BECK YOUTH THEATRE (1992) Registered Charity No. 1040178
Annual report of the Trustees for the year to 31 July 2025
The Beck Youth Theatre is governed by the Constitution and is a registered Charity Address: Mr D Sandys, 6 Mount Pleasant Rd, Ealing, London, W5 1SG
Committee / Trustees for the year 2023-24
Chair: Mr D Sandys Secretary: Ms Rita Benko Treasurer: Ms Helen Hall Vice Chair Alistair McCalla
Also:- Lexie Fox, Julie Killick, Jo Martin, Marie Tampin, David Thurley, Samantha Thurley, Louise Young, Ella Brown, Lola French
Trustees: Damian Sandys and Wendy Brackley
Objects
The objects of the Society are to encourage our Youth Groups to participate in all aspects of appreciation and practice of Drama and the Performing Arts. In our Group 1, ages range from 8 to 11years. Group 2, ages range from 11 to 15 years. Group 3, ages range from 15 to 19 years.
Review of Activities
For the first time in a very long while, BYT unfortunately started the year in a deficit, thanks to the reasons covered in the 2023-24 report. We intended for the year to be dominated by fundraising to bring us out of this situation; however, a bigger threat to our existence emerged.
In August 2024, it became clear that the Beck Theatre itself faced imminent closure, after the council failed to come to an agreement with Trafalgar Theatres. Instead of fundraising, our efforts became concentrated around the Back The Beck campaign – that reached national news in its fight to keep the Beck open. The Back The Beck campaign was extensive, covering several public protests and demonstrations, public meetings, much campaigning online, as well as advocating the importance of the theatre in relation to BYT to many people.
It should be noted that the closure of the theatre itself would not directly mean that BYT would need to close; however, without the Beck, no other theatre existed in the nearby area in terms of facilities, but chiefly in terms of how many people could be housed onstage or in dressing rooms. Without this important base to perform, the nature of our productions would have to change significantly – and it was strongly felt by all that this would lead to a rapid decline in membership, rendering it very difficult to continue in the same manner.
After a lengthy battle, at the eleventh hour, we were delighted that Parkwood Theatres stepped in, taking charge of the theatre from mid January 2025. Whilst it is still very early days as they find their feet with the building, early conversations with the new management have been very fruitful and there are encouraging signs that the relationship between BYT and the theatre may become much closer again. This would bring some added security to our
work, and we are looking forward to continuing and developing these conversations next year.
Understandably the course of events brought a lot of uncertainty for several months, lasting for a prolonged period after the management switch. For many months we didn’t know where we would actually be performing our major production, and, despite starting the year with a very strong membership, the uncertainty did cause some members to leave. Consequently our membership fees are significantly lower this year.
Our major production, Made In Dagenham, was chosen back in November 2023. Little did we expect to be fighting a battle to perform in our home venue at this point, but its subject matter proved to be extremely timely. During rehearsals, I was really impressed with the way our members immediately engaged with this piece. They were focused, energetic, enjoying the chance to play and explore these characters. Over the last few years, these young folk have endured many sacrifices and restrictions –but it was wonderful to see them fully embrace today’s world, whilst also holding each other up and supporting one another at all times.
Financially, the production was a struggle. We were the first production to perform in the theatre after months of it lying dark, and the audiences weren’t quite in the habit of attending the Beck again. We did build on the sales of last year but it still fell short of where we needed to get to. Whilst the set was a big cost, we were able to save money by costuming almost the entire show from our own wardrobe stock, and we were also careful to limit spending in other areas.
For a long time, it did feel that this production was impossible, and I am very grateful to all who turned it into a reality. It was a very special production and one that I believe will be remembered forever.
With the Autumn term, in particular, feeling very turbulent, we decided to focus our students by staging a performance at the end of term, in order to give the members something to work on. The emphasis was on the process rather than a polished performance piece, and the groups enthusiastically worked on A Pantomime Extravaganza.
Later performances in the year were Dexter and Winter’s Detective Agency by Group 1 and Alice in Wonderland by Group 2; both performed at Swakeleys School.
Given the events of the year, our focus was not on fundraising – and so financially, this has continued to be a tough year. It should also be noted that we are aware our reporting has fallen behind, as communicated with the Charity Commission, and we are pleased to have caught up. We will be strengthening all such protocol for the future to ensure we remain up to date and will be making concerted efforts to rectify the financial situation.
