aid of Equal People, and celebrating Pat & Amanda's birthdays at the same time. Our friends at the Tandoori Parlour in Thundersley are hosting the event, 7.30pm on Monday 16 March. Tickets are on sale now from MTC/EP...
Half Term Reminder
Classes will run as normal on Saturday 14 February, but not on Saturday 21 February. PALS will be meeting as usual during half-term week, but regular classes will not. Don't forget the Frozen Workshop on Tuesday, and Funky Feet on Wednesday - bookings now being taken....
February Fun
This February half-term we have two fun-packed days for you... Tuesday 17 February - Frozen Singing and Arts Day Spend the morning learning songs from the hit film and then the afternoon making Frozen-inspired crafts. Wednesday 18 February - Funky Feet A day of funky...
Grand Opening Celebration
Equal People Performing Arts, the new home of Mushroom Theatre Company, is pleased to announce its Grand Opening Celebration Sunday 25 January 11.30am - 4.00pm 29 Brook Road Rayleigh Come along and see our newly-built fully-inclusive studios, and take part in a free...
Reviews wanted
Have you been to see a good show recently? We'd love you to write about it for our new "Student Reviews" blog series. It doesn't need to be really long - write (or draw) as much or as little as you want. You might want to include some of the following information: The...
New Timetable, Venue and Number for the New Year
We're moving on 20 December to 29 Brook Road. Our new landline number will be 01268 906470, and our new timetable of classes can be seen here.
racenight.me.uk – recommended!
If you've enjoyed one of our Race Nights then you'll already have seen the materials provided by racenight.me.uk - get in touch with them if you want to run a race night for your organisation!
Hallowe’en Fancy Dress Disco 29 October
We're holding a Hallowe'en Disco on Wednesday 29 October, 5pm to 7pm Tickets £5 - call the office to book in!
Frozen Workshop 28 October
Back by popular demand! Another FROZEN Workshop on Tuesday 28 October, 10am-3pm. Limited places available - register now to avoid disappointment and secure your place . £17.50 per child, please bring a packed lunch, plenty to drink, and comfortable clothes. Further...
Race Night 25 October
We're holding a RACE NIGHT on Saturday 25 October, 7pm, at MTC, Lubbards Farm. Tickets are £6, which includes a fish (or sausage) and chip supper, with races on the night just £1 a bet. Contact the office for more information and to buy your tickets.
It’s CARNIVAL time – let’s “move it move it” along Southend sea front
It's been an exhausting week for many but none of the team regret a minute of it. The Madagascan float is looking awesome, and we're almost all set. Here's a sneak peak at how it looked as the windows were painted onto the New York skyline: King Julien, Alex, Melman...
Happy Birthday Penni
Feeling brave... very brave.... It's Penni's Birthday today! Happy Birthday Penni x If you hadn't realised, and are feeling bad that you didn't get a present, you can always make a donation to the Charity. Roof tiles last longer than a bunch of daffs or bottle of...
End-of-Term Updates
Wow - a whirlwind of an Anniversary year! The End of Term is drawing closer, with this week being the last classes for a few weeks. Of course, there'll still be plenty going on over the Summer, with Workshops and - of course - Carnival Week. Check August's...
Award-winning success
Thanks to everyone who came to the Awards/BBQ at the weekend. We raised £616.98 towards the building fund, and it's been great to see so many comments on photos on Facebook too. We'll get some of the photos and video online as soon as we can. Particularly honoured to...
Equal People selected as Charity of the Year by Sainsbury’s Rayleigh
We were very excited to hear that Sainsbury's at Rayleigh Weir have chosen us as their "Charity of the Year" for the next twelve months. We're looking forward to working with them, especially as we'll be so close to them once the new building is ready to move into.
Ballet Brilliant…
Massive congratulations to all the students who did their Ballet exams recently. Every one of them passed.... with a merit or distinction! They've all worked so hard, and the excellent results were very much deserved. Well done to all of you... and to the Teachers...
Letter from Penni
Dear All, Many of you will know that for the past 8 years we have been fundraising to enable us to develop a fully inclusive performing arts centre, a place of our own for everyone to benefit from and continue to enjoy the performing arts regardless of ability, social...
Weekend Teaser
Here's a bit of fun for the weekend... We have carefully selected a random photo of a certain Mrs B, that's just crying out for a suitable caption. There's a catch though: to see the picture you have to 'like' this post. We have several bits of news to add to the site...
Summer Holiday Workshops – Bookings now being taken
We've got a host of fun-filled days planned for the Summer Holidays. Frozen, Lion King, Matilda, 1D and Disney Workshop Days... and Carnival Week! Further details can be seen here. Places are limited so contact us to book ASAP. Payment is required in advance to secure...
Super Hero Run: 3 weeks to go
With just three weeks to go to the SuperHero Run in Regents Park, here's the lowdown on all you need to know, whether you're running or cheering on! Not yet registered to run... Time is running out, register here today! Enter your name and contact info on the first...
