Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Company number 2716451 Charity number 1051954
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Report and Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Breckman & Company Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants 49 South Molton Street London W1K 5LH
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 - 7 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) | 9 - 13 |
| Balance Sheet | 14 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 15 - 21 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Reference and Administrative Details
Constitution
The company is a private company limited by guarantee registered in EW - England and Wales, company number 2716451, incorporated under the Companies Act and its governing document is its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company is a registered charity, number 1051954.
Directors and trustees
The Directors of the charitable company (Opera Circus Limited) are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the Trustees.
As set out in the Articles of Association one third of the Trustees shall retire from office. These Trustees shall be those longest in office. A retiring Trustee shall be eligible for re-election.
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of Trustees are ongoing and incorporated indirectly into the regular trustees meetings.
The Trustees during the year and since the year end, were :
Tina Ellen Lee - Artistic Director Fiona Whytehead Robert Golden Rosemary Russell - Chair Susan Bisatt Darren Abrahams
Chief executive/Artistic director
Tina Ellen Lee - Artistic Director
Independent examiners
Breckman & Company Ltd, Chartered Certified Accountants, 49 South Molton Street, London W1K 5LH.
Bankers
National Westminster Bank plc, PO Box 2162, 20 Dean Street, London W1A 1SX.
Solicitors
Bates, Wells and Braithwaite, Cheapside House, 138 Cheapside, London EC2V 6BB.
Operation address
Three Chimneys, Pymore Lane, Dottery, nr. Bridport, Dorset DT6 5PS.
Registered office
49 South Molton Street, London W1K 5LH.
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors' report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.
The reference and administrative details set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement 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).
Principal activity
The principal activities of the company continue in the use of the arts for public education, as a general description, and alongside this the use of the arts to work with young people, in particular those with disadvantages, through social, cultural and educational projects. We develop new artistic performances and productions working with the highest quality of professional artists. We are extending our expertise and research in the use of music for health and well being in particular in areas of trauma and trauma informed care and in particular working alongside Ukrainian artists and universities for children in shelters and veterans developing an online programme for trauma informed care.
The charity is ensuring that as much as it works with partners in Europe, it is evenly balanced with work in the UK in particular in the area around the home base of West Dorset. In the last couple of years this has extended to UK partners in Bournemouth, Kent, Portland, Brighton and London.
The Artistic Director, with the support of the Board, continues to transform the company and the way it works, creating a more healthy arts ecology with different methods of support, new collaborators and different income streams despite the continuing difficulties of working post Covid. The plan is developing through to 2027 at least and will provide greater sustainability and preserve opportunities for the future. We continue to work on the development of our values and principles as well as our legacy and extending our policies for Equity and Inclusion as well as Data Protection and the Environment. We want to make sure that we are as environmentally sustainable as possible. In line with this all our accounting is now online and we have reduced our use of paper massively. Our new web site is active. We have used more digital methods of working as a result of the Pandemic, to great effect.
We continue to develop our partnerships with Kings College, Arts University London and Bournemouth University, Locally with TransitionTown Bridport (now Sustainable Bridport), Bridport Food Matters, Bridport’s Rights Respecting Town, b-side on Portland, Bridport’s Refugee Support Campaign, local schools and the Town Council. We are also still part of the Place of Sanctuary Dorset and now Dorset Youth Assocation.
After 2022 we can no longer apply for EU grants due to Brexit although have recently heard that there is hope that in the future we may be able to be part of an application as a neighbouring country but not a full partner or leader of a project.
There continues to be support for cultural and arts activities in community programmes in West Dorset and supporting in the long term the aims of the charity with HOME in Bridport and St. Mary’s Primary School and Bridport Primary School. Funding for such work is applied for from Awards for All, Big Lottery, Dorset Council, local charities and trusts, Bridport Town Council, Ernest Hecht Charitable Trust amongst others. The Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Charitable Foundation based in Dorchester, has become an annual funder with core and project funding.
