FINBOROUGH THEATRE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31 March 1025 COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 03448Z68 CNARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1071304 Frank Lachman 31 Falrvlew Way Edgware Mlddlesex HA88JH A07 'AEFOB9QP* 1011112025 COMPANIES HOUSE
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Finborough Theatre - DirectorJ and Trustees Report 2024-2025 YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES: Angus Chisholm Patrick Henry Cunliffe Foster Geraldine Kelly Russell Levinson Pembe al Mazrouei Robbie Kin8S John William Terry Anna-marie Jane Wallis Richard James Williamson Resigned 28 November 2024 Appointed 17June 2025 Appointed 14 May 2024 Resi8ned 15 April 2025 Appointed IAugust 2025 COMPANY SECRETARY Neil McPher50n REGISTERED OFFICE: 118 Flnborough Road London SWIO 9ED INOEPENDENT EXAMINER: Frank S Lachman 31 Fairview Way Edgware Middlesex HA8 8JH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1071304 COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 03448268 Page 2
Flnborough Theatre - Dlrectors and Trusteos Report 2024-2025 The directors I trustees present their report and the financlal statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS Company Law, which is applicable to charitable companies in England and Wales, requires the dirertors, who are also trustees of the company, to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the results of the company for that year. In preparing those financial statements, the dlrectorsltrustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them Conslstentlv: observe the methods and prlnclples in the Charities SORP,. make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departure5 disclosed and explained in the financial statements.. prepare the financial statements on the goin8 concern basi5 unless it 15 inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. The directors/trustees are respon51ble for keepln8 proper accounting records which disclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the flnancial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are a150 responsible for 5afeguardin8 the assets of the company and hence for takin8 reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY AND CHARITABLE 08JEcfivE The objects of the charity are to advance education for the public benefit throu8h the promotlon of the arts with particular but not exclusive reference to the dramatic arts. The principal objectlve of the company contlnued to be the arrangement and performance of works at the Finborough Theatre, and elsewhere. ORGANISATION AND CONSTITUTION The company wa5 incorporated on 10th October 1997 and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The guarantees of individual members are limited to £1. The day-to-day administration of the charity is under the control of the Artistic Director, Nell McPherson. The board of dlrectors may from tlme to tlme and at any time appoint any member of the company as a member of the board of directors, either to fill a casual vacancy or to flll the board of directors, provided that the prescribed maximum be not thereby exceeded. RISK MANAGEMENT The company undertakes periodic reviews for different areas of rlsk includin8 insurance cover, health and safety policies in the workplace and whilst performing; workln8 Wlth young children; financial affairs,. personnel practices; and ICT technology. ASSETS The movement In flxed assets is shown in Note 6 to the accounts. ACCOUNTANTS A resolution proposing the re-appointment of Frank Lachman as Independent Examlner will be submitted at the Annual General Meeting. SUMMARY OF THE YEAR This was another busy year for the Finborough Theatre. Our twelve main productions included four world premiere5, one European premiere, two UK premieres, one English premiere and one London premiere. There were three rediscoveries, including The Silver Cord which had not been performed in London for nearly one hundred years. We continued to offer an international programrne with plays by writers from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Australia, the United States, Canada, Ukraine, Czechia, and Germany. With fundinB from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Manitoba Arts Council, we hosted multi-award-winning Canadian playwright Vern Thiessen for a three week UK residency at the Finborou8h Theatre, includin8 a readin8 of his play 8luebird5. This was the first time his work has been heard in London. We have always been known for our commitment to Canadian theatre makers, and we hope that there wlll be many more such collaborations. Page 3
Flnborough Theatro - Dlroctors and Trustee8 Report 2024-2025
FinboroughFrontier, a digital initiative to complement our live work, continued to make videos and other digital initiatives
available free, including our #VoicesFromUkraine video series, the Earl's Court Walking Tours - an interactive celebration of the vivid history of our local community with geolocated sound and virtual listening options available- and curated music playlists on The Finborough Theatre on Spotify. Work continued throu8hout the year on our first foray into into audio drama, Remember Your Lovers - The Poetry of Sidney Keyes. including a recordin8 session with acting legend Claire Bloom. We were deeply saddened by the sudden death of our trustee and former Technical Manager Angus Chisholm in November 2024, following a tragic accident. Angus's contributions to the theatre, as a Trustee and In his invaluable technical work and innovations, have been invaluable, and his passing is a devastating loss. Our sympathy goes to his family and his many friends. We were honoured to have ensured that he was remembered during the 2025 Olivier Awards ceremonv. Our Chair, Robbie Kings left us for personal reasons. We are indebted to him for hi5 hard work and contribution to the theatre. We welcomed new trustees to the Board.. Geraldine Kelly joined durin8 the year, Patrick Foster and Richard Williamson after the vear-end. Despite the pressures of inflation, we kept ticket prices and a range of concession