Welcome to Swish of the Curtain
We are the South Coast’s leading part-time theatre school, which is why more people choose us to train their children than anyone else!
Every new student is entitled to a 2 week taster course to make sure Swish is the right place for you!
We currently run classes in Bournemouth, Christchurch, New Milton, Poole, Ringwood, Southbourne and Winton.
Swish boasts some of the best tutors in the area in all aspects of the Performing Arts. We are unrivalled in the shows, opportunities and professional engagements that we offer.
“I have always believed that children should be given every opportunity to fulfil their dreams and my school is proud to train not just those with natural talent, but those with passion and enthusiasm as well.
Yes, it is important that talent is nurtured, but equally important is ‘creating’ the hidden star within every child which enables them to succeed, not only in the industry, but in life itself…their future.”
Tina Witham, Principal
“The teachers and assistants are incredible, so loving and caring, they really go above and beyond with their support and assistance with the children. I’d highly recommend Swish.”
“…absolutely amazing! You showed us what substance and depth you have as a group!”
Tamzin Outhwaite, Actress“Quite simply outstanding!”
“Wow! What a performance!”
Bradley Walsh“I knew Swish would give it their all. If it’s possible to do such a thing, I think they gave even more than that!”
“Such a professional show. Loved the sets, the band, the costumes and the enthusiasm of the actors. Well done to all!”
“Wow! You are going to be one tough act to beat!”
Kerri Gardiner
2019-09-14T06:33:15+0000
I am a teacher at swish of the curtain and there all so lovely students and teachers highly recommend them!
Danni Marie Ellis
2019-02-11T19:38:37+0000
Our daughter started at Swish this January. We have found her teachers to be friendly and enthusiastic and they clearly enjoy what they do. Our daughter really looks forward to going to her classes each week and having watched a little end of term show this eve, we were amazed at what she’s learned in such a short time. She’s now excited about working towards the summer show! 🙂read more
Lindsey Osborne
2019-01-27T08:58:54+0000
My daughter loves Swish and always has a smile on her face when she goes and comes home. Her confidence is growing all the time. A great friendly Theatre School. Her words are "Amazing experience ".read more
Jane Rimell
2019-01-25T22:47:36+0000
Fantastic teachers at a great school providing a very high standard of, not only teaching, but nurturing confidence and drawing the best out of every student and ability. Our daughter has enjoyed being here for many years whilst our son, who joined at a comparatively late age has developed in ability and confidence in just 6 months. Life skills and friendships are the added benefits to what is an amazing and creative outlet.read more
Claire Elms
2019-01-25T18:31:44+0000
My daughter joined swish of the curtain 7 years ago a shy 7 year old with very little self confidence. Swish has provided her with the opportunities to help build her confidence whilst enjoying her passion for dance, acting and singing.read more
John Rimell
2019-01-25T14:21:36+0000
Fantastic teachers at a great school providing a very high standard of not only teaching but nurturing confidence and drawing the best out of every student and ability. Our daughter has enjoyed being here for many years whilst our son, who joined at a comparatively late age has developed in ability and confidence in just 6 months. Life skills and friendships are the added benefits to what is an amazing and creative outlet.read more
Jim Cowdery
2019-01-21T11:05:08+0000
We asked our kids to tell us what they think about Swish. Eliza, our daughter, now 12, said: "Well, I couldn't imagine my life without it. It has made me believe in myself and showed me that dreams can come true." Her brother now loves it too. Thank you so much Swish 🙏🙏read more
Mel Greenham
2019-01-20T06:02:20+0000
My daughter is absolutely loving her classes at Swish. Her confidence has grown which is amazing to watch. I cannot fault the staff they are so organised and professional the kids adore them. The workshops inc are so invaluable and fun. Highly recommend.read more
Ian Clark
2019-01-18T22:33:00+0000
Swish classes are fun and highly informative. Teachers share knowledge and experience and seeing kids' confidence grow throughout the year is fantastic. Whether you want to learn and performan just for fun or if you wish to pursue a career in Musical Theatre, Swish will stand you in good stead.read more
Jemma Bosworth
2019-01-18T20:50:06+0000
My daughter attends swish, her confidence and skills continue to grow week on week. Highly recommended.
