Bedazzle Arts · Est. 2006
For two decades, we have combined specialist education, creative training and inclusive opportunities with the belief that ability should never limit ambition.
Bedazzle Arts is a specialist education and inclusive performing arts organisation founded in 2006. We create ambitious, high-quality opportunities for young people and adults of all abilities through education, training, performance and creative progression.
Bedazzle Arts was founded in 2006 by actor Diane Janssen and art director Phil Janssen with a clear belief: that high-quality specialist education and expressive arts opportunities should be open to young people and adults of every ability.
What began as a Saturday theatre course has grown into a distinctive organisation delivering specialist education programmes, a performing arts academy, community theatre, productions, talent development and charitable support.
Our ethos has never changed. We put the student at the centre, build confidence, and create ambitious opportunities for people with additional needs to learn and progress.
Bedazzle's ethos is to create innovative, expressive arts pieces that address the essential messages of who we are, the perceptions of society and equality of opportunity.
Diane and Phil Janssen were recognised through the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award for their work championing inclusive performing arts opportunities through Bedazzle Arts.
From a Saturday theatre course to a multi-arm inclusive arts and education organisation, Bedazzle has grown through creativity, care and opportunity.
Our 20th year is all about going bigger than ever. Production of our third short film, New Bloom, with work experience opportunities supporting accessible pathways into the arts. Coming next: Sleeping Beauty, a student-inspired outdoor showcase, and Reel to Real heading to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for seven performances.
Students performed Reel to Real, an original interactive theatre production, at Storey’s Field, Cambridge, supported by the brilliant Cambridge Arts Theatre technical and front-of-house team. Our panto tour expanded to four schools, with 2026 bookings already confirmed.
Typical continued to gain recognition across the festival circuit, receiving numerous awards and nominations, including an RTS Craft Director Award.
Summer Term — An Original Theatre Show: Tales Untold.
Mythic Trials at Cambridge Arts Theatre: In Summer 2024, BAPAA students performed Mythic Trials, an original theatre piece, on the iconic Cambridge Arts Theatre stage. The production received fantastic feedback and marked the beginning of a growing creative relationship with the theatre.
Christmas Panto Tour: In December, our panto toured three local schools before taking to the Cambridge Arts Theatre stage. The performance was attended by parents, carers, and members of the theatre's professional panto cast and technical team.
Sold out show at The Junction in Cambridge for BAPAA students. Autumn saw the release of our second short film, One for the Road, a Stephen King short. In December, we launched our first panto tour.
A remake of our Edinburgh Fringe show, remapped for the screen. Cast and crew made up of at least 50% neurodiverse individuals, and a sell-out performance of our Shakespeare showcase.
Bedazzle Inclusive Productions launches, creating original stage and film work. Inclusive Talent — our unique agency — begins placing performers in BBC dramas and West End shows.
'I'm Non-Typical, Typical' runs for 10 days at the Edinburgh Fringe, winning multiple awards. From this success, our Bedazzle Accessible Performing Arts Academy (BAPAA) is established.
Dame Judi Dench becomes our first patron, quickly followed by Miriam Margolyes OBE and Sally Phillips — three remarkable advocates for inclusive arts.
By September 2017, Bedazzle’s Bespoke Education provision supports twelve students, reflecting the growing need for creative, individualised education.
Within a year, Bedazzle’s Bespoke Education provision grows to support seven students through personalised learning.
Bedazzle welcomes its first Individual Curriculum student, marking the beginning of a specialist education pathway that would continue to grow over the following years.
Diane and Phil Janssen set up Bedazzle’s Bespoke Education provision, developing an individualised creative learning approach for young people needing a different route through education.
Our flagship annual showcase launches at West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge. A celebration of everything our students have achieved — it continues every November.
Our charity arm registers, dedicated to advancing inclusive arts education. PopSchool holiday workshops begin.
Invited to transform a local youth group into a vibrant performing arts company. 4th Wall Theatre launches for students wanting to take performance to the next level.
Founded by Diane and Phil Janssen, our first three-hour Saturday course opens its doors — with Steps' H as guest host. After-school clubs expand to 15+ primary schools.
Person-centred individual curriculum packages for SEND students aged 16+. Linked to EHC plans, accredited through ASDAN, Trinity, and AQA. Includes life skills, work experience, and community integration.
Professional training in singing, acting, and movement. Students gain OCR and Trinity qualifications, headshots, a showreel, and real performance credits — including annual productions.
Inclusive theatre groups for adults across Cambridge, Huntingdon, and Chelmsford. Open to all abilities, focused on performance, creativity, and belonging. A place to come and have fun!
High-energy holiday workshops with over 1,000 participants since 2010. Students write, record, and perform their own music — includes music videos, DJ'ing and merchandise.
BiP creates original stage and film productions — from award-winning Edinburgh Fringe shows to touring pantomimes. Professional quality, fully inclusive casts.
A unique talent agency open to performers of all abilities. Artists placed in BBC prime-time drama, West End productions, feature films, commercials, and AI media projects.
We are honored to have the backing of prominent figures in performing arts who share our vision.
"As a patron, I feel it's important that students' journeys of creativity start with the message that expressive arts is something all are given the opportunity to experience."
Miriam brings her extensive career across television, film, and stage to champion Bedazzle's belief that every performer deserves a platform, whatever their background or ability.
"Bedazzle opens up opportunities for all abilities to come together. It gives them a platform to express issues around inclusion, diversity and social justice."
Meet our leadership team and dedicated instructors who guide our students' artistic development.
With a background as a professional actor, Diane co-founded Bedazzle with a clear creative vision: to make performing arts genuinely accessible, building inclusive opportunities that help people grow in confidence, skill and possibility.
With a background in art direction, Phil shaped the visual identity, creative direction and strategic growth of Bedazzle from a single Saturday course into a multi-arm organisation with national reach.
Helen oversees all daily operations, including safeguarding, resources, personnel, and supplier partnerships. She plays a central role in strategic development and future planning — the backbone of everything that runs smoothly.
Advancing education in expressive arts for the public benefit, in particular for those who are disadvantaged.
Bedazzle Projects (Charity No. 1140390) is the engine behind many of our most ambitious endeavours. Registered in 2010, its governing purpose is to advance education in expressive arts — in particular for those with additional needs.
The charity helps launch new initiatives until they become self-sustaining, removes barriers to participation where support is needed, and has backed almost every production, workshop, and event in our history.
The charity funds new Bedazzle enterprises from inception, supporting them through to financial independence.
From Edinburgh Fringe to our annual Imagine showcase, Bedazzle Projects has financed the shows that define our story.
A limited number of bursaries are available for students who would benefit most from additional financial support.
As leaders in all-inclusive education, the charity funds courses for education professionals and 'Routes to Work' programmes.
We are fully committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students and participants.