offerings unchanged, in Order to maintain accessibility for the theatre. Our congratulations 80 to the artistic team for the award5 and recognition they have earned from the theatrical community and Media. They have also enjoyed success and impact with a number of national and international transfers of Finborou8h Theatre productions to other theatres. Our wider literary team continues to revlew an enormou5 number of scripts so that we can identify talent and good writinB for presentatlon at our theatre. Fundraisin8 is an increasin8ly important focus of attention, in order to improve the fabric of the theatre. present exciting work fitting our ambitions and standards, provide appropriate staffin8, and ensure creatives are paid properly. Our Fundralsin8 Dlrector and Development Board have continued to run new fundraising inltlatives and widen our network of supporter5. We remaln Intensely grateful for the dedication of the team, including management. staff, volunteers, tf Ustees and development board members, who all play their role in helpin8 us produce the work for which the Finborou8h is renowned,. result out of all proportion to the number of people involved and the tiny si2e of the theatre. We are also deeply gratef ul for the lon8-term support of our customers, supporters and Friends. We look forward to another successful year. ARTISTIC POLICY In the financial year 2024-25, the Flnborou8h Theatre contlnued its multl-award-winnin8 artlstlc pollcy. The Finborou8h Theatre believes in supportin8 companies and individuals in their artistic development and building lon8-term partnerships. The vast majority of work presented at the Finborough Theatre has been made and developed by artists with whom we have an on8oin8 relationship. Many companies and individuals produce a series of productions with us. The Finborough Theatre operates primarily as a presenting house, but its programme 15 strictly curated. It actively seeks Out plays and talent meeting irs artistic policy and works to bring them tO8ether to bulld Its exciting pro8ramme. We programme.. Full length new play5 from the UK. with a bias toward5 work on political, social, historical and cultural i55ues. UK premleres ofwork from overseas. Ambitious revivals of ne8lected drama written after 1800. Adaptations of neglected books written after 1800, Music theatre from 1800 onwards. Plays about the local area, local history or personalities. We do not present any play that has been presented anywhere in London in the last 25 years, including transfer5 from other London venue5. We encourage productions that place diversity at their heart. whether from Global Majority artlsts, artists with a dlsability, or those tackllng gender equality and representation. We strive not to be London-centric in our programming, and welcome stories from around the 8ritlsh Isles and from oversea5 which may not be re8ularly represented on London sta8es. We re8ularly programme work in the indigenous languages of the British Isles including plays in Welsh, Scot5 and Scot5 Gaelic. Page 4
Finborough Theatre - Directors and Trustees Report 2024-2025 2024-25 PRODucfioNS Tuesday, 19 March - Saturdoy, 13 April 2024 FOAM by Harry Mcoonald Directed by Matthew Iliffe The world premiere. London Pub Theotres Standing Ovation Award for Best Productlon The Stage Debut Award nomination for Harry McDonald as Best Writer Must See Show, Fringe Review ** * * * Five Stars. LondonTheotrel * * * * * Five Stars, London Pub Theotres ** * * * Five Stars, Queer Guru * Five Stars, The New Current Five Stars, Al Loves Theotre *** ** Five Stars, West End Best Friend Four Stars, The Stage Four Stars, The Art5 Desk Four Stars. Everything Theatre Four Star5, The Spy in the St(Jlls * * * * Four Stars, London Llvlng Lorge Tuesday, 16 April- Soturdoy, 11 Moy 2024 8ANGING DENMARK by Van Badham Directed by Sally Woodcock The European premlere. OffWestEnd Award Nomination Lead Performance In a Play- Rebecca Blackstone London Pub fheotres Standing Ovation Award Nomination Must See Show. Fringe Review Five Stars, All Thot Dozzles * ** * * Five Stars, Adventure5 in Theotreland Five Stars, The Review5 Hub Five Stars, Reviews Gote *** ** Five Stars, Pink Prince Theotre Four Stars, LondonTheotrel Four Stars, North West End Four Stars, Theatre andArt Reviews Four Stars, West End Best Friend * ** * Four Stars, Breoking the Fourth Woll Four Stars, Morning Stor Four Stars, Love London Love Culture Four Stars, London Pub theotres ** Four Stars, The Recs Page 5
Flnborough Theatre - Directors and Trustees Report 2024-2025 Tuesdoy, 14 Moy- Soturdoy. 8 June 2024 THE TAILOR OF INVERNESS Written and Performed by Matthew Zajac Directed by Ben Harrison Off West End Award Nomination Performance Piece- Matthew Zajac Must See Show, Fringe Review * Five Stars, Theotre 8uzz UK Four Stars, The Stoge Four Stars, Adventure5 in Theotrelond Four Stars, Suson Elkin Four Stars, LondonTheotrel * ** * Four Stars, rhe Quinntessentiol Review Four Stars, Ploys To See Four Stars, Theotre 8ubble Tuesday, 11 June- Soturdoy, 6 July 2024 KAFKA Translated, Devised and Performed by Jack Klaff Directed by Colin Watkeys Hidden Gem, Fringe Review Five Star5, Lou Review5 Five Stars, LondonTheatrel Four Star5, The Upcoming * * * * Four Stars, London Pub Theotres Four Stars, Aline Woites Reviews Four Stars. Paul in London Four Stars, UK Theatre Web * ** * Four Stars, Jewish Renoissonce Presented in the centenary year of Kafka's death. Kafko subsequently transferred to 59E59 Theaters, New York City from 12 June- 29 June 2025 Tuesdoy, 9 July- Soturdoy, 3 August 2024 THE TRUMPETER by Inna Goncharova, translated by John Farndon Directed by Vladlmlr Shcherban The UK premiere. Excitin8 Work. Fringe Review *** * Four Stars, LondonTheotrel ** Four Stars, Ploys to See The run of The frumpeterwas accompanied by a serles of informal post-show events includin8 poetry readlnBS, music, playreading, play performances, discussions and debates, all inspired by Ukraine or conflict In 8eneral. Friday, 19 July 2024 Canadian Playwright Resldency and Playreadln8 VERN THIESSEN AND BLUEBIRDS With funding from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Manitoba Arts Council, multi-award-winning Canadian playwri8ht Vern Thie55en undertook a three week UK residency at the Finborough Theatre, including a reading of his play Bluebirds, directed by Vicky Moran. This staged readin8 was the first time his work has been heard in London. Page 6