Tapas Night – 23 April
Essex Horse & Pony Protection Service and Equal People PA are holding a joint fundraising Tapas Night on Wednesday 23 April at Marcos Bar, Eastwood Road, Rayleigh from 7pm. Three course meal costs £20, and profits will be shared between the two charities. Further...
Amazon Instant Video – 30 day trial
Take a 30 day free trial of Amazon Instant Video (formerly LoveFilm), and we receive £2!
Easter Holiday Workshops
As ever, we have some fun-packed workshop days lined up for the school holidays for children aged 5+... Tuesday 8 April Going on a Bear Hunt Spend the day making beautiful artwork & props to tell the beloved children's story at the end of the day. Thursday...
Give it a shake for charity
well, that got your attention! For those who thought "I can't dance as well as that" during the show, our next event requires no skill or talent... This Saturday, 15 March, we've been given the opportunity to collect parking charges from a Car Park in Basildon Town...
Superheroes wanted
Just a reminder: we still have places available... The Doitforcharity.com Superhero Run will take place in London’s Regent Park on Sunday 18 May 2014 and we have 25 places. Registration costs £22, which covers the administrative costs and your very own Super Hero...
What a week!
Although played somewhat tongue-in-cheek and purely for fun after the shows, the sound clip says it all... Well done everyone on four fantastic shows - children, parents, helpers, volunteers and staff alike. Sitting up in "the box" and drifting about in the...
It’s showtime!
If you're coming to watch, we look forward to seeing you, but would just like to remind you... We've taken photos and video, so you can leave your cameras at home. Make sure you know where the "silent" option is on your mobile 😉 Refreshments, programmes and raffle...
Celebrate Show DVD
Show DVDs will be available shortly, priced at £15. Proceeds will be supporting Essex Media Workshop, who are producing the DVDs, and our own charity Equal People PA. DVDs can be ordered in person (download form) or online below, but we will not order in your DVD...
Show Photos – remember your first time?
We're preparing a display for showtime, and would love to include photos of current performers first MTC show. If you have any photos at home (we're sure you will) of your first Mushroom show we'd love to have a copy. We will of course have photos available at this...
Show Ticket enquiries
All Ticket enquiries should go to Pat Mitchell please, so that Penni can concentrate on what she does best. You can email Pat via the Contact Form, selecting "Show Ticket enquiry" from the dropdown box, as shown below: Thanks in advance for your understanding and...
Show Update – Classes & Rehearsals
Not long to go! The VIP show starts in... [event_countdown id="1" event_id="1088" format="dHm" type="flip" size="70"] There are a few changes to classes next week, and some additional rehearsals. Although students and parents have been told about the changes, we...
Show Update: Hangers please!
Can all performers please bring a named skirt/trouser hanger to MTC for their costumes please! Thank you kindly.
Pop ‘n’ Olly
1D Day: 21 February
Back by popular demand! We'll be holding a One Direction workshop on Friday 21 Febrary, 10am-3pm at Mushroom Theatre Company. Cost £15 - packed lunch and drink required. Call or email for more details.
Show Update: Extra rehearsals
As some of the show items involve more than one class, we need to arrange some extra sessions with everyone involved in those dances all together. There'll be extra rehearsals as follows: Saturday 8 February 12.45-1.30pm Primary, Grade 1 and Grade 2 Ballet Monday 10...
Can you help….?
Five weeks 'til showtime, eek! (update - only 2 now, extra eek!) Our Celebrate show is a really special event for us, celebrating ten fantastic years, and many great achievements. We want to make the show accessible to as many people as possible - physically and...
Website updates: January 2014
Email Subscription Want to keep updated with all things Mushroom? You should now see a black "follow" box in the lower right of the screen, click it, enter your email address, and receive an email every time we post an update. Facebook Update Our Facebook page URL has...
Show Update: Man in the Mirror
Our integrated performance, Man in the Mirror, created for the London 2012: One Year On event will be part of the Anniversary Show: Celebrate. There will be extra rehearsals for all those children who were in it before: Friday 7 Feburary 4.30-5.30pm Saturday 15...
Show Update: Seniors – extra classes
There will be an extra session for Seniors on Fridays, 4.30-6.30pm from now until the show. Enjoy!
December Fundraising Update
Thanks everyone: we raised an amazing £1072 in December with your help. Here's how: Hamper Raffle £179 Facepainting £68 Merchandise £70 Christmas Cards £190 Donations Jar £315 Concord Club £200 Rawreth Parish Council £50
Show News: “Celebrate”
Our Ten Year Anniversary Show - Celebrate! - will take place during February Half-Term at Seevic College. Participation in the show is entirely optional, but all the children and parents who have been involved before would attest it it being a wonderful experience and...
Happy New Year
We're looking forward to a very exciting 10th Anniversary Year, and invite you all to share in it! We'll be posting more next week, but we've got a Curry Night later this month; a show in February; the Ball and Super-hero run in May, and maybe a new building soon too...
Amazon: 3 Blu-rays for £17
Amazon currently have a range of Blu-ray discs on a 3 for £17 deal. Equal People receive a small contribution if you order via the link below too 🙂 Three Blu-ray Titles for £17
Web news… and snow!