We recognise in this day and age the need to work locally with a global perspective.
One of our most important ongoing youth project is called The Complete Freedom of Truth and has involved to date over 2,000 youth participants and an estimated 100 artists/facilitators, care workers, logistics, evaluators and experts from 8 countries across Europe and the UK with all together 16 mandated organisations. We are planning to be able to continue this work with alternative funding including the National
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report
Lottery, Town and Country Council support, other foundations and trusts and a local philanthropist who has already donated funding. We are also intending to apply for Council of Europe project funding as members of the European Youth Foundation which although isn’t at the same funding level as Erasmus, is a useful grant.
Objectives and activities for the public benefit
In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, including the guidance 'public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
The objects of the charity are to advance education for the public benefit by the promotion of the arts, in particular but not exclusively, the art of opera and music theatre and associated educational and outreach programmes.
Opera Circus continues to work with international artists and creating partnerships and collaborations in Europe and the wider world as part of a strategy developed by the Artistic Director with advice and consultation with the board.
To work with young people in particular those from areas of disadvantage and disability using arts and cultural acitivities along with youth exchanges to develop tolerance and understanding of difference, to tackle racism and fear of the other.
To work locally and globally using arts and culture as a tool to develop tolerance and understanding, to tackle exclusion and fight for equality against racism and hate crime; to support any aspect of project work that develops social justice and ensures the rebuilding of our democracies; to support the changes that need to take place to tackle the climate emergency.
In light of the damage done by Covid we continue to expand our work with music and the creative arts for health and well being, recognising the level of trauma and mental health damage that has been done in the UK over the past number of years. We are also extending this work to Ukraine in light of our experience in post-conflict areas of the Western Balkans.
We have developed a new programme of work with partners called Creative Healing publishing guidance with Kings College and the Trauma Informed Care Assocation. This will be developed in the future possibly developing into community performance.
We have started R and D including performances on a new music theatre production which is based on stories of a Jewish family from Germany and Liverpool and including other stories of migration and families including Palestine. This is an ongiong process working in partnership with the music chamber ensemble Klezmer-ish.
Structure, governance and management
*** Organisational Structure**
The general day to day management of the charity is run by the Artistic Director who also provides the Artistic Policy and creative impetus. Artists, Facilitators, Project Managers and assistants are employed on a project by project basis.
In addition a written report with updated information on the progress of the charity and its work is sent to the trustees on a regular basis. Most years the Board of Trustees meet three or four times a year to review the work of the charity and to take major decisions and approve the management accounts/audited accounts. As a result of Covid these meetings have continued online.
In this financial year two major board meetings were held. We continue to have several smaller meetings with individual board members to seek advice in their field of speciality and to ensure the ongoing dialogue and communication. This has proved to be very successful and supportive of the day to day running of the work of the charity.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report
In particular the Chair continues to be very hands on and supportive and her varied skills and experience have been vital to the ongoing growth and sustainability of the company. The Artistic Director has met with the Chair on a regular basis to discuss the ongoing projects, to work together on funding applications and to look at both local and international project work.
Appointment of Trustees
The Board of Directors will discuss any additional Directors required by the Charity. A name will be recommended and that person invited to a board meeting to discuss their responsibilities and what duties they can accept, time to give and advice to offer. If the Board of Directors approve their placement, then a vote is taken, with a proposer and seconder. The new Director will then join the Board at the following Board meeting.
The informal advisory board which was created to assist the company and Board in research, advice and connections still exists although due to extensive work loads a general meeting with all hasn’t been possible. The advisors were chosen for their skills and experience and have proven to be invaluable. We contact people on an individula basis if advice is needed.
Renowned composer and Emeritus Professor of Music Nigel Osborne, MBE became Artist in Residence for Opera Circus. Prof. Osborne has worked with TEL and Opera Circus since 2003.