Finborough Theatre - Dlrector8 and Trustees Report 2024-2025 Tuesday, 13 August- Soturdoy. 31 August 2024 Refurbishment Tuesdoy, 3 September- Saturday, 28 September 2024 THE SILVER CORD by Sidney Howard Directed by Joe Harmston The first London production since 1927. London Pub Theatres- Standin8 Ovation Nomination OffWestEnd Award nomination for Best Ensemble OffWestEnd Award nomination for Best Set Design Outstandin8 Show, Fringe Review * * * ** Five Stars, LondonTheotrel * * Five Stars, North West End UK *** ** Five Stars, AJH Loves Theatre *** * * Flve Stars, Morning Star Four Stars, The Arts Desk Four Stars, London Pub fheotres Four Stars, The Stage Four Stars, The Upcoming Four Stars, Ploys To See Four Stars, 8reaking The Fourth Woll *** * Four Stars, Everything Theatre Tuesday, l October- Soturday, 26 October2024 BERYL COOK: A PRIVATE VIEW Written, performed and palnted by Kara Wilson OffWestEnd Award nomination for Best Solo Performance In a Play OffWestEnd Award nomination for Best Set Desl8n Groundbreaking Work, Fringe Review *** * * Five Stars, British Theatre Guide Four Stars, Edinburgh Guide Four Stars, The Rec5 Four Stars, LondonTheotrel Four Stars. 8roadway World Four Stars, Theotre andArt Reviews Tuesdoy, 29 October- Soturdoy, 23 November 2024 8URNT-UP LOVE Written and Directed by Ché Walker The world premiere. OffWestEnd Award nomination for New Play OffWestEnd Award nomination for Performance Ensemble London Pub Theotre5 Standing Ovailon Award Nomination Lyn's Picks - Critic's Pick by Lyn Gardner for Stogedoor Hidden Gem, Fringe Review Named as one of the Top 10 Best Plays of the Year by The Obsenier *** * X Four J4 Stars. London Pub Theotre5 Four Stars. The 5toge *** * Four Stars. The Observer * Four Stars, LondonTheatrel Page 7
Flnborough Theatre- Directors and Trustees R•port 2024-2025 * Four Stars, The Reviews Hub * ** * Four Stars. Everything Theotre Four Stars. Ploys to See Four Stars, Morning Star Four Stars, Squirrp Four Stars, The Art5 Desk Tuesdoy, 26 November- Saturdoy, 21 December 2025 LIES WHERE IT FALLS Written and Performed by Ruairi Conaghan The English premiere. OffWestEnd Award nomination for Performance Piece Hidden Gem, Fringe Review Four Stars, The Review5 Hub Four Stars, Everything Theotre Four Stars, LondonTheatrel Four Stars, ReviewsGote Four Stars, Jodor Four Stars, Squirrp Tuesday. 7 January- Soturdoy, l February 2025 BELLY OF THE BEAST by Saana Sie Directed by Dadiow Lin The world premiere. London Pub Theatres Standing Ovation Award Nomination Hi8hly Recommended Show. Fringe Revlew Saana S2e nominated for The Stage Debut Award for Best Writer Four Stars, LondonTheatrel ** ** Four Stars. The Stage Four Stars, North West End UK * * * * Four Stars, Broodwoy World *** * Four Stars, London Pub Theatres * ** * Four Stars, Foiry Powered Productions * * * * Four Stars, A Young(i5hJ Perspective Tuesdoy, 10 Februory- Soturdoy, 15 March 2025 THE PASSENGER by Nadya Menuhin Based on the novel by Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz Directed by Tim Supple The world premiere of a new adaptation. OffWestEnd Awards 'Assessors' Choice, London Pub Theatre5 Standing Ovation Award nomination Must See Show, Fringe Review Five Stars, The Review5 Hub *** ** Five Stars. Everything Theatre Five Stars, Play5 To See Five Stars, ojhlove5theatre Flve Stars, Theatre and Tonic ** Five Stars, Theatre andArt Reviews Page 8
Finborough Theatre - Dlrectors and Trustees Roport 2024-2025 * Five Stars, Theotre Vibe Five Stars, Squirrp 112 Four % Stars, London Pub Theatres 112 Four X Stars. Susan Elkin Revlews Four Stars. The Stage ** * * Four Stars. A Young{ish) Perspective Four Stars, All That Dozzles Four Stars, The Spy in the Stolls Four Stars, LondonTheotrel *** * Four Stars. Liarn O'Dell Four Stars. Jewish Renoissonce Tuesday, 18 Morch ~ Soturday. 12 April 2025 MEN'S BUSINES5 by Franz Xaver Kroetz in a new translation by Simon Stephens Oirected by Ross Gaynor The UK premiere. "A darin8 production achievin8 things rarely attempted on the London stage.. Harry Conway, London Pub Theotres Standing Ovation Award Nomlnation. London Pub fheatres Groundbreaklng Work, Fringe Review Four Stars, The Reviews Hub Four Stars. Plays To See Four Stars. Poul in London * Four Stars. Morning Stor * * * * Four Stars. rhe Chelsea Citizen *** * Four Stars, The Irish Times THE FINBOROUGH THEATRE ON SPOTIFY We published soundtracks from Finborou8h Theatre productions, available to stream for free on Spotify. Currently avallable playlists are: Flnborough Theatre Cast Recordlngs featuring original cast recordings of the Finborough Theatre productions of new muslcals by Crai8 Adams, Charles Miller and Kevin Hammonds,. rediscoveries from Julian Slade,. and two shows by Ivor Novello. All the musicals featured are available to buy on CD. Celebratlng Brltlsh Mu51( Theatre featurin8 music from British musicals and operettas produced at the Finborough Theatre. Mu51c Theatre Stoteslde featuring music from American musicals produced at the Finborough Theatre. It Is Easy To Be Dead featurin8 music heard In the Olivier Award nominated new play. I Wlsh To Dle Slnglng featuring music heard in the award-winning new play. The Sllver Cord featuring mu51¢ by American composer Amy Beach heard in the Finborough Theatre rediscovery. We wlll be addln8 more playlists from Finborou8h Theatre productions in the future. TRANSFERS Durin8 the year. the following Finborough Theatre production5, or productions inspired by the original Finborough Theatre productions, played in the UK and internationally: - BACON Rogue Machine Theatre, Los An8eles February 8- March 30 2025 - THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY Quantum Theatre at the Braddock Came8ie Library.. 419 Library Street, Braddock, Pittsbur8h, PA January 31- February 23, 2025 Page 9
