Company registration number: 02828276 Charity registration number: 1034809 The Play House ( B'ham ) Ltd (A company limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Financial Stst¢ments for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Bissell & Brown Birnlingham Ltd Chartered Accountants 12 Portman Rd KIngs Heath Binningham B13 OSL
The Play House { B'ham ) Ltd Contents Reference and Administrdtive Details Trustees, Report 2to5 Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements 9t013
The Play House ( B'ham ) Ltd Reference and Administrative Detai18 Secretsry Joarnie Marie Sadler Charity Registrvddon Number 1034809 Company Registration 1¥4umber 02828276 The charity is incorporated in England. clo Action For Children 24 Guild Close Birniingham B168EL Reglstered Offlee Accountants Bissell & Brown Birniingham Ltd Chartered Accountants 12 Portman Rd Kings Heath Birmingham West Midlands B13 OSL Page I
Tbe Play House ( B'ham ) Ltd Trustees, Report The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements olthe charitable company for th¢ y¢ar ¢nded 31 August 2024. Financlal and operational revie "Perfomiances have always been fvlly engaging and well-crafted, demonstrating a high standard of theatrical skill and exploring relevant th¢m¢s and concepts which are always both age-appropriate and stimulating., (Quote from Head Teacher) The Play House is a long established and highly respected theatre in education company, known for its trademark participatory approach. Since it was founded in 1986, the company has developed a strong track record of high-quality work in schools, delivering engaging theatre Work which stimulates children's imagination and creativity, supporting CU1CulUrn learning and essential life skill development. It has an excellent reputation locally and regionally with teachers, local authorities, arts organisations and academi instithtions. Our vision is to enhance the learning and development of curiosity for ¢hildren and young people in the West Midlands, through engagement in drama experiences. We have a strong ethos of m¢aningful participation at thè heart of everyrthing we do through the crealion of rich fictional worlds, wher¢ ¢hildren interact with a range of siallonS and characters. We strongly believe in the transfonnational power of theatre, and we are committed to producing work that provides an exciting and challenging first experience of live theatre as enrichment. In the academic year 2023-2024, The Play House delivered over 350 workshop-perfonnances and reached over 9000 children and young people from across early years settings, primary and secondary schools, as well as local cultural venues including libraries, art galleries and museums. Key projects and highlights from 202312024 Doe5 Birniingham Belong to Me? With funding from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Play House worked in partnership with Dr Re7a Gholami at the University of Binrfftingham to create a year long proje¢t delivered once a week in 2 primary schools. This project explored the concepts of citizenship and what it means to belong to a place. By exploring lived experience stories, then creating perforniances inspired by the rich diversity of the city, the children were able to communicate their own ideas about belonging. We also brought the two Cohorts of children together from diff¢rent part5 of the city, so that they could learn more about one another and celebrate a shared identity. 'This project gave the children a safe place to explore these ideas and feelings. They have a better understanding of the complexities of belonging and how you can belong to more than one thing. The age is perfect because it catches them while they're young and they're not set in their thinking, (Quote from Teacher of participating students). Proud to be a Brummie With funding from Sir Barry Jackson Trust and Birn]ingham Arts School, The Play House worked with 3 schools who have limited engagement with the arts, to create a piece of theatre which was shown as part of th Proud to Be a Brummie Festival, held at Symphony Hall in Birniingham. This project was built on c(F¢reation principles, which prioritised the children's own opinions voices to create a fictional response to the idea of being 'Proud to be a Brummie,. Through this project, the participants created a story all about celebrdting their local Page 2
The Play House { B'ham ) Ltd Trustees, Report Journey of a Windrush Heroine Funded by the Windnish Day GranL Near Neighbours, The Play House worked with Grace Bemiet to create and deliver this touring perforn]ance about the experience of a member of the Windrush generation. This story celebrated the entrepreneurial thinking and contribution to society made by the Windrush generation and their descendants. The show tOUTed around schools and libraries for intergenerdtional audiences, offering post-show CPD for teachers. Higher Education Bookings The Play House was asked to act as guest lecturers in a variety of Higher Education Settings (including MA Drama and Edu¢ation students University of Warwick UndeTgraduate Applied Theatre Course at The Royal Birniingham Cons¢rvatoir¢ Undergraduate Education SdIes & Theatre, Acting and P¢rfonnance at University of Worcest¢r.) Our employees gave an overview of the company's work and demonstrated our participation model, in order to increase awareness and understanding for subsequent generations of artists. School Programme Tour (highlights, not extensive list) STEAM This project was a new addition to our school's programme and developed from last yeavs project, Maker Space. The fictional storyline has been rewritten to enable students to access the STEM activities within the 90 minute structure of our prowme5. Students work through bio-medical engineering LkS to support problem solving and reach a positive solution within the story. This project has become a popular and effective addition to the programme. "The workshop was incredibly engaging for all children. The session was not only educational, teaching the children new vocabulary bul also developing the children's ability to apply it to tasks. Thank you so much for creating a fabulous experience for our children., (Quote from Teacher) The Romans The Romans examines the legacy of the Roman invasion of Britain and its relevance today. In their role as archaeologists at the site of a newly discovered Roman Villa the pupils uncover the everyday life and customs of Roman Britons. This workshop develops a deeper awareness of both the role of the modern day archaeologist and those of the Roman masters and Celtlc Slaves in th¢ villas of