Swish of the Curtain – Take the Stage

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, Founder

Classes for Ages 4-6

Classes for Ages 7-14

Classes for Ages 15+

COVID-19 Latest Guidance from Swish

To all of our wonderful Students, Parents and Carers In [...]

Swish of the Curtain Theatre School

4.8

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

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 Greenfield

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.

Danny Lingwood

2017-07-15T10:43:56+0000

Kirsty Jayne Aston

2017-06-11T11:40:41+0000

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

Eschley Wilkinson Abramow

2017-02-21T15:00:22+0000

Amber Ryder

2017-02-20T03:24:21+0000

Kerrie Gray

2017-02-19T19:26:25+0000

Amanda Milson

2017-01-28T20:13:18+0000

Daughter absolutely loves it here, and is always so excited every Saturday for her class.

John Burwell

2017-01-21T15:45:46+0000

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

Jason Mr-Barber Bailey

2016-10-03T15:12:22+0000

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

Olivia Coram

2015-09-06T18:17:56+0000

Leah Emery

2015-09-04T14:37:05+0000

Jess Ellis

2015-07-31T18:51:12+0000

Cassie Park

2015-07-13T15:25:05+0000

Deborah Daniels

2015-06-01T18:18:59+0000

Kellee Mein

2015-05-02T09:58:19+0000

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

Grace Taylor

2015-02-18T09:25:02+0000

Dominic Clarson

2015-02-10T18:24:08+0000

Tammy Winifred Marie Bailey

2015-01-07T19:41:13+0000

Jack Hebditch

2014-11-14T22:48:51+0000

It's amazing love swish it's an amazing place for singing, acting and dance

Sam Smith

2014-10-01T19:53:00+0000

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

Megan Dodds

2014-08-26T06:02:04+0000

Alex John Rimell

2014-08-08T23:14:02+0000

Lottie Savage

2014-07-19T16:23:04+0000

Charles James Donnelly

2014-05-28T22:11:41+0000

Charles McLeod

2014-03-25T18:26:30+0000

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

Safi Segouini

2014-02-22T12:27:43+0000

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

Jessica Grist

2014-02-17T20:02:53+0000

Sue Pinfield-wells

2014-02-15T13:59:16+0000

Olly Cooper

2014-01-24T19:28:55+0000

Kathryn Yusuf

2014-01-22T21:19:24+0000

Hilary Edge

2014-01-17T11:01:31+0000

Claire Mcpherson

2014-01-04T19:16:10+0000

Marine Cauchard

2013-12-16T21:21:00+0000

Abby Robbins

2013-11-24T19:39:37+0000

Cindy Smith

2013-10-03T06:55:58+0000

Maya Meredith

2013-10-03T06:29:57+0000

Arthur Janes

2013-10-02T21:18:24+0000

Nathan Vallory

2013-09-25T06:45:15+0000

Lindsey Ames Downing

2013-09-21T23:06:04+0000

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

Georgina Gill

2013-09-02T12:58:23+0000

Sarah B Glasswell

2013-08-31T07:36:30+0000

Louise Jessica

2013-08-28T18:56:26+0000

Stew Plumridge

2013-08-22T20:06:00+0000

Andrew Catmull

2013-08-18T08:50:50+0000

Yolanda Giddings

2013-08-17T09:04:27+0000

Arianne Michelle Arcilla

2013-08-15T22:19:18+0000

Melissa Timms

2013-08-14T14:21:36+0000

Tilly Ingle

2013-08-11T09:34:46+0000

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.

Amy Richmond

2013-07-29T22:15:10+0000

Next Reviews

“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.”

Elisha Homer, Facebook