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Testimonials / Reviews – Manchester Parents, kids and teens

What the Musical theatre kids of Irlam and Cadishead say!

Hear about our performers’ journeys!

What the parents of Irlam and Cadishead, Greater Manchester say

Read our reviews!

  • Aria's confidence is sky high and I couldn't be happier. She can't wait to start High School Musical!
  • The performances are always so professionally done Ava has made so many new friends and her confidence has vastly improved!
  • Emily was made to feel very welcome and has met lots of new friends. The show was amazing, and communication throughout was fantastic!
  • Freddie's confidence has grown massively - I never thought he'd be able to dance and act on stage in such a short time.
  • Thank you to everyone involved for creating such a positive and encouraging environment for the children. It really feels like one big family.
  • Harriet has felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow in confidence. The teachers are fantastic, friendly, patient, and passionate about helping every child reach their potential.
  • From the moment Henry joined he has made friends, grown in confidence and really felt part of a community. The show was amazing and communication throughout was fantastic!
  • I've made lots of friends and memories. My confidence has improved and my love for musical theatre has grown even stronger.
  • Maddie immediately fell in love with performing. It has given her a much-needed confidence boost, and she has made some wonderful friends.
  • I made lifelong friendships and had an unforgettable experience!
  • My daughter has been attending Stage & Screen for nearly 2 years and has taken part in 2 performances and currently rehearsing for her 3rd . The shows are outstanding and it's lovely to see my daughter and her friends enjoying themselves on stage. Sophie and Matt work hard and encourage the children to develop their acting and singing skills aswell as making it enjoyable. Highly recommend!!!
  • My little girl Amber joined stage and screen just as matilda was cast . She was given the part of nigel and she absolutely loved every second of it . Her confidence oozed on stage it was so amazing to see her sing , dance and act . I recently signed Amber up for 1 to 1s with Sophie as well this really helped Amber's singing voice so much so it helped land her the role of Annie after her very first audition . We couldn't be any prouder . Sophie and Matt have great patience with all the children and Sophies empathy and love towards the children is lovely to see . I would highly recommend joining.
  • April my granddaughter has been part of the stage and screen community.for over 4 years and has grown in confidence singing dancing and acting leading roles in the shows and I think she is a better person for the experience.I would definitely recommend the stage and screen academy.
  • My daughter has attended the Stage and Screen Academy for over 4 years. She has been involved in many performances over the years. Recent shows include The Little Mermaid Jr and Matilda Jr. She has built some wonderful friendships whilst at Stage and Screen and looks forward to going to every session. Her confidence as grown massively due to the coaching she has received and the opportunities she has had (performing in the Lowry pop up theatre and Irlam festivals were a real highlight). All sessions are well planned. Informative news letters are issued to parents, keeping us updated. The Facebook and Instagram pages provide videos and pictures of the children's progress and learnings. I would absolutely recommend the Stage and Screen Academy.
  • Brilliant drama company. Excellent staff who help all of the children shine.
  • My daughter started with The Stage and Screen Academy in October 2022, by December she was up on stage performing confidently in her first show, Wicked! In January she auditioned for the big summer musical The Little Mermaid JR and successfully got the part of Grimsby. The show was fantastic! Sophie and Matt provide a professional and fun space for the children to learn and develop their skills. Highly recommended.
  • Our daughter Elisa joined Stage and Screen academy as part of the ensemble for Six. She has had a fantastic time and learnt so much. I can see that Sophie and Matt know everyone's individual strengths to bring out the best in performances and in doing so help develop confidence and skills. I would definitely recommend
  • My daughter attends Stage and Screen. A huge believer that performing arts is the greatest way to teach kids the most important life skills, I am thrilled she is loving all aspects of being part of the jnr shows, which just go from strength to strength. So much hard work and talent go to create truly fabulous musical theatre Highly recommend for any budding star or ensemble wanna be alike.
  • My daughter Lily loves stage & screen. She has recently auditioned and been cast as Annie in their upcoming show of Annie Jr as well as gained both grade 1&2 for singing for Musical Theatre. Her confidence has grown over the last 3 years she has been a member as well as making friends and having fun. Thanks Sophie & Matt for your hard work and support. Looking forward to another amazing show
  • My daughter Lola has been with Stage and screen for the last 2 years and absolutely loves it. Lola has taken part in 3 shows soon to be 4. The shows are her favourite thing to do especially now her confidence has grown and is starting to get bigger parts
  • My daughter (age10) joined the stage and screen academy a year ago to build on her confidence initially and make some like minded friends, however she has now found a love for being on stage and to my surprise has already become pretty good. The owners are extremely professional and hard working with excellent communication. I was shocked at how much organisation and attention to detail goes into the shows and how professional they are, from the audition process to props, fantastic costumes, staging etc.. rather than it being just a fun activity once a week it actually gives the children a taste of the industry, in which along with the glitz and glam you do have to work hard learning lines, dances, songs etc. Watching them light up on stage bursting with pride and confidence at the end of it all is just everything.
  • The Stage and Screen Academy is an inspiring place for performers of all ages! Students have the chance to train with professional performers, work towards NODA awards, and take part in JTF opportunities—perfect for gaining real experience and building confidence on stage. The team is passionate, supportive, and truly dedicated to helping every student shine in acting, singing, and dance. If you want to grow your skills and enjoy performing, this academy is the place to be!

