The Joseph Rowntree Theatre Limited Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024/2025
THE JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE LTD
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre Limited
A company limited under guarantee. Registered Company Number (England & Wales): 04695301. Registered Charity Number (England & Wales): 1098329. UK VAT Registration Number: 883 2897 70. Licensed by the City of York Council for public entertainment
Annual Report & Financial Statements 2024/25 (For the year ended 31 August 2025)
Principal Office and Trading Address
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre Limited Joseph Rowntree Theatre Haxby Road York YO31 8TA
Independent Examiner
Guy Baragwanath C&GB Associates 37-39 Westgate Thirsk YO7 1QR
Solicitors
Lupton Fawcett Crowell & Moring LLP Stamford House 119 Bishopsgate Piccadilly London York YO1 9PP EC2M 3TY Bankers HSBC Hampshire Trust Bank Parliament Street 80 Fenchurch Street York London YO1 8XS EC3M 4BY
THE JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE LTD
Welcome
Welcome to our annual report. This year has been extra special as we celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, which first opened its doors on 18th November 1935. For nine decades, our theatre has been a vibrant, community-powered space where creativity, performance, and connection come together in York.
Thanks to the energy and dedication of our volunteers and trustees, we entertained more than 32,000 visitors this year with amateur productions, touring shows, and one-off performances, and achieved a surplus of £74,791 for the year ending 31st August 2025, up from £52,754 the previous year.
As a charity, we rely on the dedication of York’s amazing community. Over 190 volunteers contributed to the running of the theatre in a variety of roles such as front of house stewards, stage managers and crew, along with our box office and bar teams. Others supported the theatre in marketing, fundraising, and building maintenance, alongside our trustees who guide the theatre’s operations. Together, they gave an estimated 26,700 hours this year, helping us provide a professionally run theatre at an affordable price.
In August 2025, we celebrated the opening of our new ‘Garden Room’, which incorporates a bar, seating for audience members and two additional toilets. The Garden Room cost £124,000, with the majority of the money being raised through our fundraising events and activities.
This year, we also sadly said goodbye to trustees Gary Bateson, Keith Barnes, Robert Fisher, Marie Dennis, and Sue Humphries, and welcomed Sam Armstrong, Tom Massey, and Peter Murray. We are deeply grateful to all trustees, past and present, for their dedication and hard work.
Thank you to everyone who supports the theatre - through volunteering, performing, attending a show, or fundraising. Your involvement keeps the Joseph Rowntree Theatre a welcoming, inspiring space for all. This milestone year reminds us how much the theatre means to the York community, and we look forward to the next 90 years of creativity and connection.
Daniel Mark Shrimpton Chair of Trustees and Managing Director
THE JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE LTD
Theatre History and Heritage
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre is an important part of York’s Rowntree heritage. Built in 1935 with funding from the Joseph Rowntree Village Trust (a forerunner of today’s Joseph Rowntree Foundation), it reflects Joseph Rowntree’s vision of a supportive, inclusive community. The theatre’s founding was a natural extension of the Rowntree commitment to community wellbeing, shaped by Quaker values of respect, integrity, and openness.
In 1954, the Executive Officer of the Village Trust, Mr L.E. Waddilove, wrote that the theatre “is available to residents in the city generally, and meets the needs of amateur dramatic and operatic societies whose limited resources are not equal to the hire of a theatre used by professional companies, but whose standards none the less justify a building equipped and furnished to a comparable standard.” Ninety years on, the theatre still meets these needs, with modern equipment and facilities while preserving the iconic character of the 1935 building.
Alongside the Yearsley Swimming Pool, it is one of the only Rowntree buildings still used for its original purpose—a lasting testament to the Rowntree legacy in York.
In 2001, the theatre began operating independently, and in March 2003, the Joseph Rowntree Theatre Limited was incorporated as a Charitable Company and gained registered charity status. Until 2012, Nestlé UK Ltd and its employees supported the board with improvements to ensure the theatre’s continued operation and presence in the community. In 2012, York St John University purchased the theatre’s freehold, at which point the charity became fully responsible for all aspects of its operation. In August 2017, the board of trustees completed the purchase of the freehold, securing the theatre’s long-term independence.
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre Limited remains an independent charity with no financial or formal connection to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation or other Rowntree charities, though their occasional support is appreciated.
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Aims
The original purpose of the building is still relevant today. Under the direction of the Charity Commission’s guidelines and its own Constitution, the Joseph Rowntree Theatre Limited board continues to provide a facility for the benefit of local operatic and drama groups.