*** Related Parties**
The charity seeks to work with like-minded artists and companies on a national and international level in the pursuit of its aims. This is both on an artistic and financial basis. The company desires to develop the quality and richness of its work by combining with relevant related parties where the opportunity arises. This includes working with other charitable organisations who develop educational and outreach work both in the United Kingdom and Abroad. Universities and academic partners have become significant in the work of the charity, providing learning, new openings with other partners, research opportunities and small amounts of funding. This includes The Human Hive in Brighton and Innovation and Well Being in Newcastle. What started with Bournemouth University and then Leeds University with Changing the Story continues with Kings College and Arts University London and has developed in our gorwing reputation as a trusted supplier and efficient manager of projects. We are also working with 7 universities in Ukraine as part of a development network of artists and academics in the UK and the Ukrainian NGO ArtDot..
• Plans for 2023 - 2023 and beyond
• The Complete Freedom of Truth continues becoming a youth programme of work that is a major link between European opportunities and young people in England. In 2023 we participated in the European Youth Events progamme in June where we took 17 young people form disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in activities at the Strasbourg Parliament with 8,500 other young people from across Wider Europe.
•We celebrated the International Day of Democracy in Bridport on 15 September 2023 which over 30 young people participating in multiple activities and joining with multi generational community members for dinner, music and folk dancing in the town hall.
•Opera Circus has been working locally with the Edible Gardens as a volunteer project which involves fund raising as well as providing music and arts activies. We have started a second garden at Bridport Primary School and are looking to support a third at the Sir John Colfox Academy in Bridport.
•Music and Wellbeing with the Recovery Colleges and Schools in the UK – a project started with Dorset Music Hub and continued in 2023. CPD training provided by OC’s Artist in Residence Emeritus Professor of Music Nigel Osborne. This began in March 2020 at the start of the Pandemic and continues in the long term. A small pilot project was run in St Mary’s Primary School working with the new technology x-system, to collect emotional data from the heart mind and body as a result of the effects of music – a system to help children and teachers the anxiety and stress brought about as a result of Covid. Funds have been raised already from the RSA Catalyst grant and this was used to fund part of the ongoing Creative Healing project with Kings College.
•Work started on a new R and D performance called Stumbling Stones in partnership with Klezmer-ish (musicians from Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra )and Unity Theatre, Liverpool. A work in progress performance was developed to be shown at the Unity in April 2023 with ideas to develop the work further. (Two further performances already confirmed at the Liverpool Philharmonic in January 2024 as part of Holocaust Memorial Week and a further tour in June/July 2025.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report
•Long term commitment has been made to support the work of trauma and trauma informed care training for artists in Ukraine, working with the renowned NGO ArtDot and five universities in Ukraine + Kings College and Arts University London. Opera Circus became the catalyst for the online development of a network of artists and academics to develop this work further. Major funding applications are in process through the British Embassy and British Council Kyiv and philanthropists XTX.
Achievements and performance
• Touring and Productions
We are still committed to touring to as wide an audience as possible and in multiple ways but we will have to see what the future holds with live performance as a result of the Pandemic and funding. We know that travelling and mixing with other communities, cultures and artists is invaluable to the growth of the ensemble individually and as a creative unit and to social and cultural exchange, both artistic and educational. In 2023 and 2024 we performed several work in progress performances of Stumbling Stones looking to tour in 2025.
The company continues to develop a wider range of projects which are rooted in educational and community work through the creative arts in particular music. These projects are part of an ongoing process to develop a combination of high quality performance alongside educational and community work that grows out of and alongside the art and at the highest level of professionalism.
This is being successful and the board are encouraging in their support. It is also important that we are seen to do as much and similar work in our own local community as it is with our work in wider Europe.
*** Further developments, activities and achievements – from the year end and including the plans for the future and fundraising activities:**
The Artistic Director continues to apply for funding both from grant making trusts, foundations, the corporate world and private individuals. As a result of Covid more time, help in kind, was spent by the AD applying for funding. This has become very challenging but there have been some successes in particular as a result of developing new networks. Our university partnerships are beginning to deliver small amounts of funding which as partnerships develop should become more significant. The Ernest Hecht Foundation is closing down in 2025 and has said it will offer us long term sustainable funding for our projects in 2024.