Emma Burton
2019-01-16T11:51:49+0000
Swish is a fabulous class for children to attend. They get to have a mixture of singing, dancing and acting and my daughter adores it. The Summer show was so amazing last year and the staff are very helpful and supportive.read more
Rachel Campbell
2019-01-16T10:01:01+0000
My daughter started Swish at the age of 6 (she's now 8) and has absolutely loved it from the very beginning. She has always been confident but to see what she learns and watch her development is amazing. She can't wait for every Friday Eve. The teachers at Swish are all very encouraging and supportive but also very good at encouraging improvement. The amazing summer showcases are a highlight to be able to watch her perform with all of her very talented peers.read more
Christina JC
2019-01-15T22:34:15+0000
5* Such an amazing school for dance, song and drama. Our daughter loves attending and it's great to see her confidence growing at school and home thanks to Swish! 😊read more
Clare Davy
2019-01-15T22:18:52+0000
After four years attending Swish, my son still loves the dancing, acting, singing and socialising with like minded children.
Ray Hardie
2019-01-15T21:37:57+0000
Really proud of our little Disney Princess. Swish has really brought out the confidence in her and she is only 5. Can't wait to see what she will grow up to be when she is older.read more
Claire Cannie
2019-01-15T21:13:10+0000
my daughter loves her lessons at Swish! the teachers are all so amazing and her confidence has grown massively! if recommend to anyone!
Leah Emery
2019-01-15T20:55:53+0000
My daughter has been coming here since she was 3 she loves swish all of her teachers are brilliant with her. The yearly show is always really good.my daughter has gained alot of confidence since coming aswellread more
Carrie Venables
2019-01-15T20:46:36+0000
Best decision we ever made coming to Swish! Everyone is so lovely and fun, my 5 year old daughter always looks forward to lessons. Definitely recommend!read more
Mia Judge
2019-01-15T20:43:20+0000
My daughter loves attending her Swish sessions on a Saturday afternoon...its the highlight of her weekend! Great teachers who have great passion for what they do..love the big shows in the Feb halfterm and the Summer showcases it's a great opportunity to see all the hard work which the Swish team put in...Amazing!read more
Simon Pestell
2019-01-15T20:32:28+0000
my son is very happy attending, constantly talks about and praises Swish. Highly recommended
Sigvine Radley
2019-01-07T21:15:44+0000
My lg has been going since she was 2.5 years old and she absolutely loves it there. It's been the perfect combination of dancing, singing acting...perfect for my never still, little drama queen child 🙂 and she absolutely adores her teachers presents and past. Have already recommended Swish to many people. Xread more
Victoria Crawford
2018-08-09T14:04:59+0000
Outstanding Theatre school 🎭 🌟 . Very professional and dedicated to its pupils.
Sonja Magnusson
2018-07-06T21:21:08+0000
Went to see the Swish show “Come Alive” last night and enjoyed it so much I went again tonight. The amount of talent on the stage was tremendous, such a professional show. The effort by all involved to create a show like that must have been huge, even without all the setbacks it would have been a massive task. I absolutely take my hat off to everyone at Swish and the Lighthouse Theatre for their hard work, sheer talent and resilience under pressure. Amazing!read more
Michelle Coren
2017-07-16T16:21:29+0000
Just watched my daughter and friends in schools out at the lighthouse . So proud, all the kids were amazing . Huge thanks to Matt, Beth and John for all their hard work on Fridays, and everyone involved with the show . Freya absolutely loves swish . Brilliant!read more
Carol Calf
2017-07-16T05:39:48+0000
Saw your performance of Oh What A Night at Poole Lighthouse last night. Fabulous so professional.
Sarah De Lisle
2017-05-24T18:15:20+0000
My son was one of those children who, when it came to the time of the school play, would be quite happy with the role of Spear Carrier or Sheep in the Nativity. The closer he was to the back, the happier he was. One day, though, he told me he quite enjoyed singing and he started music lessons. A few months later he said he would quite like to learn drama. I asked around and was firmly told: 'Swish is the place to go'.
