Perform Drama Classes for 4-7s – Abingdon (Thursday)
Perform's 4-7s class at The Northcourt Centre, Northcourt Road, Abingdon runs every Thursday (4pm–5pm) and every Saturday (9:30am–11am) during term-time. The current term runs from 11 April to 18 July; there is no session on Thursday 28 May. Every child can attend one free trial session — book it in advance by phone or online and it must fall within the next two weeks of term-time.
The Northcourt Centre · OX14 1NSIllustrative photo · Nihal Demirci / UnsplashFind more like this near you
Enter your postcode to compare nearby drama & dance and other family activities.
About this class
Perform has been coming to The Northcourt Centre since February 2011, running every Thursday and Saturday throughout term-time. The 4-7s takes ages 4 years to 7 years to just under 8, though there is an overlap window from 6 years 10 months where either the 4-7s or 7-12s class may be the better fit depending on the child.
This summer the 4-7s theme is Mermaids & Pirates. Children set sail on the good ship the Jammy Dodger, meeting the Seasick Pirate, singing parrot Rita Conchita and a mermaid on a mission — all in pursuit of the Sacred Coconut. The story gives the whole term its shape: songs, games and dances are written around it so children come back each week knowing the world they're stepping into.
Each session splits into three sections built for this age group. 'Move & Feel' opens with dances, rapid-reaction games and yoga-inspired mirroring exercises, working on coordination, balance and emotional awareness. 'Listen, Speak & Sing' follows, using specially composed songs, tongue-twisters and raps — the humour keeps it lively rather than formal, and children tend to absorb language and rhythm without realising they're practising. The session closes with 'Create & Imagine': character explorations, storytelling and role-play improvisations that stretch imagination and speaking skills. Running through all three is what Perform calls the 4 Cs — Confidence, Communication, Concentration and Coordination — woven into every activity.
At this venue the Producers are Adam and Lizzie; the Teachers are Katherine and Natasha. Classes are capped at 22 children with two members of staff present at all times. Each teacher is usually a working actor who has been through a lengthy audition and holds a full DBS check. Parents don't sit in on weekly sessions, though three times a year there are Half-term Open Workshops and end-of-term Presentations where families can see what children have been working on. After every class, the Producer sends an email covering exactly what was covered that week. Personalised Feedback Forms — read and signed by Principal Lucy Quick — are issued regularly throughout the term, and the Producer is available to discuss a child's progress at any point.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can we try a session before committing?
Yes — every child gets one free trial session. Book it in advance (phone or online) and it must be scheduled within the next two weeks of term-time. Before the session, you'll need to complete and sign a registration form giving contact, identification and health details.
What does my child need to wear?
The relevant Perform T-shirt must be purchased and worn to every session. Perform can refuse entry without refund if a child arrives without it, so it is worth sorting before the first booked class.
How are sessions booked and paid for?
Classes are booked in blocks of 10 consecutive weekly sessions (a 20-session block is also available). Full payment is due by the end of the first session. Payment options include a monthly Direct Debit, block payment, renewing until the end of term at a slightly higher per-class rate, and childcare vouchers; a bursary scheme is also available. New customers can sign up to the mailing list to receive £30 off a first block of 10 classes. Refunds are not offered for weekly sessions.
What happens closer to the end of a block?
About three weeks before the final session, Perform emails to confirm automatic renewal for another 10 sessions. You have 14 days from that notification to cancel if you do not want to continue. Cancelling a block requires at least three working days' notice given directly to the Perform office by phone (speaking to an operator); if you cancel with fewer than three working days' notice, the pro-rata cost of untaken sessions is deducted from any amount paid.
What if we miss a session?
Missed sessions cannot be added to the end of a block under any circumstances. You can arrange a make-up session at another Perform class — call by 11am on the day you'd like your child to attend, and they must have at least one untaken session remaining at this school.
Is there a show at the end of term?
Three times a year families are invited to Half-term Open Workshops and end-of-term Presentations, where children perform dancing, acting and singing. There is also a summer West End show — this year it is Mermaids & Pirates, which is the same story the 4-7s are working through in class.
Summary drafted with AI assistance from the provider's published details and reviewed before publishing — how we use AI.
Where it is
Approximate location (postcode area)