About Razzamataz Theatre Schools


Inspiring Confidence & Creativity Through Award-Winning Performing Arts Education

Established in 2000, our mission is to create a vibrant future where every young individual can open their eyes and minds to their limitless potential through exceptional and engaging performing arts education. 
We believe that every child should have the chance to shine, explore their creativity, and develop essential life skills. Our classes are led by highly experienced practitioners in dance, acting, and singing, covering both musical theatre and commercial styles. While we focus on building confidence and nurturing creativity, we also emphasise the development of soft skills that are vital for success in all areas of life. Skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and resilience are woven into our curriculum, helping students not only to express themselves artistically but also to thrive in social settings and future careers. 
 
At Razzamataz, we provide exciting opportunities for our students to take part in performances, overseas trips, workshops, and industry-led masterclasses. These experiences go beyond the classroom, allowing students to apply what they learn in real-world contexts and build lasting memories and friendships.  
 
Our founder, Denise Gosney, made waves when she appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, securing full investment and solidifying Razzamataz as one of the most successful and inspiring entrepreneurial stories in the performing arts space. Her vision continues to drive us forward. Today, Razzamataz stands as a leading provider of exceptional performing arts education. As a recognised franchise brand, we take pride in our numerous industry awards and our partnerships with global giants like Mattel, Warner Bros Studios, Universal, 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, and TUI. 
 
Join us on this incredible journey where we empower young people to not only develop their artistic talents but also the soft skills that will help them navigate life with confidence and compassion. Together, we can create a future filled with creativity, collaboration, and endless possibilities!

Meet the Senior Support Team

At Razzamataz Theatre Schools, we believe that exceptional performing arts education starts with an exceptional team. That’s why we continually invest in the professional development of our franchisees, teachers, assistants and managers, providing access to expert training, coaching and innovative resources. From strategy days and creative workshops to business coaching and franchisee retreats, our team is empowered to thrive, ensuring students receive the highest quality guidance and training to unlock their full potential in the performing arts.

Denise Gosney – Founder & Managing Director

Denise is not only an accomplished business professional and a franchise specialist but also a passionate advocate for the power of performing arts in shaping young lives. With extensive experience as a business coach and mentor, she has dedicated herself to creating a nurturing environment where creativity and confidence can flourish. Her journey has been marked by numerous accolades, including the prestigious Prince’s Trust Business Woman of the Year and multiple wins at the British Franchise Awards. 
 
These achievements reflect her commitment to excellence and her innovative approach to business. One of Denise’s proudest accomplishments is the establishment of global partnerships with iconic brands such as toy giant Mattel and Warner Bros Studios. These collaborations have enriched the Razzamataz experience, providing students with unique opportunities to engage with the industry and connect their passion for performing arts with some of the biggest names in entertainment. 
 
Despite her many successes, Denise remains grounded and deeply connected to the heart of Razzamataz. She seamlessly balances her role as Managing Director with being a dedicated mum to her two boys, infusing her work with the same love and enthusiasm she brings to her family. Her vision continues to inspire both students and staff alike, as she cultivates an environment where every young person can thrive and realise their limitless potential.
Denise the founder and managing director of Razzamataz with a student at Razzamataz.

Matthew Rayson
Operations Manager

As the Operations Manager Matthew ensures  all aspects of the business runs smoothly. Starting at 16 on work experience, he became a manager and later the franchise owner of Razzamataz West Cumbria. Now, he supports franchisees across the network, helping them achieve their goals while upholding our high standards.

Hayley Limpkin
Strategic Support & Business Development

As a former multi-award winning Razzamataz franchisee of 12 years, Hayley is excellently placed to support others in the network. Hayley is a purpose driven leader, passionate about giving back to communities while mentoring students and team members to achieve exceptional growth. 

Suzie McCafferty
Business Consultant

Suize is bfa accredited and the Principal Franchise Consultant at Platinum wave. With close to 25 years of first-hand international franchising experience, she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and is a well-known personality and judge in the franchising world.

Jason Gosney
Operational Support and Health & Safety

Jason supports franchisees with franchise compliance, Health & Safety, communication and more recently retail. He provides logistical support to ensure that our franchisees have everything they need to run their businesses seamlessly.

Emily Louise Connor
Creative Director

As a former Razzamataz teacher and franchisee, Emily combines her extensive knowledge with her creative brilliance and work as a mentor and coach. Through her passion for the arts, she is able to unlock the brilliance of our teams of teachers, assistants and managers. 

Claire Walford
Systems Support & Brand Compliance

Combining her role at Head Office with being a long-standing franchisee, Claire’s extensive experience working with numerous financial and IT software makes her ideally suited to support Razzamataz franchisees with improved technology and systems, as well as ensuring brand compliance. 

Meg Cruse
Administration and Social Media Assistant

Having grown up taking dance and musical theatre classes from a young age, Meg trained at Dance City’s BA (Hons) Professional Dance degree in Contemporary Dance. Meg has been assisting and teaching in both studio and education settings for a number of years. Meg is an experienced primary school teacher and loves helping children to grow in confidence and skill. 

Meet the Success Team

The Onboarding Success Team is a group of our successful franchisees who are willing to share their knowledge, experience and best practices with new franchisees. This team is dedicated to providing personalised support and guidance, helping newcomers navigate the initial steps of starting their journey with us. 

  • Samantha franchisee at Razzamataz Leighton Buzzard
  • Debbi franchisee at Razzamataz Newbury
  • Charlotte franchisee at Razzamataz Maidstone
  • Nick franchisee at Razzamataz Sutton Coldfield
  • Lauren franchisee at Razzamataz Weymouth & Razzamataz Dorchester
  • Claire franchisee at Razzamataz Mansfield & Nottingham
  • Kasey franchisee at Razzamataz Thurrock

Meet the Events Team

The driving force behind our inspiring and unforgettable experiences, the events team ensures every detail is carefully planned and flawlessly executed.

  • Debbie Hyslop: Events Project Manager
  • Helen Bell: Events Project Manager
  • Asha Richardson: Enrichment Project Manager
  • James Pennell – Tutill: Co-Curricular offerings
Meet the Franchise Advisory Council

This team comprises current franchisees and plays a key role in ensuring open communication between franchisees and the franchisor, helping to improve operations, marketing, training and overall franchisee satisfaction.

  • Michaela franchisee at Razzamataz Bristol North & Razzamataz Bristol South
  • Charlotte franchisee at Razzamataz Maidstone
  • Samantha franchisee at Razzamataz Leighton Buzzard
  • Kasey franchisee at Razzamataz Thurrock