Our charitable objects are:
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The advancement of the arts, education, and community through the provision of a theatre and associated facilities and to be a venue for social activities and meetings likely to benefit the community.
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To facilitate the presentation of arts of all types both by and for the community.
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To advance the knowledge and understanding of the community in all the performing arts by enabling access to them.
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To facilitate training and provide volunteer experience in all aspects of theatre operation and management.
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Directors’ and Trustees’ Report
The directors (who are also trustees of the charity and are listed in the report below) are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Companies Act 2006 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)” (effective 1 January 2019).
Financial Summary
The Charitable Company had a surplus of £74,951 (2023/24 £52,754).
Income in the year amounted to £332,363 (2023/24: £302,494), whilst expenditure totalled £257,412 (2023/24: £249,740).
The Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when planning the activities of the charity.
Principal Funding Sources
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A ten-year loan of £100,000, taken out in October 2022, is being paid off in monthly instalments. The unrestricted operating fund represents the Charitable Company’s free reserves, which are retained for the general running costs of the theatre. The fund is now £69,300 (2023/24: £81,766). Total funds (including the ten-year loan liability and the value of the building) at the end of the year amount to £530,232 (2023/24: £455,281).
The level of reserves is felt to be sufficient to provide adequate financial flexibility, which is under regular review by the board.
Box Office
Our box office sold tickets to the value of £543,036 (2023/24 £541,600)
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Hire of the Theatre
During the 2024/25 season, we welcomed 155 Performances (2023/24: 158) being staged by 65 different events (2023/24: 69), from 46 organisations (2023/24: 48).
The theatre continued to welcome a variety of performances with musicals continuing to be the most popular event by our hirers.
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Fundraising
Our fundraising events for the year raised a total of £87,056 gross (2023/24: £47,879). Donations amounted to £32,611 (2023/24: £29,673). Costs of fundraising and running events for the theatre were £32,534 (2023/24: £15,792).
The increase in costs of fundraising and running events reflected the additional costs of holding our special 90th anniversary ball and additional production costs. All of which saw an increase in fundraising event income of £39,177.
We continue to seek to raise additional funds to invest in new equipment and the development of the theatre building.
Our fundraising team has developed a programme of non performance-related fundraising activities to help raise funds and enable the theatre to connect with the local community. In addition, our Creative Director is looking to expand the number of in-house events staged at the theatre over the coming years.
The Team
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre is managed and operated almost entirely by volunteers, with only an Executive Support Officer as a member of staff and part-time cleaners who are engaged through a contract. Over the year, around 190 volunteers supported the charity.
Key roles include front of house stewards, duty managers, stage managers, stage technicians, and box office assistants. Front of house stewards welcome audiences, sell programmes and refreshments, and ensure safe evacuation during emergencies. Stage managers and technical volunteers oversee the running of shows, including sound, lighting, scene changes, and other technical operations.
The box office team manages ticket sales and customer enquiries, while the bar team operates our new Garden Room facility. The Monday Crew carry out maintenance, supply management, and other essential tasks. Volunteers also support fundraising, marketing, archive management, and trustee activities.
Front of house stewards contributed nearly 5,000 hours, bar staff around 1,200 hours, box office 2,600 hours, marketing 3,000 hours, and stage crew 6,200 hours. In total, volunteers contributed approximately 20,000 hours, with an estimated commercial value of £270,000. Trustees provided over 6,700 hours in management duties, valued at £268,000.
The board is deeply grateful to all volunteers for keeping the theatre professionally run and affordable, ensuring it continues to serve amateur groups, dance schools, and professional productions. Strong voluntary effort remains a cornerstone of the theatre’s success, and the charity actively encourages new volunteers to safeguard its future.
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Structure, Governance and Management
The Charity is constituted as a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee. The board of the charity at the end of the financial year consisted of:
Directors Chair of Trustees / Managing Director Finance Director Assistant Finance Director Technical Director Marketing Director Volunteering Director Volunteering Director Box Office Director Assistant Box Office Director Community Engagement Director Front of House Director Capital Fundraising Director Creative Director
Directors are all Trustees of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre Limited (The Charity).
All Trustees undertake to observe and be bound by the provision of the Charity’s Articles of Association, last updated in May 2019.
The Board meets not less than five times per calendar year. Executive Committees meet in the months when the full Board does not meet. The Company Secretary keeps minutes of the meeting, which are circulated to members and approved at the subsequent meeting.
Minutes of all Board meetings are securely filed electronically.