Flnborough Theatre - Dlrectors and Trustees Report 2024-2025 Sheen Center for Thought and Culture, New York City, NY March 14- April 6. 2025 Quintessence Theatre, Phlladelphla, PA May 1-18 2025 AWARDS Foam won London Pub Theatres, Standing Ovation Award for Best Production- an award we have now won three years in a row. A Finborou8h Theatre production was - for the fourth consecutive year- selected as one of the best plays of the year in national newspaper, with Burnt-up Love named by The Observer as one of the 8est Plays of 2024. The Morning Star selected our rediscovery of The Silver Cord I'confirmed this little theatre as a serious contender with the best.") Playwrlght-in-Residence Sophie Swithlnbank won the presti8ious Sonia Friedman eest Play Award 2024. Harry McDonald was nominated for 8est Writer in 2024 The Sta8e Debut Awards for Foam, alongside Hannah Morley who won the RADIUS Playwritin8 Competition in association with the Finborou8h Theatre in 2018. In the 2025 The Sta8e Oebul Awards, we received another nominatlon for Best Writer, for new playwright and Playwright on Attachment at the Flnborough Theatre, Saana Sze, for Belly of the Bea5t,' and two nomlnations for 8est Desi8ner, for Hannah 5chmldt for The Possenger, and for our own Resident Assistant Designer Juliette Demoulin for her work on many productions during the year, to add to her OffWestEnd Award nomination for Best Designer for Beryl Cook.. A Privote Vlew. ADDITIONAL AcfiviTIES FINBOROUGH FORUM The Finborough Forum Is an invitatlon.only 8roup of playwrlghts, directors, designers, and other theatre creatives. Members attend monthly meetings, where they take part in a Q&A with a wide ran8e of industry guest speakers, followed by a chance to socialise with fellow theatre practitioners. The 8roup originally started life in October 2017 as the Flnborou8h Theatre Writers, Group. After a successful two years, the group relaunched as the Flnborough Forum in September 2019. expandlng its remlt to Include theatre dlrectors, desl8ners and other creatives assoclated with the Finborough Theatre, to broaden the discussion and expand the camaraderie that has emerged between the playwri8hts in the group to other theatre practitioners. Volunteers workin8 Wlth us are also invited to attend Finborough Forum events. The Flnborou8h Forum wa5 generously supported by The Geor8e Goetchlus and Donald Howarth Society of Friends Awards from 2019 to 2021. Followin8 the sad death of playwright Donald Howarth in March 2020, the new trustees of the George Goetchius and Donald Howarth Society of Friends Awards decided to withdraw their fundin8 of the Forum.. it sadly remain5 on hiatus until a new funding source Can be found. In the meantime. we continue to offer all Finborough Forum members complimentary tickets for the first week of every new production at the Flnborou8h Theatre. LOCAL HISTORY WÉBSITE AND ARTICLES In order to increase our community enBa8ement and profile, we continued our work on our website on the history of the local area and community. In addition, Artistic Director Neil McPherson continued contributing a Monthly series of articles on the rich and diverse history of the local area for our neighbourhood community magazine. The Court. ENHANCING AFFORDABILITY Whlle our artistic strategy Is central to our mission, it Is also important to make the Flnborou8h Theatre as affordable as posslble for visiting companies, particularly for emer8in8 theatre practitioners. The rent we charge is already one of the lowest in London for a theatre of our size and reputation. But recognising the costs faced by visiting companie5, we continued to offer a more flexible business model to reduce thelr financial risk further. y openln8 UP the theatre to a wider pool of talent, we will improve diversity and inclusiveness and further enhance the strength of our pro8rammin8. STAFFING Our team is kept small to ensure that our costs to visiting companies are as low a5 Possible so that we are as acce55ible to as many people as possible. Page 10
Finborough Theatre - Dlroctors and Tru8tee8 R•port 2024-2025 We have just two paid full-time staff: the Artistic Director and a General Mana8er, and three paid part-time staff, a Fundraising Dirertor, Technical Manager and Bookkeeper. Our staff at May 2025 were: Artistic Director l Neil McPherson Foundin8 Director | Phll Willmott General Manager l Jllllan Feuersteln Assistant General Manager l Madison Ambrolse Fundraising Director | Jonathan Elllcott Playwrights in Residence l James Graham, Dawn Kln& Anders Lustgarten. Carmen Na5r, Athena Stevens Playwright on Attachment | Saana Sze Peggy Ramsay Foundation / Film 4 Awards Scheme Playwright ITOM Erhardt 8ursaryl I Sophie Swithinbank Resident Designer l Alex Marker Resident A5$1Stant Oesi8ner l Jullette Demoulln Resident Castlng Director l E112abeth Sweeney Technical Mana8er | Venus Raven Literary Manager | Sue Healy Oeputy Literary Manager | Rhys Hayes Literary Assistants l LydSa McKlnley and Tahys Rodriquez Literary Asslstants Ilnternationall | Rebecca Ha8ber8 Snackerstrom and Courtney Wllson Associate Producer l Arsalan Sattarl 8ook Keeper | Pattl Wllllams Board of Trustees | Geraldlne Kellyi Russell Le¥ln50n. Pembe Al Mazrouel, John Terry and Anna-marle Wallls Development Board | Dlane Banks Ichalrl, Elliabeth Olaferla, PatrSck Foster, Nlcolette Klrkby and Klentlana Mahmutal LITERARY TEAM AND POLICY The Finborou8h Theatre's Literary Team receives and reports on unsollcited scripts submitted to the Finborou8h Theatre. Unlike some publicly funded theatres, the Finborough Theatre welcomes unsolicited scripts at any time of the year. We welcome scrlpts from both unrepresented and represented wrlters. We programme productions in accordance with the theatre's artistlc policy. We maintain an extensive. pro-writer development process consisting of one-to-one dramaturgy and workshops. As a matter of policy, we do not believe in development for the sake of it and are always actively searchin8 for playwrights and plays that we can actually produce. We are not interested in just finding the flavour of the month, but in buildin8 a lastin8 and mutually beneficial