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2024-03-31-accounts

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

A company limited by guarantee

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

Charity number 1108000

Company number 05137687

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2024

The trustees are pleased to present their annual Directors’ report together with financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 March 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a Directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.

These financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, Open Clasp Theatre Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association; and the document ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)’.

Objectives and Activities

Charitable Purpose

The objects of the company, as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association, are to promote, maintain, improve and advance education in the arts, particularly by encouraging the arts of drama, dance, singing and music, and to offer arts experiences which assist in developing self and social awareness, self-confidence and empowerment, in particular but not exclusively for women (including young women between 12 and 18 years of age) who live in areas of social and economic deprivation, for the purposes of social inclusion, to break down barriers that deny communities access to, and participation in, the "live arts".

Aims and Intended Impact

Within its charitable objects the Trustees’ aims are to:

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OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Principal Activities

The company's principal activity to further its charitable purposes for the public benefit during the year was to offer arts experiences which assist in developing self and social awareness, self-confidence, and build power, benefiting in particular but not exclusively women.

Beneficiaries and Public Benefit

In its long-term projects Open Clasp works with women and girls across the North East and the wider North of England. The majority of these women are brought together by existing community organisations alongside which the company works to deliver its projects. These groups may have been meeting for many years or may be set up within the organisations especially for an Open Clasp project. If research has suggested that a particular issue is important to the community organisations to which they tour, Open Clasp may seek out or be invited to a group who represent this issue.

When touring, Open Clasp is booked by existing community organisations and some mainstream venues with a community focus. The host organisation decides whether their performance (and workshop) is for an invited audience, restricted to local residents or open to the public. Open Clasp monitors the bookings to ensure performances and workshops are of an appropriate geographical spread.

Open Clasp's short-term and one-off projects have a wide range of beneficiaries. Open Clasp is usually booked by an organisation to work with specific groups of people for a particular reason e.g. working with survivors to present their stories at a domestic violence conference to raise awareness, or with women in a community setting to increase self-esteem and confidence.

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OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Open Clasp carry out charitable activities for the benefit of the general public and particularly for the benefit of women and girls. Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity has undertaken.

In 2023 -2024 Open Clasp continued to work collaboratively with women as co-creators to make new work and extend their model of socially engaged theatre-making in innovative and generous ways including through digital methods.

Lasagna

Following the live national sell-out tour in March 2023, Lasagna was made available online throughout April 2024 through our box office function on ticket.co. An accessible pricing structure was in place to widen access. Our charity partner Pause continues to use Lasagna to train their workforce and for the women they work with who have lost children to the care system or are at risk of.

Mycelial. Co-created with sex worker activists.

Mycelial was our first major international production co-created with sex worker activists from Aotearoa/New Zealand, Ireland and the UK. In association with Northern Stage, it was performed on their Stage 2, from 20 – 27 October 2023. An audience of 938 people attended 8 performances. 45% were furthest from the arts. Our cocreators where based in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Ireland North and South, Northeast and Midlands. Post show panels made space for discussions around the decriminalisation of sex work with cocreators, sexworker advocacy groups and the global leaders of the movement Dame Catherine Healy and Annah Pickering from the Aotearoa New Zealand Sex Workers’ Collective.

‘You certainly have created a wonderful gift for our movement!’ Dame Catherine Healy, Aotearoa New Zealand Sex Workers’ Collective.

'Mycelial portrays the distinctiveness of individual experiences in sex work and the subterranean, subcultural and subrosa connectivity among sex workers, trans folx, and black and brown communities, a pulse or ecosystem that is felt and lived but not always apparent, yet ties all struggles for justice together' (Dr. Raven Bowen, CEO, National Ugly Mugs)

“One of the most powerful performances I have ever watched! The piece was raw and real and told the story of the human behind stigma. This was not a story which exploited those who's story it was telling like so many have done before. This was proven by how many sex workers were here feeling confident to tell their story too!” Audience Member

The company attended a march and service to remember all those from the sex industry who have been murdered or affected by violence and to highlight the need for action to end violence and crimes against sex workers. Organised by GAP/MAP in Newcastle.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Workplaces including HMPPS and police forces had access to our digital catalogue of work to raise awareness across their workforces & support their own #16 days of activity. We

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OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2024

presented a Rattle Snake screening and post-show discussion to staff and students at Northumbria University as part of their Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion programme.