The Board makes appropriate decisions on a majority vote, provided a quorum is present. A quorum is six. If the Managing Director is not present at a meeting, the trustees present choose one of their number to act as chairman for the meeting.
The Managing Director has the power to take executive decisions on any urgent matters subject to consultation with at least two other members of the Board, either in person, by telephone or by electronic communication. Any decision is subject to report and formal approval at the next available Board meeting.
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Appointment of Trustees
Applications to join the board as a trustee are governed by the Charity’s Recruitment Policy updated in October 2024 summarised below. This policy comes into force when:
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A current board member informs the Managing Director they wish to leave.
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The board decides to recruit an additional post.
Following the resignation of a board member the board decides if the post should be replaced.
All board vacancies are widely advertised and applicants apply in writing to the Chair of Trustees within a defined time period. The board decides if a short list needs to be drawn up and short-listed candidates are invited to attend an informal meeting at the theatre with 2-3 board members. Applicants are provided with the following documents:
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Report and Financial Statements from the previous financial year
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Constitution of The Joseph Rowntree Theatre Limited
Formal interviews are arranged with a minimum of three board members. Following the interviews, the selection panel reports back to the subsequent board meeting. For a successful appointment three quarters of the board must agree on the chosen applicant. After the initial appointment there is a settling in period, after which, all being well, the board confirms the appointment.
Trustee induction and training
New trustees are briefed on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision-making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the Charitable Company. During their induction they meet key volunteer workers and other trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.
Directors’ and Trustees’ responsibilities
Company law requires the directors/trustees to prepare financial accounts that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity at the end of the financial year and of its surplus or deficit for the financial year. In doing so the trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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Make sound judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and,
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
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presume that the charity will continue in business.
The directors/trustees are responsible for maintaining accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any point in time the financial position of the Charitable Company. The maintenance of these records enables them to ensure that the financial accounts comply with the
THE JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE LTD
Companies Act 2006 and applicable charity law. The directors/trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charitable Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In all the charity’s fundraising activities the Trustees are committed to following the principles and practices as recommended by the Fundraising Regulator. We aim to be transparent and to operate with integrity, without putting any pressure on our donors. We respond promptly and with care to any complaints.
The Board
Members of the board, who are directors for the purposes of company law and trustees for the purposes of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report, are set out below:
| Chair: | Daniel Mark Shrimpton |
|---|---|
| Directors and Trustees: | Samuel Armstrong (Appointed 30 March 25) |
| Keith Stephen Barnes (Resigned 16 October 25) | |
| Barbara Boyce | |
| Julie Anne Fisher | |
| (Appointed 29 March 25, Resigned 31 December 25) | |
| Sian Eileen Goodwin | |
| David Graham Holiday | |
| Susan Humphries (Resigned 5 September 25) | |
| Helen Louise Lay | |
| Siona Mackelworth | |
| Thomas Edward Massey (Appointed 26 July 25) | |
| Peter Hamilton Murray (Appointed 9 December 25) | |
| Moira Tait | |
| Kathryn Rebecca Tinson | |
| Susan Elizabeth Young |
The board currently has a membership of 12 people. The average attendance of board members at meetings in 2024/25 was 80%, the age range of the board is between 25 and 79.
The board has appointed a volunteer to the role of Company Secretary; they attend board and other meetings as required but they are not a director or trustee of the charity.
Company Secretary: Sarah King
Policies
Risk Management
The board undertakes an annual review of risk management assessments and safeguarding, along with all health and safety risk assessments for the operation of the theatre.
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Investment powers and policy
Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Charitable Company has the power to make any investments which the trustees see fit. However, the Charitable Company did not hold any investments during the year ending 31 August 2025.
The Charitable Company holds several savings accounts with its bankers to maximise its income.
Reserves policy
A reserves policy is in place reviewed at least annually to ensure the theatre is both ensuring it can manage any risks to income, but also to plan for future developments and improvements to the theatre for the benefit of our community.
Exemptions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to small companies.
By order of the board
Sarah King Sarah King (May 20, 2026 20:37:27 GMT+1)
Sarah King Company Secretary Date: 20/05/2026
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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Joseph Rowntree Theatre Ltd
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the Financial Statements of The Joseph Rowntree Theatre Ltd (the Charity) for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the charity’s trustees of the Charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a “true and fair” view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Guy Baragwanath FCA ICPA C&GB Associates 37-39 Westgate Thirsk YO7 1QR
20/05/2026
Dated: ……………………..
