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, Parkstone, 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, Founder
“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!”
2405, 2022
New Branch at Ballard School
From September, the Swish brand will include the wonderful Ballard [...]
2405, 2022
Summer Schools 22
This Summer it’s all about those troublesome Trolls, not to [...]
1603, 2022
Encanto Easter School
This Easter it’s all about the Disney film that everyone’s [...]
1603, 2022
Ferndown Opening
NEW CLASSES AT BARRINGTON THEATRE, FERNDOWN Saturday mornings from the [...]
Jo Stalley
2022-02-28T18:34:53+0000
Excellent teaching and the annual show is run with true professionalism. A real community spirit amongst all the staff and the kids,... creates friends for life.read more
Roxy Banks
2021-09-10T10:00:44+0000
My son and daughter did the Moana summer school this year and absolutely loved it. They had so much fun all week, coming home telling me... all about all the games they’d played. The staff are lovely and the performance they put on after only a week of learning was incredible and adorable! Highly recommend.read more
Amanda Knight
2021-09-09T13:33:01+0000
Ava has been going to Swish since she was 6 and is now nearly 12yrs old. She has achieved so much - it's incredible that a girl who would... barely speak to anyone can get up on that stage and as she has just done at the Fame Summer School sing a whole solo song. It melts my heart to watch her perform and it has done so much for her confidence in all aspects of her life. The teachers are so supportive and encouraging; she has truly found a love for performing and I'm excited for her future. Thank you so much Swish for giving her the opportunities.read more
Ellen Seiss
2021-09-08T15:50:15+0000
My daughter attended the Moana summer school and she absolutely loved it!!! I can highly recommend it. Great performance too. X
Jo Parkes
2021-08-26T18:04:57+0000
My daughter started with Swish last September and has whole heartedly loved every single session 🥰
At the beginning of August she attended... the Moana summer school and every day she came home absolutely buzzing and couldn’t wait for the next morning! To the point that on the last day (after the amazing performance from all the kids) she cried and cried the whole way home because she just did not want it to end! Thanks Swish for making it such an enjoyable experience for her, Lucy is already counting down to classes resuming! 💫read more
Georgina May Bloomfield
2021-08-24T13:45:16+0000
Emily absolutely loved her week here! Having not done anything like this before we were apprehensive but she made a friend whilst waiting... outside and that was it! She would come home every night and show us the moves she has learnt. She thoroughly enjoyed her performance and loved having to learn lines.
The instructors were all so friendly and welcoming! Even when my daughter didn’t own dance shoes and I was running late to the final performance! I couldn’t fault the instructors especially Miss Leah who was a favourite in our house! Can’t wait to send her weekly and develop her newly found theatrical talent!read more
Stacey Harriss
2021-08-22T19:13:17+0000
My two girls have been coming to Swish since they were three years old and they love it! Recently they attended the Moana Summer school and... both didn’t want the week to end! The show they performed in at the end of the week was just great! Amazing how it was put together in just 5 days! Fantastic! 👏🏻🤩read more
Alice Angel
2021-08-16T20:18:05+0000
My daughter loved Fame summer school this year. It was her first year in the older group so we thought it may have been daunting being one... of the youngest there but she came home buzzing each day and was really sad on Friday night when she realised it was all over! She made some lovely new friends and she loved the teachers also. The end of week show was amazing-for only a week of practising. Will definitely be returning for a few more years!read more
Emily Hewitt
2021-08-16T19:51:46+0000
Our daughter had the most wonderful week with Swish. She is not from the Bournemouth area but was welcomed so warmly and fairly auditioned... too. She is already planning a return to Swish next summer with some of the girls she met this year! Fabulous experience.read more
Aisha Tucker
2021-08-16T16:11:29+0000
My daughter had a wonderful week with Swish. She was enthusiastic about showing me what she learnt each day. A great, fun week!
Natalie RM
2021-08-16T15:41:03+0000
Jemima (6 years) took part in the Swish summer school production of Moana at Avonbourne school in July 2021. Jemima was cast in her first... role as Maui and she did a fantastic job! It was clear that all of the children had been ably coached in the singing and choreography and all of the hard work paid off culminating in a charming production of this Disney favourite. That is not to mention the fun that was had and the friends that were made. Jemima loved it and can’t wait to join in next year….and thank you!read more
Kate Kendall
2021-08-16T15:23:56+0000
Super enthusiastic teachers who really get the best out of the children. My daughter gained so much confidence in 1 week, it was really... incredible to watch. She couldn't wait to go in every day (which was great to see as the guilt of having to work can be huge!) Every second was thoroughly enjoyed, and this shone through in their final performance. Can't recommend Swish enough!read more
Lisa Taylor
2021-08-16T14:52:25+0000
My son loves everything about Swish! He attends every week in term time and has just finished a week long summer school and came home... saying he wishing it could continue. He’d go every day of the summer holidays if he could, quite the recommendation from a teenage boy!!!
As parents we loved the show they put on, it’s incredible what they do in a week!