TCFT has grown in influence and is now attracting a broader and more influential group of organisations interested in offering support and participating. Sharing and partnering is an important part of the future of this particular programme of work. Dorset Youth Association has become a major partner, with their network of 42 organisations across Dorset and as part of the National Assocaiton of Youth Associations, they provide greater possibilities of sharing evaluations, successful projects and new ideas.
We continue to be invited to participate in conferences and seminars.
• The Charities Policies regarding reserves and investment.
The charity holds no reserves and has no investments.
*** Flexibility**
We have reduced our administrative costs to the bare minimum and employ freelance professional skills on a project by project basis as and when funding allows.
We are also looking at the sustainability of our sector and always including where possible emerging young artists, producers and paid freelancers.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report
*** Teaching**
As performers we recognise that we have skills, which are valuable and should be shared with people of all ages and abilities. We also have built up a list of other artists with whom we share skills and our work. Through our workshops we introduce participants to our highly distinctive style of work, help them explore music and theatre and movement and overturn preconceptions about opera and music theatre. The focus is always on participation rather than demonstration and we actively encourage spontaneity, teamwork and creativity.
Review of financial transactions and financial position
The company continues to have no loan and no overdraft facilities.
Reserves policy and risk management
In the opinion of the directors the company remains able to meet all its commitments given the continued support of the grant aiding bodies and the level of fund raising so far achieved, in addition to a long term personal guarantee. The Artistic Director has provided the Board of Trustees with a regular update of all applications for funding and their progress.
The Board of Trustees make sure that there is:-
-
an annual review of the risks which the charity may face;
-
the creation of systems to mitigate risks identified
-
the implementation of procedures to limit any impact on the charity should risks materialise.
-
•The Artistic Director is developing contacts in new areas of funding with support from the Board, this includes business philanthropy and university partnerships.
•The Community Action Network, Dorset, has provided new policy models in Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable adults, Equity and Incusion, Climate and Environment and Data Protection to update OC’s policies. These have now been completed and approved by the Board of Trustees.
Review of ongoing position.
It is the 33rd anniversary of the company. We continually need to take stock of our work, the make up of the ensemble itself and how to continue to develop and explore opera and music theatre alongise the youth and community outreach work, both locally, nationally and internationally.
As a result of the high quality of work in the last few years and the development of a much higher public profile the company is developing a better position to raise funds. We are creating new relationships with organisations and philanthropists both locally and overseas.
Brexit has caused a down turn in donations and funding support overseas and in the UK. Arts Council England has reversed its funding strategy of providing the majority of its income to Project Funding and the minority to National Portfolio Organisations but we continue to be successful in applying for small project grants.
New partnerships with Universities, Kings College, Leeds, London South Bank; large scale organisations such as Glyndebourne, partnering but not leading on Erasmus projects, looking to research different funding, working with philanthropists who are part of The Funding Network are all new ways of developing funding and sharing responsibility with larger scale projects run by institutions and organisations. This way the risk is reduced and income increased.
As a result of the Pandemic and Austerity many foundations and trusts continue to divert their funding to Covid related activities and recovery. Much of our work locally has been directed towards, supporting schools with music related activities on line and in workshops, creating musical opportunites that can be available live or live streamed. This will continue into 2025.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report
OC seems to be regarded at an international level as a creative producer of youth, community and arts projects at the highest level. There are now confirmed and provisional project developments and enquiries for work to 2026.
Year 2023/2024
The directors have considered the impact of the year 2023/2024 on the company’s operations and, so far as they are able to ascertain, consider that all reasonable steps have been taken to resolve any problems arising in particular from the ongoing problems of Covid in particular fragile mental health in young people. The costs involved in dealing with these matters are not material. The company has withstood the Covid crisis due to its lower overheads and working with freelance professionals on a project by project basis.