As a closing word, I would like to say that I was inspired beyond belief by our members, past and present, who rallied together alongside the wider community, to protect the future of the Beck, articulating brilliantly the positive effect the theatre and BYT had made on their lives. This offered much opportunity for reflection and was a strong reminder of how important it is that we continue to exist, and keep offering young people the opportunity for access to the arts and the benefits it brings to their lives. It is the greatest privilege to see our young people work so tirelessly and throw themselves into rehearsals with such dedication and passion. Watching them express their emotions, explore physicality, dance and sing their hearts out, whilst also growing into wonderful, confident, well rounded young men and women,
underlines just how vital the Arts are to society. Whether our members go on to work within the Arts or not, the life skills they will gain during their time with us are so valuable. And this is why we will always strive to continue the work we do for as long as we can.
Chair: Mr .D Sandys Date: 5[th] March 2026
The Beck Youth Theatre Statement of Income & Expenditure for the year ended 31st July 2025
| 31st July 2025 | 31st July 2025 | 31st July 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Income | |||
| Membership Fees | 29,251.00 | 37,366.37 | |
| Donations & Fundraising | Note 1 | 3,742.92 | 3,154.19 |
| Audition Fees | 80.00 | 22.00 | |
| DVD sales | 464.00 | 375.00 | |
| T-Shirt Sales (BYT) | 0.00 | 9.90 | |
| Total Income from Activities | 33,537.92 | 40,927.46 | |
| Expenses | |||
| Tutor/Creative fees | (15,380.00) | (18,965.00) | |
| Premises rental/Costume Store | (12,785.51) | (11,125.97) | |
| Show - MID | (15,727.85) | (1,100.00) | |
| Show - BBE | 1,098.86 | (19,817.24) | |
| Show - Chitty | 0.00 | 713.50 | |
| Other Expenses | (766.58) | (615.31) | |
| Total Expenditure from Activities | (43,561.08) | (50,910.02) | |
| Net Income/(Expenditure) for the Year | (10,023.16) | (9,982.56) | |
| The Beck Youth Theatre Balance Sheet as at | 31st July 2025 | ||
| 31st July 2025 | 31st July 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Debtors | |||
| Bank balance | 3,581.25 | 8,021.04 | |
| Prepaid expenses | 874.80 | 0.00 | |
| 4,456.05 | 8,021.04 | ||
| Creditors | |||
| Membership fees received in advance | 0.00 | (2,730.00) | |
| Creditors | (20,820.44) | (14,536.64) | |
| Unpaid/Accrued Expenses | Note 2 | (15,528.37) | (11,274.00) |
| Script Deposits | 0.00 | (1,350.00) | |
| Creditors | (36,348.81) | (29,890.64) | |
| Net Liabilities | (31,892.76) | (21,869.60) |
| Net financial position | ||
|---|---|---|
| Earnings/(Losses) b/f | (21,869.60) | (11,887.04) |
| Profit/(loss) for the year | (10,023.16) | (9,982.56) |
| Net Worth | (31,892.76) | (21,869.60) |
| The Beck Youth Theatre Financial Notes for the year ended 31st | The Beck Youth Theatre Financial Notes for the year ended 31st | July 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Note 1 | 31st July 2025 | 31st July 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Easyfundraising | 79.12 | 369.85 |
| Other Fundraising | 292.94 | 49.10 |
| UUWT | 0.00 | 1,500.00 |
| Script deposit donation | 1350 | 0 |
| Summer Showcase/Xmas Panto | 2020.86 | 1235.24 |
| 3,742.92 | 3,154.19 | |
| Note 2 | 31st July 2025 | 31st July 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Insurance | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Creative fees | 2,890.00 | 1,200.00 |
| Premises rental/Costume Store | 10,061.22 | 6,189.00 |
| DVD's | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Show - MID | 2,577.15 | 585.00 |
| Show - BBE | 0.00 | 3,300.00 |
| 15,528.37 | 11,274.00 |
Beck Youth Theatre (1992) Registered Charity Number 104017
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees
I report on the accounts of the Beck Youth Theatre (1992) for the year ended 31[st] July 2025.
RespecEve responsibiliEes of the trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparaCon of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under secCon 144 (2) of the ChariCes Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examinaCon is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the account under secCon 145 of the 2011 Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the general direcCons given by the Charity Commission under secCon 145 (5) (b) of the 2011 Act; and to state whether parCcular maOers have come to my aOenCon.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examinaCon was carried out in accordance with the general DirecCons given by the Charity Commission. An examinaCon includes a review of the accounCng records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideraCon of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanaCon for you as trustees concerning any such maOers. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those maOers set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connecCon with my examinaCon, no maOer has come to my aOenCon which
-
Gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
-
To keep accounCng records in accordance with secCon 130 of the ChariCes Act; and
To prepare accounts which accord with the accounCng records and comply with the accounCng requirements of the ChariCes Act Have not been met; or
- To which, in my opinion, aOenCon should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Grace Duckerin
3 Redpit, Dilton Marsh, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 4BJ 30/05/2026