We've been making a few tweaks on the website, moving a few links around and adding some more information. There'll be more information added about Equal People over the next few days too. You'll probably have noticed several new posts, and there's a few more still to...
Super Hero Fun Run
The Doitforcharity.com superhero run will be taking place in London in May 2014. Thousands of people are expected to take part raising funds for hundreds of different charities and now this is your chance to join them! No previous experience is required and with a bit...
Exclusive Offer on Theatre Tickets
MUSHROOM THEATRE COMPANY & EQUAL PEOPLE PA presents a fantastic opportunity to purchase top price tickets to see the outrageous new laugh out loud comedy production of The Duck House at the Vaudeville Theatre ★ ★ ★ ★ The Daily Telegraph Help raise funds...
Christmas Disco – Sun 22 Dec, 5-7pm
What better way to kick-off Christmas week than the MTC Christmas Disco? Come and join us Sunday 22 December, from 5pm to 7pm for festive fun, games and dance. Tickets available from MTC reception, £3 each.
PALS now twice a week
Our Performing Arts Life Skills Workshop (PALS) for adults with additional needs has proved so popular that we're now holding it twice a week. PALS will run on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9.30am to 3.30pm, offering the chance to meet new people and make friends whilst...
November Picture Quiz Winner
Congratulations to the Lydfords on winning the November Picture Quiz - the only people to get all 20 correct. Thanks to everyone who took part, helping us to raise £35 for Equal People. We'll have a new quiz available at the weekend. In case you don't believe us,...
Christmas Gifting Fundraiser
A number of people have asked about supporting Mushroom Theatre Company and Equal People PA this Christmas. MTC Staff ask that rather than buy them gifts you donate to the Charity, but it was also suggested that others may want to invite their friends and family to...
Rayleigh Lights – Thursday 28 November
Our Singers will be performing at the Rayligh Lights switch-on this year, together with our Infant class that usually meets at that time. Infants and Singers should meet at the performers' tent outside Boots at 5.15pm ready to perform at 5.30pm. Penni's letter asks...
Grade 1 Ballet
Congratulations to Grade 1 Ballet, who took their exam at the weekend. As ever, they worked extremely hard and gave their best. We'll take a break until after Christmas now though, so no Grade 1 Ballet on Wednesdays for a few weeks. Have a well-deserved rest girls!
Last Sweatshirt order of 2013…
We're about to place an order of MTC Hooded Sweatshirts. If you want one, please let us know ASAP as this will likely be the last chance to get one before the big man in the same coloured suit comes (no not Steve, the other fat chap that turns up later in December)....
Announcing the Mushroom “Big Bash” Anniversary Ball – 10 May
It's time to celebrate: 10 years of fantastic MTC fun. Make a note in your calendars, tell your friends, book the night off, scrawl the date in lipstick on the side of the fridge... whatever you need to do.... just make sure you don't miss out and regret it. Saturday...
Halloween Disco
Boogie with the best... Mushroom's having a Halloween Disco on, well, Hallowe'en - Thursday 31 October from 5pm to 7pm. Tickets cost £5 per child, available from MTC or call Penni on 07985 422485
October Half-Term Workshops
This October half-term, MTC have two workshop days running, open to children aged 5+ Tuesday 29 October Mamma Mia Day Come along and learn songs and dances from the hit West-End show with a short performance at the end of the day. Thursday 31 October Spooky Arts...
Photos and Videos
Hi All If you have photos or videos that we can add to the website please let us know. We're adding some new tools today that will mean we can showcase photos and videos much more easily, and should also make it possible for anyone to upload photos to the website...
Classes & Exam Update
With exams this weekend, there will be a few changes to the timetable from next week. Monday night becomes Grade 1 Tuesday night becomes Grade 3 Wednesday night is now Grade 2 Primary Ballet from 9am Saturday Most children simply carry on coming at the usual time -...
Mamma Mia, starring Penni Bubb
For those who missed it, ITV's Surprise Surprise arranged a very special surprise for Penni Bubb, with a little help from a few of the many parents and teachers whom she has inspired over the past nine years after setting up Mushroom Theatre Company. You can view the...
Local Dance Teacher recognised by “Surprise Surprise”
PRESS RELEASE STATUS - Restricted until 20:00 UK-time Sunday 22 September 2013 Local Dance Teacher recognised by “Surprise Surprise” Local dance teacher, Penni Bubb was recognised for her contribution to the community by Surprise Surprise this week. Penni, who founded...
Rags to Riches
Before you ask, the title has nothing to do with Penni 🙂 As you probably know, Mushroom Theatre Company and Equal People continues to find new and innovative ways of raising funds to realise the dream - a local fully-inclusive venue. As you'll see from some of the...
Southend Carnival 2013
On Saturday 17th August Mushroom Theatre Company once again entered the Southend Torchlight Carnival Procession; this year with a SHREK-themed float and dancers. Everyone had a great time (despite the wind, though at least it wasn't the following weekend with all that...