Small company exemptions
This report is prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 30 January 2025 and signed on its behalf by
Tina Ellen Lee
Trustee
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Opera Circus Limited
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 9 to 21.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The Trustees (who are also the Directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to an audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
ꞏ examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
ꞏ follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
ꞏ state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. 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 matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention
- which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: ꞏ to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
ꞏ to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Richard Nelson FCCA Breckman & Company Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants
49 South Molton Street London W1K 5LH
30 January 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Notes £ £ Income and endowments from: 2 Donations and legacies - page 10 34,840 - Charitable activities Theatre - page 11 6,866 33,960 Total 41,706 33,960 Expenditure on: Raising funds: Fundraising - page 12 7,263 - Charitable activities: Theatre - page 12 47,118 37,590 Total 54,381 37,590 Net income / (expenditure) 3 ) (12,675 ) (3,630 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward ) (6,437 13,487 Total funds carried forward 10, 11 ) (19,112 9,857 |
2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds £ £ £ 34,840 28,564 40,826 20,654 52,453 75,666 49,218 52,453 7,263 8,089 - 84,708 35,986 94,000 91,971 44,075 94,000 ) (16,305 5,143 ) (41,547 7,050 ) (11,580 55,034 ) (9,255 ) (6,437 13,487 |
2023 Total £ 28,564 73,107 101,671 8,089 129,986 138,075 ) (36,404 43,454 7,050 |
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 15 to 21 form an integral part of these financial statements.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
| Year ended 31 March 2024 2024 £ Income from donations and legacies Grants Kings College London (CTS) 3,365 3,365 Donations The Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Foundation 5,000 In kind support 29,840 38,205 |
- | 2023 £ - 5,000 23,564 |
|---|---|---|
| 28,564 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
| Year ended 31 March 2024 2024 £ £ Income from charitable activities Theatre Theatre income Production income 2,357 Other donations/GIft Aid 4,509 6,866 Project specific funding Kings College London (CTS) 3,365 Dorest Council 1,500 Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation - Erasmus+ - Other grants 8,235 Home in Bridport 1,000 Brid Town Council 300 Dorset Community Foundation - OR INTER ORG 4,910 Community Fund 9,900 Royal Society of Arts 4,750 Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Charitable Foundation - 33,960 40,826 |
2023 £ 12,939 7,715 - 1,250 5,000 8,615 26,338 - - 3,000 - - 3,250 5,000 |
£ 20,654 52,453 |
|---|---|---|
| 73,107 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Year ended 31 March 2024
| Expenditure on raising funds Fundraising Fundraising costs In kind support Expenditure on charitable activities Theatre Production costs Production fees Artistic fees Production fees - in kind Travel/transport Accommodation/subsistence Marketing/website Marketing- in kind Support and governance costs - page 13 |
2024 £ 263 7,000 7,263 6,709 13,508 17,840 15,740 14,660 653 1,000 70,110 14,598 84,708 |
2023 £ 4,339 3,750 |
|---|---|---|
| 8,089 | ||
| 23,841 17,708 15,514 37,835 20,336 479 - |
||
| 115,713 14,273 |
||
| 129,986 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Year ended 31 March 2024
| Support and governance costs Support costs Office overheads Storage Office costs Office costs - in kind Insurance Research/development costs Administration costs Travel/transport Printing/postage/stationery Sundries Professional/financial Bookkeeping Bank charges Deficit on foreign exchange Governance costs Accountancy/consultancy Company secretarial |
2024 £ 2,002 739 4,000 1,164 764 159 28 153 3,037 552 - 1,750 250 |
£ 8,669 340 3,589 12,598 2,000 14,598 |
2023 £ 568 787 4,300 1,051 684 162 593 373 2,325 590 590 2,000 250 |
£ 7,390 1,128 3,505 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12,023 2,250 |
||||
| 14,273 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Balance Sheet 31 March 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Debtors | 7 | 821 | 4,190 | |||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 1,276 | 10,755 | ||||||
| 2,097 | 14,945 | |||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Creditors: amounts falling | ||||||||
| due within one year | 8 | ) (11,352 |
) (7,895 |
|||||
| Net current (liabilities)/assets | ) (9,255 |
7,050 | ||||||
| Total assets less current | ||||||||
| liabilities/(deficit) | ) (9,255 |
7,050 | ||||||
| The funds of the charity | ||||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 10 | |||||||
| General fund | ) (19,112 |
) (6,437 |
||||||
| Restricted income funds | 11 | 9,857 | 13,487 | |||||
| Total charity funds | ) (9,255 |
7,050 |
For the year ending 31 March 2021 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 206 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of the accounts.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 30 January 2025 and signed on its behalf by
Tina Ellen Lee Trustee
The notes on pages 15 to 21 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
1. Accounting policies
1.1. Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement 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) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised as historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
1.2. Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis.