relationship with playwright and working closely with them over a lon8 period. For example, we produced plays by writer James Graham every year between 2005-2010 and by Anders Lust8arten every year between 2007-2013. We seek to develop new work that Is.. Thematically expansive - plays that matter on subject5 that matter, regardle55 of fashion. We are interested in playwrights and plays that present unique challenges to Ideological assumptions about community, natlon and world. Ideologically brave- the Finborough Theatre has developed an enviable reputation as an intellectual hot-house of ideas and confrontation. We are a theatre that pro8rammes polltically en8aged plays to challen8e the vanities, hypocrisies and oppressions of our times. We actively brin8 fresh voices into social and politlcal debates about the world into a So- seat theatre in Earl's Court. Artistically ambltious - we actlvely seek playwrights who have movin8 and unusual insights into the nature of our social world, and whose theatrical voice and vision are unique. We welcome and encourage bi& ambitious plays with large casts. In the financial year 2024-25, the Literary Team received 682 unsolicited scripts, or 57 a month on average. These fi8ures are very similar to last year. 53 5cript5 received a Second read compared to the 68 last year. VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME The charity embraces the importance of developing the future 8eneratlon of artists and creatives through a volunteer programme. Our volunteer pro8ramme offers practical experience to bridge the gap between academia and the world of professional theatre. As the Finborough Theatre is such an intimate space, our volunteers gain invaluable experience as they are immediately thrust into the heart of the action, and get to interact closely with our staff and visiting professionals. Each volunteer is offered mentoring advice to provide support on pastoral issues, and personal development to help prepare them for a career in professional theatre. Page 11
Finborough Theatre- Directors and Trustees Report 2024-2025 Many of our previous volunteers have gained excellent pald employment through the experience gained with their work with us. Many are now working In high profile positions in UK and overseas theatre. Others have formed their own theatre companie5 together with profe55i0nals and volunteers they met working with u5. We ensure that the volunteer pro8ramme is designed so that volunteers can combine it with paid employment. We make every effort to work round the personal circumstances of each individual to ensure that anyone from any socio-etonomic background is able to volunteer with us if they wish. MEMBERSHIPS The Finborough Theatre is a member ofthe Independent Theatre Council. the Society of Independent Theatre5, Musical Theatre Network. The Friends of Brompton Cemetery. The Earl's Court Society, The Kensington Society, and the WEST Theatre Association. Kyiv. Ukraine. PRICING POUCY Our pricin8 policy reflects our strategy of offering affordablllty and access to our theatre productions to a wide public, especially members of our local community. Full price tickets to our theatre productions range from £18 to £23, and in the interests of maximum accessibility, have not changed since 2021. Conce55ion tickets are available for all Our theatre productlons, but are Ilmited on Friday and Saturday evenln8s as these are our busiest ni8hts and a full house is essential for financial sustainabilltv. Our re8ular concessions apply to other performances on Tue5day5 to Sunday5: A £2-£3 dlscount on the full prlce ticket for full tlme students, senlor citizens, under 165, unemployed and disabllity claimants A group offer for 10 tickets at the price of 9 £10 for those a8ed 30 and under durin8 the flrst week of our maln show EIS for previews £15 for residents of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham on the first Saturday evenin8 of each production Concessions for member5 of Entertainment Union5 on Sunday maiinees On Tuesdays. all seats are available at the concession price, This is to ensure the theatre is accessible to those who mav not otherwise quallfy for a concession, but who cannot afford full price tickeis All our online productions are avallable to watch free, and include subtltled versions throu8h our partner platform Scenesa¥er, to further increase acce551bility. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIE5 The Finborou8h Theatre operates a policy of equal opportunity for employment, trainin8 and advancement. The aims of our Diversity Pollcy are: to promote equality of opportunity for all.. a workplace where people are treated with dignity and respect and valued for who they are and the contrlbution they make to the or8anis3tion; and active opposition to all forms of prejudice, discrimination, bullying and harassment on the grounds of 8ender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion. colour, creed, a8e, class, carin8 responsibilities, marital status, sexuality, physical ability or mental health. Equal opportunity Statistics for those who worked for us In the flnanclal year 2024-2025.. Any other White background 36% White British 31Yo Any other Asian background 10% White Irish 9.5% Mixed / multiple ethnlc groups 7% Indian 5% Black Afrlcan 3% White and Aslan 2% Any other Black back8round 2% Latin American 2% Page 12
