A POPULAR theatre group in the area is changing ownership after five years.

Razzamataz Theatre Schools has been running out of Yate Leisure Centre since 2013, and has been co-owned by James Murden and Ross Brown, both from Yate, but will now change hands after a successful term in charge of the company.

While providing children with performance opportunities Razzamatazz theatre school also works to develop self-confidence in its students, with classes covering a wide spectrum of performance areas, from traditional West End musical theatre through to street dance, pop singing and acting for camera.

The company was started after it gained a £50,000 investment from business tycoon Duncan Bannatyne on BBC television show Dragons’ Den back in 2007.

James Murden said of his departure that it was ‘sad’ to be leaving something he and Ross had brought so far.

“It is really sad to be leaving, but unfortunately due to other commitments in our lives the time has come for us to say goodbye” said James.

“The school has played a huge part in our lives and me and Ross are really proud to be able to say that we have brought it this far.

“We have done fabulous showcases, for example Razz at the movies, Razz at the Hippodrome and finally Razz at the Old Vic amongst others. But we are really excited for what the new owner Georgia Davies has to offer the school.

“Georgia is the only person who ticked every single box in terms of what we were looking for in a new owner, we are really looking forward to seeing what she brings to the area in the future.

“She has some brilliant ideas that I am sure you will be hearing a lot about, but we just want to stress how important it is that groups like this keep going.

“Razzamatazz has been integral in the development of a lot of children in this area, and we want to see that continue under the new ownership in September.”