The charity is dependent on the continued support of grant aiding bodies. The trustees believe that the charity will continue to receive this support and accordingly consider that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.
1.3. Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when:
-
the charity is legally entitled to the funds
-
any performance conditions attached to the income have been met or are fully within the control of the charity
-
there is sufficient certainty that receipt of the income is considered probable
-
the amount can be reliably measured
- Donations and legacies
Grants/donations are recognised in incoming resources in the year in which they are receivable, except as follows:
-
when donors specify that grants/donations given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods
-
when donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred and not included in incoming resources until the preconditions for use are met.
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
- Charitable activities
Theatre income - income from box office, performance fees and sundry other theatrical income is included in incoming resources in the period in which the relevant show takes place.
Project specific funding - when donors specify that donations and grants are for particular restricted purposes, which do not amount to pre-conditions regarding entitlement, this income is included in incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable.
- Donated services and facilities
Donated services or facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. On receipt, donated services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
- Investment income
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.
1.4. Expenditure
All expenditure is included on an accruals basis inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered and is recognised when:
-
there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment
-
it is probable that settlement will be required
-
the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably
- Costs of raising funds
Costs incurred in attracting donations, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
- Charitable activities
Theatre production costs - costs incurred in production and running of productions toured in the year.
- Support costs
The administrative and overhead costs associated with running the office from which the company operates as well as governance costs. Support costs are wholly attributable to theatre production costs.
- Governance costs
Costs associated with the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity.
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
1.5. Fund accounting
Funds held by the charity are either:
-
Unrestricted general funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.
-
Restricted funds - these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
1.6. Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any trade discounts due.
1.7. Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.8. Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
1.9. Foreign currencies
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the date of the transactions. all gains and losses on exchange are written off in the income and expenditure account.
1.10. Financial Instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value, and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
1.11. Significant Accounting Estimates and Judgements
In determining the carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities, the charity makes assumptions of the effects of uncertain future events on those assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date. The charity's estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and expectation of future events and are reviewed annually. Further information about key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation of uncertainty, are set out in the notes.
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
2. Incoming resources
The total incoming resources for the year have been derived from the principal activity. The proportion of incoming resources derived from outside the UK amounted to 19% (2023 - 14%).
| 3. | Net income/(expenditure) for the year is | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| stated after charging: | £ | £ | |
| Deficit on foreign exchange | - | 590 | |
| Independent examiners' remuneration: | |||
| Independent examination fees | 1,750 | 1,750 | |
| Other services | 250 | 250 |
4. Trustees' emoluments and reimbursed expenses
The trustees received no remuneration during the year (2023 - £nil).
5. Staff costs and numbers
During the year the company had no employees.