Flnborough Theatre - Dlrectors and Trustees Report 2024-2025 Jewish 2% Not disabled 90% Disabled 10% Neurodiverse 26% Not neurodiverse 74% 50% identify as heterosexual 17% identify as bisexual 16% identify as queer 5% identify as Lesbian 5% identify a5 undecided/questionin8 3% identify as asexual 2% identlfy as pansexual 2% identlfy as demlsexual 69Yp identify as women 27% Identlfy as men 2% identlfy as non-binary 76% have a gender identlty that matched with the one assi8ned at birth 24% have a 8ender identity that differed from the one assigned at birth 64% are a8ed 18-24 26% are aged 25-30 7% are aged 3140 52% are from a middle soclo-economic class 48Yo are from a workin8 socio.economic class We are actSvely workin8 on action points in order to address the lack of diversity in our team. We are actively listening and learnin8 and working to being a more welcoming, inclusive and representative space. THE FIN8OROUGH THEATRE BUILDING There was no tenant for the Finborough Arms Pub from 2020 to 2024. The pub was closed and building work5 took place for much of that period. The pub reopened in January 2025 as a Pan-Asian fusion restaurant and bar named Yogl's. We work closely with the mana8ement. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY The Finborough Theatre 15 making a commitment ro uphold the highest standards of sustainable operation in its activities, and to minimise the impact of its activities on the environment. We endeavour to improve our environmental performance, and to aim to achieve standards thal exceed minimum levels required by legislation and local codes of practice. We believe that it is our social duty to do whatever is possible to reduce dependence on natural resources, and aim to conseple energy, water, wood, paper and all other resources as a matter of course. We also believe it is our responsibility to mlnimise our waste output by reducing. reusing and recycling where possible, and to apply these values equally to procurement of good5. We expect our service providers to have a similar ambition, and we will do our utmost to ensure that all contractors share our values. We recognise that the Finborough Theatre is in a position to educate and inform a large number of people about its aspirations. We will communicate wherever possible with our Staff. users, local authority. suppliers, and local communitv. Page 13
Flnborough Theatre - Dlrectors and Trustees Report 2024-2025 We take our responsibilities seriously and will continually review our performance to address any shortcomings. We have our own 100% green electricity supply. Whilst there is still work to do before we are 100% carbon neutral, this is a major step towards that goal. Durin8 the year. we replaced 5ingle-use plastlc 8lasses for drinks in the auditorium with paper cups. FUNDRAISING We have continued to strengthen our fundraising activity over the past year, guided by the energy and commitment of our Development Board. New initiatives celebrated alumni including intimate dinners, post-show discussions, and exclusive interviews with some of our theatre's most have allowed us to connect more deeply with supporters and friends of the theatre. We were especially grateful to receive renewed fundln8 from the Earls Court Communlty Fund, as well as vital sUPPOrt from the Theatres Trust. which enabled us to begin up8radin8 our a8ein8 lightin8 Stock. These investments help secure the future of our productlons and improve the experience for both artists and audiences. Buildin8 on thls momentum, we have set ambitious targets for the coming year. We will continue to seek support from Arts Council England. grant-rnakin8 foundations, and indlvidual donors, ensurln8 that our theatre remalns a place where artlsts can thrive and our audiences can be inspired. FINANCIAL REVIEW Durin8 the 2024-2025 financial year the organisation generated £141k of revenues, with a net deficlt of £34k. The revenue came mainly from theatre hire, 8rants, donations, and 81ft aid, tO8ether with Investment income. The or8anisation is solvent and is in a position to meet its liabilities while fulfilllnB its artlstlc mission. GOING CONCERN The directors confirm that a 80in8 concern ba515 is approprlate for the preparation of these accounts. The directors affirm that the company is solvent and will have sufficient resources to function for the 12 months from the date of signing these accounts. RESERVES POLICY The directors have set as a target that unrestricted fund5 Should normally be within the range of 6-12 months operatin8 Costs. In settlng thls range. the board has sought to balance the need to use reserves productively, and the need to mana8e the theatre's finances prudently to maintain the Finborou8h.as unique, permanent part of London's theatre eco108V. In particular, the board has taken into consideration the theatre's long-term lease on its premises,. the theatre and Its partners, contracts, planning and commitment horizons of up to 12 months,. the financial dependence on the theatre of staff and self- employed creative5- and the theatre's reputation for meeting its financial commitments. The pollcy represents a target ran8e, rather than a fixed straitjacket. If funds are outside the range, the board, takin8 advSce from mana8ement, will conslder what action Is approprlate under the clrcumstances prevaillng. Income from funds invested may be used to improve earnin8s of actors and others workin8 on the theatre's main in-house productions. Page 14
Flnborough Theatre - Dlrectors and Truste?s Report 2024-2025 DIREcfoRS AND TRVSTEES The following direttorsltrustees held office during the whole year: Russell Levin50n Pembe al Mazrouei John Wi11Sam Terry Anna-marie Jane Wallis The following directors/trustees resi8ned during the year.. Angus Chisholm Robbie Kln8S resigned 28 November 2024 resi8ned 15 April 2025 The following directorltrustee was appointed during the year.. Geraldine Kelly appointed 14 May 2024 The following directors/trustees were appolnted after the end of the year: Patrick Henry Cunliffe Foster Richard James Williamson appointed 17 June 2025 appointed l Au8USt 2025 RESERVES The movement In reserves Is shown in note 10 to the accounts. This report ha5 been prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies subject to the small companies, regime. Thls report was approved by the board on 20 October 2025 and si8ned on its behalf by Russell Levlnson. P8ge 15
