Stagecoach Royal Wootton Bassett & Malmesbury

Welcome to Stagecoach Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury

Our fantastic team of teachers provide a safe and fun learning environment in which children can thrive and be the best version of themselves. We work together and support each other, one team, one Stagecoach family.

We offer more than just learning how to sing, dance and act. We help children stand up and be heard, be a team player and to embrace each other's differences. 

Whether your child is interested in a career in the performing arts or not, their time at Stagecoach will be inavualble. As young adults, our students confidently walk into an interview, shake someone's hand and even present in public. They confidently present themselves on those occasions we teach them how to succeed in whatever life throws at them. 
 
If you have a confident singing, dancing diva at home or a child who would benefit from a boost in confidence, we would love to welcome your family for a two-week trial.  We often find during the trial, children realise they found 'their people' and they start to build life-long friendships. 

Principal James Barker

Your child is in safe hands. All of our Team are Enhanced DBS checked.


Noticeboard

NEW FRIDAY CLASSES

We are thrilled to announce that in addition to our already successful classes on a Thursday classes in Malmesbury and on a Saturday morning in RWB, we are now opening NEW Friday Classes in Royal Wootton Bassett for the 4 to 18 year olds from Janaury 2026. Why not join us for a two-week trial? We would LOVE to welcome your family!

NEW 2 hr Class 6 to 8 y/o

We notice that our Stage 1 students aged 6 to 8 were struggling with three hours of Stagecoach on a school night, so we are now delighted to announce that we will be opening a two-hour session on a Friday for that age group.

Spring Term 2 to 4 Years

During the Spring Term our Mini Stages STARS aged 2 to 4 year, we will be using the superheroes to inspire our Singing, Dance and Drama classes. Our Mini Marvels will even learn to fly! This is going to be our BEST TERM YET!

Spring Term 4 to 6 Years

The Spring Term is Show Term and our brilliant 4 to 6-year-old stars take centre stage in a sparkling celebration of music, movement, and imagination. Watch as the kitchen comes alive with dancing fruit, groovy tunes, and infectious giggles — Get ready to tap your toes and join the party — it’s time to boogie at The Kitchen Disco!

Spring Term 6 to 18 Years

Spring Term: Movie Mashup! 🎬✨ Our Demo Term takes cues from K-Pop, Barbie, Wicked, Minecraft, Lilo & Stitch, Back to the Future, Sonic, Shrek, Minions, and more. Every project is a scene, every idea a plot twist—get ready to create, play, and shine!

Exciting West End Debut

Students aged 9+ from Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury will be making their West End debut at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London in May 2026! A fantastic year of music, theatre, and unforgettable memories awaits. Don’t miss this chance to shine on the West End stage! 🎭🌟

Weekly Classes

Mini Stages (for ages 2-4 yrs)

Mini Stages
Our 45-minute Mini Stages classes offer a fun, interactive introduction to the performing arts. Designed for you and your little one to explore singing, dancing, and acting together in a safe, relaxed, and welcoming environment.

Early Stages (for ages 4-6 yrs)

Stagecoach Early Stages

Our 90-minute Early Stages classes run alongside the main Stagecoach schools, giving young performers the chance to learn key skills in each of the three musical theatre disciplines of singing, dancing, and acting each week. These fun and engaging sessions build skills and confidence, so it is an easy step when it is time to transfer to the next stage.
 

Main Stages (for ages 6-18 yrs)

Stagecoach Main Stages
Our 3-hour weekly Main Stages classes are split in three age appropriate groups, where young people learn new skills in each of the complementary Musical Theatre disciplines of singing, dancing, and acting. We nurture the shy and apprehensive, until they find their feet and voice, whilst at the same time developing and channelling those with bundles of talent, confidence and energy. We believe in the potential of every child!

 

Holiday Workshops

Meet The Team

Principal - James Barker

With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry and performing arts education, James brings a wealth of expertise, creativity, and passion to everything he does—remarkable, considering he's still only 27 (at least, that’s what he likes to say!).

James began his career as an “all-singing, all-dancing” Butlin’s Redcoat in Bognor Regis, laying a strong foundation for a dynamic and diverse journey in entertainment. From there, he took to the high seas with Princess Cruises, where he quickly rose through the ranks—from hosting dance classes and game shows to becoming Deputy Cruise Director and eventually Cruise Director. In this role, he led a team of over 120 performers and production crew, overseeing theatre shows, live broadcasts, and high-calibre entertainment operations. He was proud to serve as the inaugural Cruise Director on several brand-new ships, a testament to his leadership and showmanship.

Returning to land, James took on the role of Director of Entertainment at Warner Leisure Hotels, where he was responsible for shaping the entertainment experience across all Warner properties in the UK. One of his proudest achievements was collaborating with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra to bring bespoke performances—usually reserved for venues like the Royal Albert Hall—to Warner’s stages.

Twelve years ago, James and his husband adopted two children, a life-changing decision that inspired a new chapter. Seeking a better balance between career and family, James purchased his first Stagecoach Performing Arts School in 2016. Since then, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of performers.

As a busy dad—one of his children being neurodiverse—James brings empathy, warmth, and deep personal understanding to his role. His lived experience helps him relate to the families he serves and fuels his passion for creating inclusive, supportive, and inspiring learning environments.

James says:

“People often ask me, especially those new to Stagecoach, ‘You’ve been here many years—what makes it so special?’ For me, the answer is simple. Our product gives children the freedom to be who they want to be. It offers them a safe space to grow in confidence and develop resilience for an uncertain future. We equip them with tools to thrive in the adult world, whilst being 100% present in their childhood—making friends, finding their people, having fun, and putting on some incredible productions.”

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