And thank goodness that's the place he went...he LOVES his Saturday afternoons at Swish and has never looked back. This summer he will be performing with his group at the Lighthouse, and, through Swish's fantastic network of contacts, he has appeared as an extra in commercials and feature films, all since he joined in September 2016! A heartfelt thank you to all at Swish for transforming my son into a confident, outgoing boy and for giving him the chance to appear in front of the film cameras.....experiences he will never forget.read more
Amanda Milson
2017-01-28T20:13:18+0000
Daughter absolutely loves it here, and is always so excited every Saturday for her class.
Paula Dickson
2016-10-19T06:17:51+0000
My daughter just started and she love it. Every week after class she ask if she is going to have a class on the next day as well. ... I am so happy! !!read more
Ian Clark
2016-07-17T15:09:21+0000
Took my son to see 'One' yesterday. Absolutely fantastic. Some real talented kids there. My son's in Ferndown Phoenix Music Society production of Oliver this year and would love to join Swish once he's done that..read more
Lindsey Aldington
2016-02-19T22:22:08+0000
Just back from watching a fabulous performance kids loved it. Well done to all those involved amazing performance.
Elaine Sealey
2016-02-19T16:57:25+0000
Excellent performance of Bugsy Malone this afternoon. Loved every minute of it despite having a family of sniffers, munchers and chatterers behind us!
The hard work and commitment of all the students is obvious and there were so many talented young stars amongst the cast. Very well done!read more
Kelly Moore
2015-02-20T22:21:37+0000
I would just like to say I took my daughter to see the wizard of oz yesterday (19th February) and it was very good both her and myself enjoyed it, she has not stopped talking about it .
Well done to all involvedread more
Jack Hebditch
2014-11-14T22:48:51+0000
It's amazing love swish it's an amazing place for singing, acting and dance
Adele Hamilton
2014-09-21T12:04:58+0000
My son James aged 10 has been going to swish for about a year and really loves it. He's become so passionate about drama since going which is a credit to the teachers. The end of term shows are brilliant and give the parents an insight to all the hard work both staff and pupils do throughout the year.read more
Deanne Gajewski
2014-03-13T16:33:19+0000
I was at swish of the curtain from a very young age, although I did not pursue a career in theatre I have been taught many valuable skills which I carry with me throughout my adult life and have helped me as a business women. I have many amazing memories at swish! Highly recommended!read more
Danni Brown
2014-02-21T10:02:06+0000
Just wanted to say I saw Oliver Twist at the 2pm show yesterday and it was epic ! So good me and my sister loved it ! X
Dionne Ambrose
2013-09-05T22:15:36+0000
Fantastic drama school. My son has been going for 8 years from the age of 6. He has made some life long friends (and so have I). The teachers are amazing and it is like one big happy family. The TV/Film agency has provided lots of parts for my son and through the help of Swish of The Curtains he has toured all over the country in a stage production.read more
Karen Nesling
2013-08-07T07:57:30+0000
This school has done wonders for my shy son who now has extra parts! It has also been a great support to my daughter whose energy and enthusiasm has been chanelled. I am so recommending this school!read more
Maria Travers
2013-08-01T08:30:41+0000
Fantastic School, lovely teachers, my daughter's confidence has grown so much since joining Swish.
Swish Of The Curtain6 hours ago
"I believe in destiny. I believe destiny opens doors for you but it's up to you to walk through them"...
Swish Of The Curtain13 hours ago
Did you know? Research shows that children who sing/dance/act/play are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement...
Swish Of The Curtain1 day ago
Did you see us on the news?! Thanks to @bbcsouthnews and @AlexisGreenTV for coming along to our @DowntonAbbey premiere! Here’s...
Swish Theatre School6 days ago
Do you want your children to improve their listening skills, problem solve, show empathy and gain more confidence?
Those...
Swish Theatre School2 weeks ago
We have a few spaces available on Saturday mornings at our NEW branch in POOLE.... DON'T MISS OUT 🌟🤩
...
Swish Theatre School2 weeks ago
Building up confidence, resilence and bringing out the best in every child through the magical world of DANCING, ACTING and...
Swish of the Curtain Theatre School
Here's our last show in just 60 seconds - I wonder what the next one will be..? Clues coming soon 🙂