Roman Britain. Story Telling Residency The Play House Storytelling Residency consists of a Storyteller working with small groups throughout the day. During the sessions the children co4reate and share stories together based on a multi-sensory, initial stimulus offered by the storyteller. The storyteller then builds on ideas and any developing narrative coming from children's responses, both physical and verbal. We work with teachers to understand current learning fo¢us and desired outcomes. "You are able to respond to the needs and ability of each chil4 that is why what you do is so valuable." (Quote from Teacher) Jack and the Beanstalk A participatory retelling of the tradilional tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, the performance enrols children as the Jack's friends. They arrive for a play date to find Jack has gone missing! The Children help to find Jack by adventuring up the beanstalk to explore the land in the clouds and save Jack from the Giant. Anansi the Spider This programme brings to life the tale of one of the great Ghanaian and Caribbean folk heroes. Using puppetry, multi-sensory play and song, the children help Aunt Nan¢y bring to life this African classic where all children can find themselves reflected. This programme has been extremely popular with children saying: "I love joining in with all the activities, especially the dancing" (child quote) Page 3
The Play House ( B'hajn ) Ltd Trustees, Report It's My planet Too This story follows Acapella, the tree frog, who has arrived in school from South America in a box of fruit. She's lost and far from home. What should CheTry the greengrocer do? Could Acapella become the pet Cheny's always dreamed of or does she really belong somewhere else? This sensory adventure takes the children into the rainforest to explore why caring for the planet's animals and habitats has a positive effect on us all. Little Red Hen The Little Red Hen workshop introduces children to counting. weighin& and measwing, within the context of this traditional story as an interactive learning experience for young children. Little Red Hen uses puppets, cooking, and storytelling to explor¢ the concepts of growing and sharing. The children travel with The Little Red Hen around the farniyard, meet the animals and problem solve how she will make the bread by herself. Split Second Split Second is a programme for 9-13 years exploring consequences of knife crime in tern]s of the impact those directly involved, their loved ones and the wider community. Set in a boxing club, the children engage in thought pr()voking discussions about people's responsibility to one another and how we can support young peopl¢ experiencing youth violence. This programme is delivered annually off the back of consistently su¢¢essful tours. "It showed me a bigger view of the world and what not to do." (Quote from a year 5 pupil) Careless Talk Careless Talk is a long-established touring perforniance-workshop which explores how a young person could be groomed to tske part in extremist action. The piece is set in the fictional town of Brodingham and tells the story of Scarlett, a young member of a minority community, The Circle, who are being persecuted by another group. The children are guided through a process where they find positive and peaceful solutions for the characlers in this piece which promotes social responsibility, tolerance and respect. The tnlstees confirn) that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 201 I to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Trustees and officers The trustees and oificers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows: Trustees: Tessa Taylor Keshena Bowie Adaya Henry Alexandra Henwood Shane Shambhu Paul Edwards (appointed 26 January 2024) Deborah Shaw, Chair (Resigned 6 November 2023) Rachel Cranny (Resigned 6 November 2023) Secretary: Joanne Marie Sadler Page 4
Tbe Play House ( B'ham ) Ltd Trustees, Report Statement of trustees, responsibilities The trustees (who are also the directors of The Play House ( Blwn ) Ltd for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees, report and the fUnCIal stal¢ments in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Prnctice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each funCIal year. Under company law the tnteeS must not approve the fmancial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial Statements, the trustees are required to.. select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently• observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and pwdent" sta* whether applicable accounting stsndards, comprising FRS 102 have been followed, subject to any material departures dilOSed and explained in the financial ststements. and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. The tsle¢S are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonabl¢ steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial infonnation included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of fmancial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. The annual report was approved by the trustees of the ¢harity on 12 May 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Tessa Taylor Trustee Page 5
The Play House ( B'ham ) Ltd Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of The Play House ( B'ham ) Ltd ('the Company,) I report to the charity tnEstees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for th¢ y¢ar ended 31 August 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees of the Cornpany (and also its directors for the pury)oses of company law) you are responsible for the prepaTation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)0)) of the 2011 Act, Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirni that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination givin8 me cause to believe.. l. accounting records were not kept in respect of The Play House ( B'ham ) Ltd as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. or 3. the aoUnts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)]. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Ba Matthews FCA Chartered Accountants Bissell & Brown Binningham Ltd 12 Portman Rd Klngs Heath Birmingham B13 OSL 12 May 2025 Page 6
