Top Performer

Since it started franchising in 2006, Razzamataz has opened almost 50 schools in the UK

Razzamataz Theatre School launched in 2000 and started franchising in 2006.

Denise Hutton-Gosney, managing director and founder of Razzamataz, says: “The last 10 years have been a whirlwind and it’s incredible to see what we have achieved in a relatively short amount of time.

“My appearance on Dragons’ Den in 2007 propelled us into the limelight and the opportunities that have come since Duncan Bannatyne made an investment have been amazing.”

Successful partnerships

Since the Den, Denise has grown the franchise business to almost 50 schools up and down the country. There have been hugely successful partnerships with the likes of Her Majesty’s Theatre, The Stage newspaper, Barbie and Universal Pictures.

“In 2017 we look set to build on these opportunities further with partnerships with Disneyland Paris and Eurocamp,” Denise says.

“These high profile partnerships are such good ways of building our brand and letting more people know what we offer in our schools throughout the country. Many of our school principals tell us that many of their students found out about them through one of these connections, so we know how important it is to continue to grow partnerships on every level.”

During the last 10 years, Razzamataz franchisees have come from a wide range of backgrounds and built successful businesses that fit flexibly around their lifestyles.

The UK network includes many parents - and a grandparent - with young children, teachers who have left the profession to focus on Razzamataz and performers who combine working professionally with being a school principal.

Flexible opportunity

Michael French, principal of Razzamataz Barnet, says: “Having worked in musical theatre for 12 years, I needed to move on, but I wanted to stay in the same industry.

“Having the flexibility of putting in the hours I want, when I want, has enabled me to stay in the industry I love and allowed me to continue performing.”

Charlotte Young, principal of Razzamataz West Cumbria, was one of the company’s first franchisees, opening her school in 2006.

“I don’t know where the time has gone,” she says. “The training, support and amazing people I have met on my journey so far, plus being able to work around my little boy and family commitments, has been such a bonus.”