Burton couple win national competition to launch new theatre school

A local husband-and-wife team are celebrating after winning a national competition to launch their own performing arts business.

Ben and Rachel, from Burton-on-Trent, have been announced as the winners of the Future Founders Competition, run by award-winning franchise Razzamataz Theatre Schools, securing them a franchise worth thousands of pounds plus a £10,000 business grant. They will now open Razzamataz Burton on Trent in September 2026, bringing new opportunities for local children to build confidence, creativity and
life skills through dance, drama and singing.

Razzamataz Theatre Schools, which famously appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, is celebrating 25 years of supporting young people and entrepreneurs across the UK. To mark the milestone, the company launched the Future Founders competition to “pay it forward” and help aspiring business owners start their own theatre school.

For Rachel, the win is the culmination of a journey that started in the classroom. “I had worked as a teacher at Razzamataz Mansfield and Nottingham for several years and absolutely loved it,” she said. “The ethos is so inclusive, it’s not just about teaching children how to dance or sing, but about helping them grow into confident young people. Being able to bring that to our own community is incredibly special.”

Ben, who previously worked as a performer before moving into a career as an accounts manager during the pandemic, says the competition gave him the chance to reconnect with his passion for the performing arts while building something meaningful.

“I had always wanted to run my own theatre school,” he said. “Razzamataz stood out because it’s not about just creating professional performers, it’s about belonging, confidence and personal development. Winning a franchise and a £10,000 grant really is a dream opportunity.”

The couple impressed judges with their detailed application, shared values and commitment to inclusivity. After weeks of preparation and a live pitch to a panel of industry experts, they were named winners, with the announcement coinciding with Rachel’s birthday weekend.

“It was a total surprise,” said Ben. “We were already with friends and family, so it turned into a double celebration. We were just so proud that we fully committed to the process.”Rachel added: “We want our school to be open to all children – not just the strongest performers. It will be non-competitive, nurturing and community- focused, where families feel they’re part of something special.”

The competition was judged by a panel including Denise Gosney, Founder and Managing Director of Razzamataz Theatre Schools, who praised the couple’s vision. “Ben and Rachel stood out for their passion, preparation and shared commitment to inclusivity and community,” she said. “They truly understand what Razzamataz stands for, and we’re incredibly excited to welcome them into the network.”

Ben and Rachel are now beginning their training and onboarding with the Razzamataz head office team and are already attending national events to learn from other franchise owners ahead of their September 2026 launch.

Local families will soon be able to benefit from a brand-new theatre school right on their doorstep and for Ben and Rachel; it’s just the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

About Razzamataz Burton-on-Trent

Razzamataz Burton-on-Trent is a part-time performing arts school taking place on Saturdays during term time, offering fun, confidence-building classes in singing, dancing, and drama for children aged 4-18.Students can take part in a wide range of activities from performing in London’s West End to overseas trips as well as scholarship opportunities to continue their training even after they graduate. The
high-quality performing arts training and life skills will be offered to children of all abilities across the region.

To register your interest at the school complete this form.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Principals Rachel and Ben on burtonontrent@razzamataz.co.uk or 07455065462.