Finborough Theatre- Independent ExamlneV8 Report INOEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNT5 OF THE FINBOROUGH THEATRE ICOMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER.. 034482681 I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31st March 2025 which are set out in pages 17 to 23. RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT As the charity's trustees of the company land also its director5 for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wlth the requirements of the Companie5 Act 2006 I'the 2006 Act'l. 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 carrled out under section 145 of the Charitie5 Act 2011 (the '2011 Act'l. In carryln8 Out my examination I have followed the Dlrectlons 8lven by the Charity Commission under section 14515llb) of the 2011 Act. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examinatlon 8ivin8 me cause to believe.. I l) accountlng records were not kept In respect of the company as required by sectlon 386 of the 2006 Act,. or 121 the accounts do not accord with those accounting records; or 131 the accounts do not comply with the accountin8 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 141 the accounts have not been prepared In accordance with the methods and principle5 of the Statement of Recommended practice for accounting and reportin8 by charltles applicable to charltles preparin8 their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reportin8 Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters In connection with the examination to which attentlon should be drawn in thi5 report in order to enable a proper understandin8 of the accounts tg be reached. Chaftered Accountant Independent Examiner 31 Fairview Way, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 8JH Page 16
Finborough Theatre - Financlal Statements 202ty2025 Statement of Flnanclal ktlvltles (Incorporatlng an Inconw and Expendlture Account) for the year ended 31st March 2025 Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Designated Tolal Fund8 Restricted Fur Unrestricted Funds Designated Totsl Funds G¢rw¥l General Not•8 Inco (>ants and donations 20,254 46.907 67,161 12.175 51,915 Investrnent income 4.872 4,872 5,613 5,613 Charitable actimties 69,088 69,088 62,721 62,721 Total income 20.254 120.867 12,175 120,249 132,424 Expendlture Charitable Ac'ty Costs 20,394 154,968 175,362 7,175 167.282 174,4S7 Total e>penditure 20,394 154,968 175,362 7,175 167,282 174,457 Net Income {1401 134,101) 134,241) 5,CN)O 147,033) (42,0331 Reconclllatlon of Fund8 Funds brought fowdrd Value adjustment on curfenl asset investments ment 58,557 157,958 3,165 219,678 49,144 173,371 30,198 252.713 1.697 278 1.975 4.413 4,585 8,998 Transfer ben Funds 150,0001 50,WO 120,0001 20,000 Funds carrled forward 11 80,114 108.234 19,064 187,412 58,557 157.956 3,165 219,678 The Statement of Financial Acts'Nib'es includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and eynditure deri%e from continulng actimb'es. Page 17
Finborough Theatre - Flnanclal Stat•monts 2024-2025 Balance Sheet at 31st March 2025 Notes 31-VAr-25 31-Mar-24 Fixed assets Tangible assets Current assets Debtors Financial assets Cash al bank and in hand 21,678 163.488 30,759 21,605 211,513 21,135 Tolal current as8et8 215,925 254,253 Creditors - anK)unts falling due wthin one year 28,513 34,575 current asset8 187,412 219,678 Net a8sets 187,412 219,678 The Funds of the Charlty Designated. 108,234 157,956 Restricted 60,114 58,557 General 19,064 3,165 Total Charity Fund$ 10 187,412 219,678 For the year ended 31 March 2025 the company vfas ents'tled to e>2mpb'on under sectson 477(2) of the Companies Act 2006. ) members hat required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in quesb'on in accordance wth secb'on 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknoW£dge their responsibility for.. - ensuring the company keeps accounb'ng record5 vhich comply V¥iih sects'on 386., and preparing accounts vknich gi* a true and fair ¥iew of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its profit and toss for Ihe financial year in accordance with sects'on 393, and lch otherwise comply wth the requirerrEnts of Ihe Companies Act relab'ng to accounts, so far as applicable to the company. The accounts habe been prepared in accordance with the special proiisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies, reginE under Companies Act 2006. ApprOd by th directors on 20 October 2025,and signed on their behalf by Russell Lewinson - Director Russell Leinson Page 18
Flnborough Theatre- Notes to the Flnanclal Statement8 for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 1 Accounting Polices (al General The financial statements ha been prepared in accordance with ACcoun'ng and Reports'ng by Charits'es., Statement of RecomrrEnded Practice applicable to charitses preparing their accounts in accordance th the Financial Reporb'ng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) (effecti 1 January 2022) (Charites SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. The Finborough Theatre meets ihe definits'on of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilibes are inib'alty recognised at historical cost or transacts.on value unless othervise stated in the relednt accounting policy note{s). (b) Tangible Fixed Assets Depreciab'on is provided at rates calculated to V¥rite off the cost of each asset ovèr its expected useful life, as follov48.' Fixtures, fitts'ngs and equipnnt 259/0 straight line (c) Income Incorre is recognised then the charity has enb'llement to the funds, any performance conditsons atlached to the itetTh of income have been rrEt, it is probable that the Incorr£ Vill be receid, and the amount can be measured reliably. Income from grants, ether capital or renue grants, is recognised wthen the charity has entillerrEnt to ihe funds, any performance condib'ons attached to the grants has been me( It is probable that the income wll be receibed and the am)unt can be ffEasured reliably and is not deferred. (d) Expenditure All eypenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. E>penditure is recognised once there Is a legal or Constructs' obligabon to make a payrrEnt to a third party, it is probable that setuerrent will be required and the arrDunt of the obligatson can be rreasured reliabty. Costs are alkjcated to a category either because such costs are directy incurred In relation to such category. or because they are support costs in respect of vknich an apportionrrent has been made been Ihe categories. Support costs consist of infrastructure costs for salaries, premises, and office adnwnistration. Such costs are apportioned on a reasonable and consistent basis lo the drIOuS categories with a view to determining, as accurately as posslble, the total resources e>pended for each category. The basis of apportionrrent used is either a funcb'on of stsff applied to a gIn acb'mty. or an esbrrgte of the proportion of costs associated the same. or a combinab'on of both. Direct and Support costs are Separate showi by natural classificats'on in Note 5 to these accounts for each category of cost (e) Taxatlon The company as a registered charity {number 1071304) is empt from kntion on rrtt)st instrYEnt income insofar as it is applied for charitable purp3ses. The company is also exempt from ts>ats'on on capital gains. (fj Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settieffEnt amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Page 19