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COMPANY NUMBER 04695301 CHARITY NUMBER 1098329
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and grants 3 Charitable activities 4 Fundraising activities 5 Investments 6 Total Income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 7 Total expenditure Net income (expenditure) and net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 13 Total funds carried forward 13 |
Unrestricted Funds, 2025 Restricted Funds, 2025 Total Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 £ £ £ £ 32,611 - 32,611 29,673 210,864 - 210,864 223,406 87,056 - 87,056 47,879 1,832 - 1,832 1,536 |
|---|---|
| 332,363 - 332,363 302,494 |
|
| 257,412 - 257,412 249,740 |
|
| 257,412 - 257,412 249,740 |
|
| 74,951 - 74,951 52,754 |
|
| 455,281 - 455,281 402,527 |
|
| 530,232 - 530,232 455,281 |
The Statement of Financial Activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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COMPANY NUMBER 04695301 CHARITY NUMBER 1098329
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 AUGUST 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 10 Current assets Stocks Debtors 11 Cash at bank and in hand, incl. floats Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Key Fund 10 year Loan Net assets The funds of the charity Unrestricted income funds 13 Total charity funds |
2025 2024 £ £ 525,033 447,873 3,260 3,497 16,036 3,667 143,617 182,800 162,913 189,964 (93,612) (108,197) 69,301 81,767 594,334 529,640 (64,102) (74,359) 530,232 455,281 530,232 455,281 530,232 455,281 |
2024 £ 447,873 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,497 3,667 182,800 189,964 |
||
(74,359) 455,281 |
||
455,281 |
||
| 455,281 |
There were no restricted funds in 2024/25.
The notes on pages … to … form part of these financial statements.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The charitable company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies, for the year ended 31 August 2025.
No members have required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
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The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small company’s regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 13 April 2026, and were signed on its behalf by:
Daniel Mark Shrimpton Director and Trustee
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1 Accounting policies
Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) -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) and the Companies Act 2006.
The company meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £1.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
Going concern
These accounts are prepared on the going concern basis. At the time of approving the financial statements the directors/trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charitable company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
This is on the basis of detailed cashflow monitoring and forecasting.
Income
Items of income are recognised and included in the financial statements when all of the following criteria are met:
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the charity has entitlement to the funds;
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any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met or are fully within the control of the charity;
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there is sufficient certainty that receipt of the income is considered probable; and
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the amount can be measured reliably.
Where income is received for expenditure in a future accounting period that amount is deferred.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred.
Expenditure on charitable activities comprises the costs of operating the theatre.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1 Accounting policies (continued)
Governance costs are included within expenditure on charitable activities and are analysed separately in the notes to the financial statements. They include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity, such as accountancy and other costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. Any impairment loss is recognised in the income and expenditure account.
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the charity transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following rates in order to write each asset down to its residual value over its useful life:
Theatre improvements Up to 30 August 2017: over term of lease on straight line basis. From 31 August 2017: remaining useful life (straight line basis). Other equipment Five years (straight line basis). Land and buildings Freehold land is not depreciated. No depreciation is provided on freehold buildings. The directors anticipate that, for the foreseeable future, their estimated residual value will not be less than their book value in these financial statements. This departure from statutory accounting principles is permitted by Companies Act 2006 section 396 (5) for the overriding purpose of presenting a true and fair view.
Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered.
Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Creditors
Creditors 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, loans and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
Amounts recognised as provisions are best estimates of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation.
Taxation
- The charity is a registered charity and as such is potentially entitled to tax exemption under Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 in respect of income and gains arising.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted general funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Unrestricted designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. There were no restricted funds during the year.
Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
After review the Trustees consider that there are no critical estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the financial statements.
2 Liability of members
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre Ltd is a company limited by guarantee. The liability of each member is limited to a sum not exceeding £1.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
3 Income from donations and grants
| 3 Income from donations and grants |
||
|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 2023/24 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Grants | - | - |
| Other donations | 28,653 | 25,397 |
| Gift aid | 3,958 | 4,276 |
| 32,611 | 29,673 |
Income from donations and grants is unrestricted in both years.
4 Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Restricted funds 2025 £ Theatre hire 102,458 - Front of house sales 43,448 - Bar Sales 39,237 - Drinks machine 681 - Box office earnings 21,694 - Advertising and publicity 2,190 - Sundry Income 1,156 - Total 210,864 - |
Total funds 2025 £ 102,458 43,448 39,237 681 21,694 2,190 1,156 210,864 |
Total funds 2024 £ 110,963 41,052 43,101 964 23,601 2,502 1,223 223,406 |
|---|---|---|
All income from charitable activities in the prior year are unrestricted.