“Our daughter Elisa joined Stage and Screen Academy as part of the ensemble for Six. She has had a fantastic time and learnt so much. I can see that Sophie and Matt know everyone’s individual strengths to bring out the best in performances and in doing so help develop confidence and skills. I would definitely recommend this school, it’s such a friendly and supportive environment for all involved, thankyou!”

“Brilliant drama company. Excellent staff who help all of the children shine.”

“Stage and Screen Academy Irlam is an inspiring place for performers of all ages! Students have the chance to train with professional performers, work towards NODA awards, and take part in JTF opportunities—perfect for gaining real experience and building confidence on stage. The team is passionate, supportive, and truly dedicated to helping every student shine in acting, singing, and dance. If you want to grow your skills and enjoy performing, this academy is the place to be!”

“Performing in The Sound of Music was both challenging and fun. The professionalism that Stage and Screen provides matches the actual industry standard for performers. Performing as Captain Von Trapp will open new doors for me to expand on my singing and acting elements, however, performing in a youth show has its fair share of challenges but I managed to push through those challenges and create lasting memories. Overall working with everyone was such a treat, and working with each director on separate skills helped me develop the Captain Von Trapp character, as Sophie helped with my singing, Matt helped me with my characterisation and Mckayla helped me with dancing, as well as learning lines when I was struggling to say the correct phrasing. Also when working with the casts itself I always tried to help when I could and support them when they needed it. Honestly, I’m very happy that I was able to be part of a great company and I wish Stage and Screen Academy the best of luck in their future productions :D”

“The screening was fantastic tonight. It’s clear you have both put so much hard work into making it what it is. Thank you for giving Ava the opportunity to be part of something so magical. We can’t wait to watch it again!”

“My two daughters (8 and 10) really enjoy attending the Stage and Screen Academy. They do a range of fun warm up activities and really focus on improving skills throughout the session. Awards are handed out at the end of the session for those who have worked extremely hard. There are usually photos and videos on the website put up after the sessions so children and parents can see the amazing things that they have achieved. Both girls come home excited to tell me what they have done each week. They really love knowing that there is a production planned and that they are working towards something. Sophie is very organised and includes parents when making decisions that may affect their children. She has been fantastic throughout the pandemic, allowing parents to have a say in how best to continue running sessions safely and also offering zoom options when we have been in lockdown. The children loved their singing lesson online. The teachers have a lovely way with the children that makes them feel comfortable and helps them to build their confidence.”

“My daughter has been going to the Performing Arts classes since lockdown. She absolutely loves it! She is normally a very shy person but everyone has noticed how her confidence is growing week on week. She has cousins that attend the classes too but has also made new friends. She was so nervous to do the recording but Sophie was amazing and settled her nerves the minute she got to the door. It’s also lovely how each week pictures and videos get added to the page so you can see what they’ve been up to. In Kaitlyn’s words “I love Wednesdays as I get to go to Stage and Screen””

“I know most people who know Jas would laugh if I said she was shy, but when in big groups she is, and this was more noticeable when she moved schools, she wouldn’t put her hand up to answer questions and wouldn’t speak in groups. She started at The Stage and Screen Academy to try and boost her confidence and she absolutely loves it and these photos prove what a difference it’s made, just last week she got star of the week at school, mainly because of her improved confidence so thank you Sophie and all the other teachers you’re working wonders! Jasmine’s confidence is building so much and it’s something which I don’t think you give yourselves enough credit for. It’s a massive thank you from us!”

“This afternoon we watched Matthew’s screening of all the amazing dancing and singing he and his friends have been doing. He has done 2 months in his dance class and he absolutely loves it and is enjoying it so much! There’s nothing our little spina bifida warrior can’t do ♥ Super proud. Matthew loves you Ann and you’re fantastic with him!”

“My son has attended Stage and Screen musical theatre and street dance for the last few weeks. He has thoroughly enjoyed it. He has made new friends. He has been involved immediately in the current production with a part. The team always post photos & videos of what the groups have been doing that week. Thank you”

“My daughter absolutely loves going here. She always comes home with a smile and eager to show what she has learnt. I cannot recommend this place enough. The patience and kindness the teachers show is great.”

“My 5 year old has been going to this class for over a year and loves every minute of it, he has grown in confidence and it allows him to express himself and his imagination freely. Sophie even managed to develop the class into zoom sessions during lockdown which were a welcome relief to both us and our sons. I would highly recommend this class to any parent.”

“Brilliant school organised by a brilliant team of teachers. Well arranged and organised. My 10 year old adores drama, dancing and singing and has come on so much in such a short space of time. My 2 year old loves ballet. Great value for money, and they take the most stunning pictures.”

“I absolutely loved the show last night. Made me all emotional watching it. You have done a great job with them all and they are all very talented.”

“Absolutely fantastic, Penelope just said Mummy I Loved that! It really has lifted her spirits. I think it’s fabulous”

“My little girl has recently just joined. She’s 3 weeks in and really really enjoying herself. She is 5 years old. She was SO nervous going in and nearly backed out as she’s so shy, however, the teacher took her in and she’s never looked back. I’m so proud of her. She counts down each week until she can go back. Highly recommend this place, she loves singing and dancing and this place is perfect for her.”

“Grace is loving her dancing! Thank you so much for encouraging her to come in. She was so nervous. I’m so glad she went in and joined in with the dancing!”