Finborough Theatre- Notes to the Flnanclal Statements 2024-2025 (gl Creditors and provslons Creditors and promsions are recognised Ithere the charity has a present obligats'on resutting from a past e¥ent that V•ill Probab result in the transfer of lunds to a third paty and the armunt due to Se the obligation can be npasured or estiffoted reliabty. Creditors and provisions are norffélty recognised at their sethffenl arnunt after altovd'ng for any trade discounts due. 2 Grants and donations 2026 2024 Restn'cted Unrestricted Funds Funds Total Funds Restricted Unre51ricled Funds Funds Total Fund• Grants Earls Court Dwètopment Fund ETPEP Avrdrd The Royal Victoria Hall Foundation The Grocers, Charity Canadian Arts Council Backstage Trust Postcode Lottery Hackney Council 10.000 2.000 2,000 10,000 2,000 2,000 4,500 869 7,000 2.000 7,000 2,000 4,SC 5,000 5,000 25.000 25,000 1,642 1,642 Donatlons Gift Aid Ck2inEd Friends Refurbishffent Donations PrOgrarn Fund Donations General Donakn'on5 2,394 4,472 13,238 6,866 13,238 2,775 10,242 2,775 10,242 7,175 7,175 3,860 3,860 22,186 22,186 4,898 4,898 20,254 46,907 67,161 12.175 51,915 64,090 3 Charltable actlvlty 2025 2024 Unreslricled Funds Totsl Fund• Unreslricl¢d Fund8 Tol•l Fund• Fees, commlsslons, co-productions & hirès Theatre hire - Msiting products'on companies Sundries, hires, recharges and royatkn'es 68, 808 280 68,808 280 62,621 100 62,621 100 69, 088 69,088 62,721 62,721 4 Net outgoing resources Net outgoing resources are stabj after charging: E>2miner's f Page 20
Finborough Theatre - Notes to the Financial Statements 2024-2025 5 Cost anatysls Support costs Charitable Charitabk G)vernance Total 2025 Costs Costs Costs Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Creats. team fees and royalb'es Products'on costs Markebng and publicity 76,559 4,055 2,550 19,000 95,559 4,055 2,550 Support CO8t8 Insurance Rent Ub'lib'es Repairs and ffraintenance Telephone, faK computer, %bsite and e-tTBiI Accountancy Fundraising Bank charges, ticketing and transacbon costs Cneral eyenses and subscriptsons 4,072 47,157 2,736 9,102 3.090 4.072 47,157 2,736 10,496 3,090 2,704 469 699 1,775 1,394 2,704 469 699 1,775 Total 2025 66,157 83,164 20.394 5,647 175,362 Ouring the year the conyany had no employees (2024.. none). Comparatlv•s 2024 Support Costs Charitsble Charitabk8 )rnanCe Total 2024 Costs Costs Costs Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted CreatIp team fees and royalties Production costs Marketing and publicity 71,884 9,648 2,310 71,884 9.648 2,310 Support costs Insurance Rent Ub'lities Repairs and maintenance Telephone, faK computer, thEbsite and e-rr£il Accountancy Fundraising Bank charges, tickets'ng and transactson costs 3,856 40,796 3.C67 11,942 3,450 3,8S6 40.796 3,067 19,117 7,175 2,662 15,924 435 13 2.662 15.924 435 1.308 1,295 Total 2024 64,406 83,842 7.175 19,034 174,457 Page 21
Finborough Theatre - Notes to the Financial Statements 2024-2025 6 Tangible fixed assets Fixlures fith'ngs & eqUipEnt Total Cost At 1st April 2024 Addits'ons 29,990 29,990 At 31st March 2025 29,990 29,990 Depreciatlon At 1st April 2024 Charge for the year At 31st March 2025 29,990 29,990 29,990 29,990 Net book value At 31st March 2025 At 31st March 2024 7 Debtors 2025 2024 Loans to Producb'on Companies C)ther debtors Prepayrrents 6,609 3,654 11,415 4,634 8,348 8,623 21,678 21,605 8 Flnanclal asset8 Restricted Unrestricted Total Restricted Unrestricted Total Valuation 1 st April 2024 Addits'ons in year Mowdments in year Value adjustment Valuats'on 31 st March 2025 53,557 157,956 211,513 49.144 173,371 222,515 (50,000) 278 (50,000 1,975 163,488 {20,000) 120,000) 4,585 8,998 157,956 211,513 1,697 55,254 4.413 108,234 53,557 9 Creditors - amounls falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Accruals and other creditors 24,979 3,534 21,801 12,774 28,513 34,575 Page 22
Flnborough Theatre - Notos to the Financial Statements 2024-2025 10 Reconciliation of movements In funds Balance at 1 Incorre April 2024 Eypenditure Transfer Instnnt dlue adjustrEnt Balance at 31 March 2025 Unrestrlcted Fund8 General Designated 3,165 157,956 120,867 (154,968) 50,000 (50,000) 19,064 108,234 278 Restrlcted Funds 58,557 20,254 (20,394) 1,697 60,114 219,678 141.121 (175,362) 1,975 187,412 The above fund8 comprise: General Fund: ffK)nies thich can be used by the Trustees at their discretion for any purpose and which ha not been designated by them previously Deslgnated Fund: rTh)nies designated by the company vh)ich rrpy be reallocated to general use. at any ts'rre and for any charitable purpose. Restrlcted Fund: can only be used for the purpose specified by the donor vthen making the donatson. 11 Analysls of net auets between funds Tangib Net Fid Assets Current Assets Total 2025 Total 2024 Restricted Funds 60,114 60,114 58,557 Unrestricted Funds.. General Designated 19,064 108,234 19.064 108,234 3.165 167,956 187,412 187,412 219,678 12 Trustees During the year Angus Chisholm recei¥ed £2,625 (2024.. £6,772) in remunerats'on and reimburseffent of expenses. The payments re at or below market cost and vEre apprOd by the other trustees None of the other trustees receibed any remuneration from the trust and no ewenses V•ere reimbursed or paid to any of them or paid on their behaff LiSt trUSts. Page 23