5 Income from fundraising activities
| 90thAnniversary Ball Musicals Concerts Plays Friends of JRT Name a seat Raffle Other events |
2025 £ 26,578 19,020 16,425 6,521 2,275 0 5,900 10,337 87,056 |
2024 £ 0 16,652 12,755 0 1,389 533 5,870 10,680 47,879 |
|---|---|---|
Income from fundraising activities is unrestricted in both years.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
6 Investment income
All of the charity’s investment income arises from money held in interest bearing deposit accounts.
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7 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
| Basis of Charitable Governance Total allocation Activities 2025 Costs 2025 2025 £ Costs directly allocated to activities: £ £ £ Health and safety Direct 377 - 377 Stage equipment and consumables Direct 2,245 - 2,245 Costs of running events Direct 30,660 - 30,660 Costs of fundraising Direct 1,874 - 1,874 Friends of JRT costs Direct 1,226 - 1,226 PRS net Direct 531 - 531 Repairs and maintenance Direct 16,345 - 16,345 Roof repairs Direct 7,533 - 7,533 Rates and water Direct 2,315 - 2,315 Cleaning Direct 17,842 - 17,842 Licences Direct 336 - 336 Front of house Direct 17,961 - 17,961 Bar Costs Direct 15,293 15,293 Publicity and advertising Direct 19,137 - 19,137 Support costs allocated to activities: Heat and light Usage 20,387 - 20,387 Administration and postage Usage 147 - 147 Insurance Usage 8,009 - 8,009 Independent Examination and Accountancy Usage 432 1,000 1,432 Legal and professional Usage 0 - 0 Telephone and broadband Usage 1,753 - 1,753 Website Usage 1,349 - 1,349 Training Usage 69 - 69 Depreciation Usage 38,359 - 38,359 Box office running Usage 25,453 - 25,453 Stock write-off Usage 0 - 0 Loss on caravan disposal Usage 5,035 5,035 Miscellaneous Usage 324 - 324 Salaries Usage 14,895 14,895 Bank Charges Usage 335 - 335 Interest on Loans Usage 3,500 - 3,500 Unclaimable VAT Usage 2,690 - 2,690 256,412 1,000 257,412 |
Total 2024 £ 663 2,306 14,782 1,010 597 830 23,374 2,331 18,389 180 19,485 14,783 17,741 22,884 236 7,922 1,390 869 2,015 1,738 4,090 30,806 25,576 30 0 210 14,440 378 3,500 17,185 249,740 |
|---|---|
Expenditure on charitable activities for 2024 consisted of direct cost of £116,471 and support cost of £133,269, of which £1,000 were governance costs.
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8 Net income for the year
Net income for the year is stated after charging:
| Net income for the year is stated after charging: | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Depreciation of tangible fixed assets – owned assets | 38,359 | 30,806 |
| Loss on disposal of fixed asset (vintage caravan) | 5,035 | 0 |
| Fees paid to independent examiner: | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Other accountancy, and consultancy services | 432 | 390 |
9 Trustees’ remuneration and expenses, and employees .
During the year the charitable company had one employee (2023/24: One)
No trustees received remuneration nor were reimbursed in respect of out-of-pocket expenses during the year in relation to their trustee duties.
10 Tangible fixed assets
| Freehold Land and buildings Theatre improvements Other equipment Cost: £ £ £ At 1 September 2024 246,683 562,548 5,752 Additions 120,554 - - Disposal of Caravan (7,193) At 31 August 2025 360,044 562,548 5752 Depreciation: At 1 September 2024 12,973 348,707 5,430 Charge for the year 14,642 23,395 322 Depreciation on disposed Caravan (2,158) - - At 31 August 2025 25,457 372,102 5752 Net book value: At 31 August 2025 334,587 190,446 0 At 31 August 2024 233,710 213,841 322 |
Total £ 814,983 120,554 (7,193) 928,344 367,110 38,359 (2,158) 403,311 525,033 447,873 |
|---|---|
THE JOSEPH ROWNTREE
| 11 Debtors Trade debtors Other debtors VAT Prepayments and accrued income 12 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Other creditors, largely box office receipts held as agent for hirers Accruals Deferred income - Loan instalment VAT Amounts falling due after more than one Year Loan |
2025 £ -2,550 2,094 14,215 2,277 16,036 9,190 66,258 7,907 10,257 - 93,612 64,102 64,102 |
2024 £ 176 2,493 - 998 3,667 11,563 75,371 9,014 - 10,257 1,992 108,197 74,359 74,359 |
|---|---|---|
On 27[th] October, 2022 the theatre received a loan from The Key Fund of £100,000 repayable over ten years, at a flat interest rate of 3.5%. This was accompanied by a grant of £50,000, both items being used for major roof repairs.