His confidence has grown so much under the guidance of all the teachers, it really is a special place. Thank you all for what you do and for keeping them engaged and focussed during lock down too 🥰read more
Rebekah Withers
2021-08-16T14:47:37+0000
Rosie loved her summer theatre school with Swish and although she was shy for a lot of the week, still managed to participate in a show.... She had a great time, thank you :).read more
Rhiannon Snow
2021-08-16T14:38:57+0000
Arianna absolutely loved her summer club! Would highly recommend to anyone thinking of booking into future summer clubs 👌🏽
Katy Dalton
2021-08-16T14:17:35+0000
Our girls thoroughly enjoyed their Moana summer school workshop and can’t wait to do another in the future!
A fabulous show at the end of... the week which we all enjoyed.
Thank you!read more
Joy Louise
2021-08-16T14:04:50+0000
My 8 yo had never done anything like swish before and whilst she was quite the performer at home, it was a big leap to hit the stage,... especially as she didn’t know anyone there. But the staff at the summer school really encouraged her and enabled her to relax and enjoy the week and have the time of her life performing on the Friday… thank you xxread more
Ian Clark
2020-02-23T14:27:20+0000
If you love seeing young talented performers expressing themselves in a magical environment, then check out Swish of the Curtain's... production of Peter Pan at Bournemouth Pavilion tonight.
Fun, energetic, great stage set, fantastic music and even some flying...you will not be disappointed.
http://www.bic.co.uk/whats-on/peter-pan-2020/read more
Lisa Lazell
2020-02-23T13:11:30+0000
PETER PAN at The Pavilion - if you haven’t got tickets yet, GET THEM NOW - last 2 performances today of Peter Pan!! Such an amazing show,... the whole cast is so talented, especially Oliver Payne as Peter and the production, choreography and music is second to none!! 🧚🏻🧚🏻🧚🏻
Best musical performance I’ve ever seen from a theatre school!! Well done to everyone involved 👍😁
Swish has simply transformed Amelia’s life, she has gained so much confidence and self belief from attending the school, made lots of new friends and can’t wait for Saturday to roll around to get back to her class 😊 especially proud as this was her 4th year of auditioning for a part and she finally did it!! 🥰read more
Susan Michelle Sharp
2020-02-23T13:07:55+0000
What a fabulous community of children! We’ve been part of the Swish family for many years always encouraging all the children.great... confidence booster and make new friends
We love Swishread more
Annika Stanley
2020-02-21T17:15:18+0000
We saw Peter Pan today and it was brilliant! So much talent on the stage, especially Peter Pan himself - my daughter loved the flying!... Fantastic scenery too. Well done guys 👏👏👏read more
Ingrid Milton
2020-02-20T21:58:04+0000
I was blown away by today 's professional performance of Peter Pan.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend everyone to see it! Thank you...
Tina and Chris! 😍read more
Natalie Orton
2020-02-20T21:37:45+0000
Wow 🤩 We loved Peter Pan 👊What a show, what talented performers, what a set, what fabulous directors. Hugest thank you Tina for such a fun... afternoon xxxread more
Tanja Pepin
2020-02-20T21:37:02+0000
What an AMAZING AMAZING performance of Peter Pan!!! W😍W!!! Such a great team of stars you have ⭐️ 🌟 ⭐️ Hats off to all at Swish, we all... absolutely loved it! xxread more
Juliet Rogers
2020-02-04T19:44:12+0000
The skill level of teachers! It has been a game changer for my daughter and has helped her develop in so many different ways. She feels... empowered and challenged but never overwhelmed during lessons. Teachers are really attuned and work to champion all children. A sign of greatness in my book. Thank you Swish. True skill and commitment.read more
Emily Hitchins
2020-01-09T21:39:05+0000
My daughter enjoys going to Swish every week. It has helped massively improve her confidence. The shows they put on are the highlight of my... year.read more
Steve Callear
2019-12-18T14:06:17+0000
Swish is a fantastic organisation whom provide youngsters with the confidence and self esteem to be able to tackle all of challenges they... will face in life in a fun, interactive wayread more
Emma Blake
2019-12-16T10:38:31+0000
My daughter loves her time at Swish, she looks forward to going every week. the dance teachers are so lovely and kind. I'm really glad I... found them for my daughter to enjoy her singing, dancing and acting 🙂read more
Lana Andersin
2019-12-07T10:10:57+0000
it's very professionaly run . the staff are fun and friendly. the classes are awesome my daughter loves it . and had learnt so much 😍
Holly Perkins
2019-11-23T08:06:29+0000
My daughter has been going to Swish for the last 4 years from baby ballet to now main stage classes she thoroughly enjoys it and really... looks forward to it every week! Staff and teachers are fab too! Thank you Swish 😁read more
Jasmine Branca
2019-11-20T09:48:55+0000
I started working for Swish in September as a teaching assistant for different pre school and intro classes. I've honestly never had a job... that makes me this happy! I am incredibly grateful to have such a fun, rewarding job where I get to teach so many wonderful, talented children. The team at Swish are so kind and welcoming and I could not be happier!!!read more
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
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
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 Long
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
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
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
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 Bronsell
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