For over ten years, Drama Express has been bringing the joy of performing arts to young people with additional needs. The organisation began as a Community Interest Company and became a registered charity four years ago, a change Simon made to support its long-term growth. With a background in both theatre and special needs education, Simon blended his passions to create inclusive workshops in the performing arts, laying the foundation for Drama Express. The name itself came from their first workshop venue, a railway station social club, but it also reflects their core belief in creative expression.
At its heart, Drama Express exists to ensure young people with additional needs have equal access to the performing arts. The organisation runs a vibrant programme of weekly workshops covering a wide spectrum of drama and performance. Volunteers from across the performing arts community continue to play a key role in making this work possible. Each year, they stage several original shows written by Simon, allowing him to design them with full inclusivity in mind. Their performers take these productions on the road, with recent performances staged at three of the largest theatres in their region.
While the organisation is keen to grow, their expansion is always guided by a strong commitment to their original mission and community. A recent highlight in their growth was the launch of a dance workshop for young adults with limited mobility, made possible by Sport England funding secured through a successful Fundin application.
Before working with Fundin, Simon found the funding process overwhelming. “It used to feel like a full-time job,” he said. “Frustrating, all-consuming, and emotionally draining. Fundin changed that. They’ve made it manageable, collaborative, and personal.”
Not only does he now have more time for the hands-on work that truly matters, but he’s also regained a healthier work-life balance. He recalled just how exhausting the process used to be, especially the sting of a rejection that arrived just before a long-awaited holiday.
Simon first discovered Fundin through one of Tom’s funding update emails, which led to a conversation and then a meeting with Drama Express’s trustees. They agreed it was worth exploring. What stood out for Simon was Fundin’s expertise and how accurately their applications captured the essence of Drama Express. Even though the process is AI-powered, he was impressed by the creativity and depth in the applications, full of data, detail, and heart. It was clear the team knew the intricacies of funding. The support continues to feel personal, collaborative, and genuinely helpful. Fundin always consults Simon for final approvals, striking a perfect balance between taking on the heavy lifting and keeping him involved.
The platform itself proved easy to navigate. Simon appreciated how straightforward and user-friendly it was, especially the ability to track progress through different stages, which made the whole process feel more manageable.
The impact was immediate. With the help of Fundin, Drama Express secured a grant from Sport England that enabled them to launch a new dance workshop specifically designed for young adults with limited mobility, including wheelchair users. It wasn’t just about the funding. It was about finding the right venue, the right coach, and creating the right environment. Thanks to the visibility and structure that funding allowed, the group has grown rapidly and successfully. It has become a vibrant, social hub, part physical activity, part social gathering. Simon believes the outcomes are strong enough to justify further funding for another year and is excited about the project’s continuation. “Without Fundin, it would never have happened,” he said.
“Without Fundin, it would never have happened”
Simon Allison – Founder and Artistic Director
This new initiative has had ripple effects throughout the organisation. It has brought fresh visibility and momentum to Drama Express, helping them build a stronger presence in Cornwall and attract new audiences. It’s also provided meaningful weekly engagement for participants, new friendships, routine, and the joy of creativity. For Drama Express, it’s been a pathway to organisational growth and greater community connection.
Looking to the future, Simon is excited about the next chapter. Though they only began working with Fundin in November, several more bids are already in the pipeline. Drama Express is now exploring the expansion of its membership, introducing a new creative writing group, increasing the number of productions, and extending into other areas of the performing arts. A new base is also on the horizon, all of which Fundin is helping to support.
To other organisations considering working with Fundin, Simon has a simple message: Fundin understands how time-consuming and emotionally draining funding applications can be. They make the process smoother, more effective, and still ensure each application is bespoke, professional, and reflective of the charity’s voice. Communication is clear, involvement is consistent, and the results speak for themselves.
Simon sees Fundin as an ideal partner for growth. Without them, Drama Express wouldn’t have launched some of the most impactful projects in their recent history. Fundin doesn’t just help meet deadlines, they help assess eligibility, handle the technicalities, and make sense of the complicated fine print. Their applications are deep enough to give funders a strong understanding of the work without overwhelming the organisation. For areas like Cornwall, where deprivation is real and geographic isolation makes it harder for funders to see the impact on the ground, that kind of advocacy matters. Fundin is helping level the playing field, ensuring that even the smallest organisations have access to life-changing opportunities.