THE JOSEPH ROWNTREE
13 Analysis of net assets between funds
| 13 Analysis of net assets between funds |
|
|---|---|
| 2025 | General funds £ Total funds £ 525,033 525,033 162,913 162,913 (93,612) (64,102) (93,612) (64,102) 530,232 530,232 |
| Tangible fixed assets | |
| Current assets | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year |
|
| Net assets at 31 August 2025 | |
| 13 Analsis of net assets between funds |
13 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Prior year Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Net assets at 31 August 2023 |
General Funds £ 447,873 189,964 (108,197) 74,359 455,281 |
Total Funds £ 447,873 189,964 (108,197) 74,359 455,281 |
|---|---|---|
THE JOSEPH ROWNTREE
14 Movement in funds
| 1 September 2024 £ Unrestricted Income funds: Operating fund 81,766 Fixed Asset fund 447,873 Long term loan (74,359) Total funds 455,280 |
Income Expenditure Transfers £ £ £ 332,363 257,412 (87,417) 77,160* 10,257 332,363 (257,412) - |
31 August 2025 £ 69,300 525,033 (64,102) 530,231 |
|---|---|---|
*Additions £120,554, less caravan £5,036), less depreciation, £38,359
14 Movement in funds Prior Year, 2024
| 1 September 2023 £ Unrestricted income funds: Operating fund 29,266 Fixed assets fund 457,876 Long Term Loan (84,615) Total funds 402,527 |
Income Expenditure Transfers £ £ £ 302,494 (249,740) (254) (10,003) 10,257 302,494 (249,740) - |
31August 2024 £ 81,766 447,873 (74,359) 455,281 |
|---|---|---|
15 Related party transactions
Other than those disclosed at note 9 there were no disclosable related party transactions during the current or prior year.
THE JOSEPH ROWNTREE
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The Detailed Statement of Financial Activities do not form part of the annal report and financial statements.
| Income Theatre hire Front of house sales Bar Sales Box office earnings Drinks machine Advertising and publicity Donations Grants Fundraising Sundry income Bank interest Total income Expenditure(next page) Net (expenditure)/income for the year |
Total funds Total funds 2025 2024 £ £ 102,458 110,963 43,448 41,052 39,237 43,101 21,694 23,601 681 964 2,190 2502 32,611 29,673 0 0 87,056 47,879 1,156 1,223 330,531 300,958 1,832 1,536 332,363 302,494 (257,412) (249,740) 74,951 52,754 |
|---|---|
THE JOSEPH ROWNTREE
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (continued)
| Expenditure Direct charitable expenditure Health and safety Stage equipment and consumables Costs of running events Costs of fundraising Repairs and maintenance Roof repairs Friends of JRT costs PRS costs (net) Rates and water Cleaning Licences Front of house + half card fees Bar Costs +half card fees Publicity and advertising Administrative expenditure Bank Charges Heat and light Administration and postage Insurance Accountancy and independent examination Legal and professional Telephone and broadband Website Training Stock write-off Loss on vintage caravan disposal Depreciation Salaries Box office running costs Interest on loans Unclaimable VAT Miscellaneous Total expenditure |
Total funds 2025 £ 377 2,245 30,660 1,874 16,345 7,533 1,226 531 2,315 17,842 336 17,961 15,293 19,137 133,675 335 20,387 147 8009 1432 0 1,753 1,349 69 0 5,035 38,359 14,895 25,453 3,500 2,690 324 123,737 257,412 |
Total funds 2024 £ 663 2,306 14,782 1,010 23,374 - 597 830 2,331 18,389 180 19,485 14,783 17,741 116,471 378 22,884 236 7,922 1,390 869 2,015 1,738 4,090 30 0 30,806 14,440 25,576 3,500 17,185 210 133,269 249,740 |
|---|---|---|
Annual Report 2024-2025 - FINAL
Final Audit Report
2026-05-20
Created: 2026-05-20 By: Guy Baragwanath (mail@cgb-associates.com) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAA05O3fKMxZV4QYhxbn0sVtgYJml8120LD
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