Imagine being given the financial support to take the first steps toward your dream career as a young person. That’s exactly what Razzamataz Theatre Schools is making possible, thanks to a dedicated charity founded by Denise Gosney, the company’s Founder and Managing Director.
The Future Fund is Razzamataz’s very own registered charity, created to support students in their next steps in the performing arts. It is made possible through generous fundraising across the network, helping dreams become a reality for talented young people across the UK.
About the winner
Darcy Edwards from Razzamataz Mansfield has been named the 2025 Future Fund winner, receiving a £3,000 scholarship to support her studies in Musical Theatre at The Arden School of Theatre in Manchester.
“Honestly, just shocked,” says Darcy, describing the moment she found out she had won. “I don’t know what other words to describe it. I’m really happy and it’s a massive relief financially.”
The funding will go toward accommodation and general living expenses as Darcy begins her degree this autumn. “I always planned on getting a job and I still will,” she adds, “but the Future Fund grant has given me peace of mind and the financial stability to know that if I need something to help me for my course, I can invest in it without worrying about where I need to find the money from.”
Darcy’s Razzamataz Journey
Darcy joined Razzamataz Mansfield in September 2017 at the age of 10, drawn by her love for the performing arts, despite being a naturally shy child. More than anything, Darcy credits Razzamataz for shaping her confidence and encouraging her to pursue a future in performing arts. “When I joined, I was not the most confident child. I loved performing but was very shy. Razzamataz encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, thanks to all my teachers and the friends that I made.”
Since then, she’s enjoyed a wealth of unforgettable experiences, including performing at The O2, His Majesty’s Theatre, and Shaftesbury Theatre, and travelling to New York as part of an educational enrichment experience with Razzamataz “I absolutely loved the New York trip, it was an incredible opportunity and something that I will always remember,” she shares. “As well as performing in these iconic venues, I loved meeting other Razzamataz students from schools throughout the UK.”
Sharing her experience
Darcy didn’t expect to win but found the audition process beneficial in itself. “I really enjoyed making the self-tapes and speaking to the judges. They were all very supportive and said some lovely things about my audition, it was a real confidence boost.”
Her advice for future applicants? “Do it. It’s great experience auditioning, especially if you don’t have much of it. I didn’t either but I didn’t let that put me off. Pick material that plays to your strengths and shows your personality.”
Darcy also shared her gratitude and appreciated everything that her Razzamataz Mansfield family did to support her: “I want to thank my Principal and all the teachers, they’ve literally shaped the person I am today and I will always be grateful for that. I also want to shout out and thank my little group of friends at Razzamataz, I
really love them.”
Looking Ahead
With her sights set on a career in performance, Darcy is looking forward to what the next few years will bring. “My main goal is performing on any sort of stage, the West End, locally, or overseas. But I would also love to be a teacher. I currently assist at Razzamataz too, and one day, I’d love to be a Razzamataz teacher or even a Principal. It would be amazing to give back to the community as a thank you for everything they’ve done for me. That would be perfect.”
What the Judges said
Claire Cassidy, West End professional performer, Choreographer and Creative Director: “Darcy was extremely professional in her self tapes and interview and shone with commitment and passion. She demonstrated a very good standard of vocals and her monologue was very believable and well thought out. The musical theatre style dance had a lot of content, it was energised and Darcy showed stage presence and musicality.”
Jason Marc-Williams, Head of Acting and Voice at Laine Theatre Arts and theatre director: “I felt the passion and determination from the start. I loved the details about Cabaret and what inspired her. I thought her performance work was presented professionally with care and attention to detail. The monologue had good thought changes and a good connection to the text. The dance work showed good rhythm. I would encourage more work here to develop technical skills further. I enjoyed the songs, a good connection to the text and emotional journey.”
Runners-Up Recognition
Razzamataz would also like to congratulate all our fantastic finalists:
Rebecca Colley, Razzamataz Carlisle
Grace Smeeth, Razzamataz Yeovil
Libby Frost, Razzamataz Sheffield
Laura Dow, Razzamataz Glasgow North
Charli Simpson, Razzamataz Rickmansworth
And the 2025 Future Fund runners-up, both from Razzamataz Medway, Kelly Adefioye and Maisie Homewood.
Win a Razzamataz Franchise Worth £25,000
Want to inspire the next generation through the power of performing arts education? Enter the Future Founders competition for your chance to launch a theatre school in either the UK or UAE. Razzamataz is launching a unique initiative offering two entrepreneurs a franchise opportunity and a £10,000 start-up grant, totalling up to £25,000 each.
This initiative aligns with the growing demand for entrepreneurship in educational sectors and was the brainchild of Denise Gosney, the founder of Razzamataz Theatre Schools, who appeared on the UK’s BBC Dragons’ Den and
secured £50,000 investment from serial entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne.
Register for The Future Founders competition: Applications are now open.
UK: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/future-founders-uk-competition/
UAE: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/future-founders-uae-competition/
Curious to find out more about Razzamataz
Book a Discovery Den: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/discovery-dens/
