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 CU￿1CulUrn 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
si￿allonS 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 S￿dIes & 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 L￿kS 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 fU￿nCIal 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 fu￿nCIal year. Under company law
the tn￿teeS 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 di￿lOSed 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 t￿sle¢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 a￿oUnts 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 Ca￿led 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 f￿ancial 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