6. Corporation Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
| Debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2024 £ 821 - 821 |
2023 £ 475 3,715 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,190 |
7. Debtors
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
| 8. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Bank overdraft Trade creditors Accruals |
2024 £ - 9,352 2,000 11,352 |
2023 £ 157 5,488 2,250 |
|---|---|---|
| 7,895 |
9. Limited by guarantee
The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. Each member gives a guarantee to contribute a sum, not exceeding £1, to the company should it be wound up. At 31 March 2024 there were 6 members.
| 10. | Unrestricted funds | Brought | Incoming | Outgoing | Carried |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| forward | resources | resources | forward | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General fund | ) (6,437 |
41,706 | ) (54,381 |
) (19,112 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
| 11. | Restricted funds | Brought | Incoming | Outgoing | Transfers | Carried | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| forward | resources | resources | forward | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| The Edible Garden Project | 5,328 | 12,190 | ) (7,661 |
- | 9,857 | ||
| TCFT | 1,795 | 7,285 | ) (9,080 |
- | - | ||
| Take P-Art | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Naciketa/Music | 1,500 | 4,250 | ) (5,750 |
- | - | ||
| Stumbling Stones | 1,853 | 2,730 | ) (4,583 |
- | - | ||
| Ukraine | 3,011 | 7,505 | ) (10,516 |
- | - | ||
| 13,487 | 33,960 | ) (37,590 |
- | 9,857 |
The Edible Garden Project
Opera Circus has been a partner with Transition Town Bridport, HOME in Bridport and St Mary's Primary School Bridport for over 10 years. This project started with partners working together to help disadvantaged families in Skilling where there is over 33% child poverty. There is also an allotment. The garden provides learning, including in the curriculum for the children, their families and staff about growing, harvesting, cooking and eating through the garden at the school with music and arts activities. There is now a second garden beginning at Bridport Primary School and conversations have started with the high school, Sir John Colfox. The schools are all part of the Minerva Learning Trust Cooperative Academy. This year the project received £1,000 from Home in Bridport, £1,290.50 from CAF donations, and £9,900 from the Community Fund.
TCFT
TCFT is a long term international arts and cultural youth project which began in 2008 in Srebrenica, BiH. It has grown into a multi-partner programme which includes large and small youth residencies and exchanges in the UK and in wider Europe. Funding in 2023/24 was received from Bridport Town Council (£300), Dorset Council (£1,500), Or Inter Org (£4,909.53), Royal Society of Arts (£500), and small donations totalling £75.
Naciketa/Music
Music, Mind and Body, is an umbrella title for projects connected with music and the creative arts being used for physical and mental wellbeing. This includes the use of music in primary schools to help children monitor their own emotional states tackling the anxiety and stress caused by Covid. This title was also continued in 2023/24 with a final £4,250 from the Catalyst programme of the Royal Society of Arts for a project called Creative Healing. Other projects will be included under this title including Trauma Informed Care training and working with refugees.
Docusign Envelope ID: 1391936E-B2F1-4A44-B712-15E141D031E6
Opera Circus Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
Ukraine
The beginning of a long-term project using our expertise and history in this area of music, trauma and war/post conflict. Working with Prof. Nigel Osborne to provide support and funding for work with children's shelters for those who have been orphaned and traumatised by the current war with Russia. This is part of the Music Mind Body programme of work that includes experimental work with music and the brain and continues our partnership with the Department of War at Kings College, London. In 2023/24 individual donations and crowdfunding totalling £4,139.89 was received, and funding of £3,365 from Kings College London.
12. Analysis of net assets between funds
| General Restricted funds funds £ £ Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by: Net current assets ) (19,112 9,857 ) (19,112 9,857 |
Total £ ) (9,255 ) (9,255 |
|---|---|
13. Transactions with trustees
Tina Golden provided support in kind valued at £8,000 (2023 - £9,000) during the year related to core administration, marketing, and fundraising costs.
Tina Golden was paid artistic fees of £1,500 (2023 - £0) by the charity during the year.
Robert Golden, a trustee, was paid artistic fees of £500 (2023 - £3,000) by the charity during the year.
Robert Golden provided support in kind valued at £7,500 (2023 - £7,500) during the year related to photographic design and film services.
14. Related party transactions
Home at Bridport donated £1,000 towards the Edible Garden costs.