The Play House { B'ham ) Ltd Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 ncluding Income and Expendlture Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses) Unrestricted funds General Restricted funds Total 2024 Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charithble activities 20,000 63,335 20.000 84,332 20,997 Total Income 83.335 20,997 104.332 Expenditure on: Charitable activities (83,153) (89,138) (172,291) Totsl Expendittwe (83,153 (89,138) (172.291) Net incomel(expenditure) 182 (68,141 67,959) Net movement in funds 182 (68,141) (67,959) Reconciliation of funds Total fimds brought forward 110,928 85,000 195,928 Total fimds Caled forward 12 i i 1,1 io 16,859 127,969 All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The notes on pages 9 to 13 fonn an integral part of these fancial statements. Page 7
The Play House ( B'ham ) Ltd {Registration number: 02828276) Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024 2024 2023 Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 940 1,882 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 14,965 142,971 1,850 201,837 io 157,936 203.687 Creditors.. Amounts falling due wlthln one year (30,908) 9,642) Iyet current assets 127,028 194,045 Net assets 127,968 195,927 Funds of the charlty: Restricted income funds Restricted fLmds 12 16,859 85,000 Unrestricted ineome funds Unrestricted fund5 111,109 110,927 Total funds 12 127,968 195,927 For the financial year endlng 31 August 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small Companies. Directors, responsibilities: The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. and The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for wmplying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. The financial statements on pages 7 to 13 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 12 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by: Tessa Taylor Trustee The notes on pages 9 to 13 forni an integral part of these financial statements. Page 8
The Play House ( B'ham ) Ltd Notes to the Financi21 Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 I Charity Status The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England. and consequ¢ntly does not hav¢ shar¢ capital. Eac!) of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event o liquidation. The address of its registered office is: clo Action For Children 24 Guild Close Birniingham B168EL Princi al lace f busine These financial statements were authorised for issue by the trustees on 12 May 2025. 2 Aeeountlng pollcles Summary of significant accounting polieies and key accounting estimates The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial staternents are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otheTwise stated. Statement of Compliance The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: ststement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)) (issued in October 2019) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ir¢land (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. Ba$is of preparation The Play House ( B'ham ) Ltd meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are Tnitially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unle55 Otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes. Going concern The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity. Taxation The charity is considered to pas5 the tests set out in Paragraph I Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, th charity is potentially exempt frorn taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part I l of the Corporation Tax Act 201 O or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992. to the ¢xt¢nt that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. Page 9
The Play House { B'ham ) Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Depreciatlon And amortisatlon Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value. over their expected useful economic life as follows: 3 Ineome from charitable activities Unrestricted funds General Restrieted funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Schools & universities Garfield Weston grant Windrush project Proud to be a Brnmmie project Royal Academy 29th May 1961 Char Trust Edgar Lawley Baron Davenport Garfield Weston Turner Trust William Cadbury Paul Hamlyn Foundation 63,335 20,000 63,335 20,000 11,997 9,000 66.745 16,400 20,000 1,997 9,000 24,784 2,000 1,500 500 15,00(i 1,000 750 85,000 233,679 83,335 20,997 104,332 4 Expenditure on charltable a¢tivitie5 Unrestrleled funds General Restrieted funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Production costs Freelance fees Slaff costs PR & marketing Travel Insurance Recruitment Accts & independent exam Office expenses Computer & communications Training Rent Legal & Prof Bank charges Depreciation of fixed assets 38,368 34,235 19,080 35,823 72,603 19,080 66,397 2,534 258 1,908 1,923 30,322 74,622 4,63Q 1,551 30,574 2,534 258 1,908 611 I,ioo 34 2.433 47 4.800 950 174 942 1200 912 787 1,200 912 787 4,400 1,112 159 942 Page 10 4,400 1,112 159 942
The Play House ( B'ham ) Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Unrestrieted fmnds Gencral Restricted funds Total 2024 Total 2023 83,154 89,138 172,292 124,139 5 Trustees remuneration and expenses No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the No trustees have received any reirnbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the year. 6 Staff eosts The monthly average number of persons (including senior management I leadership team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows: 2024 2023 Staff Trust¢cs io 10 No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year. 7 Taxatlon The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from tsxation. Pagell
The Play House ( B'ham ) Ltd Notes to tbe Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 8 Tangible fixed a55ets Furniture snd equipment Tolal Cost At I September 2023 3,766 3,766 At 31 August 2024 3,766 3,766 Depreclation At I September 2023 Charge for the year 1,884 942 1,884 942 At 31 August 2024 2,826 2,826 Net book value At 31 August 2024 940 940 At 31 August 2023 1,882 1,882 9 Debtors 2024 2023 Trade debtors 14,965 1,850 10 Cash and Cash equivalents 2024 2023 Cash at bank 142,971 201,837 11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Other taxation and social security Accruals 10,256 20,652 30,908 8,542 I,ioo 9,642 Page 12
The Play House { B'ham ) Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 12 Funds Bal8nc¢ at I September 2023 Incomlng resources Resources expended B81an¢e at 3l August 2024 Unrestricted funds General General 100,927 83,335 (83,153) 101,109 Deslgnaked Designated- develop & IT nd 10,000 10,000 Totsl unrestricted funds 110,927 83.335 (83,153) 111,109 Restrleted funds Windrush Proud Brummie Paul Hamlyn Foundation 11,997 9,000 (11,997) (9,000} (68,141) 85,000 16,839 Total restricted funds 85,000 20,997 (89,138) 16,859 Total funds 195,927 104.332 (172,291) 127,968 Page 13