Us Too: Alisha’s Story

Written by Julie Tsang, with and for the women from #UsToo, directed for film by Katja Roberts and performed by Holly Wilkinson. Alisha’s Story was a film created in 2022 as part of a partnership project with Dr Alison Jobe, Durham University and Dr Helen Williams, Sunderland University to develop participatory theatre-based film to train criminal justice professionals. The resulting training programme “Developing Best Practice: Support for people with learning disabilities/autism who report sexual violence”, was delivered in September 2023, to 200 police officers and third sector professionals based in Durham. The training features the film, participants are invited to explore the film from different perspectives; challenging prejudices, myths and stereotypes as the film brings voices to the room from our co-creators and their lived experience.

“Thought provoking in relation to victim/survivor expectations and requirements. Training is a good break from the day job which makes you reevaluate your own actions and behaviors to ensure best service for victims.”

Rupture

Rupture was showcased over 4 performances in June 2023. Opening in HMP Low Newton to 30 women (including original cocreators) before West End Women and Girls Centre. In total we welcomed 278 audience members including partners, funders, CJS professionals and the public. Post show panel discussions, hosted by Catrina McHugh, with panellists including Professor Clare McGlynn (Durham University), Dr Kate O’Brien and Dr Hannah King (Researchers from Durham University and partners on Rupture), Holly Claydon (NEPACS worker and partner on Rupture), Narisha Lawson (Actor who played Destiny in Rupture), and Cheryl Byron (Co-creator on Key Change and Gold Star Member.)

‘That’s prison in 40 mins. I felt an overwhelming sense of freedom at the end’ Co-creator. ‘ Very relatable, everything that was said, I felt like it was my voice. Thank you’. Co-creator ‘Absolutely nailed it…So true, I’ve heard this numerous times. This should be viewed first day of our training!’ Officer

Open Clasp – Open Archive, Newcastle University 2023 – 2024

Having gifted our archive to Newcastle University, Open Clasp: Open Archive, led by, Professor Kate Chedgzoy situates the importance and role Open Clasp has played in the context of feminist theatre. Work began in 2019 to catalogue the archive with The Robinson Library. A Northern Bridge collaborative PhD 2023 - 2026 in partnership with Newcastle University began in October 2023 and is being carried out by Lucy Doig to further highlight our distinctive contribution and evaluate our impact on the socially engaged arts.

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OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Aspire Workshops

February – March 2024, we returned to work with Aspire Women’s Centre in Chester-LeStreet, a long-term partner of the company. A group of 9 women who regularly attend the centre services attended our series of workshops designed to build confidence & inspire creativity.

“I started a six week workshop this week with Open Clasp; exploring the issues and life experiences of women…I saw true signs of inclusivity and understanding by the workshop lead. It truly felt like a safe space, without judgement or agenda. I’m incredibly excited to have this opportunity.” Workshop Participant

Afternoon of Activism- International Women’s Day 2024

In partnership with West End Women and Girls Centre we hosted a special screening of ‘Don’t Forget the Birds’ followed by a panel discussion. 75 women attended the event. The panel was hosted by centre coordinator Huffty, and included Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuiness, our Gold Star Members and stars of Don’t Forget the Birds, Cheryl and Abigail Byron, Catrina McHugh MBE and other special guests.

This event marked International Women’s Day 2024 and celebrated 25 years of Open Clasp working with women in the community, including 10 years of working with women in prison. ‘Don’t Forget the Birds’ is a beautiful example of how Cheryl and Abigail created awardwinning theatre which reached thousands and centered their own experience in discussions about women involved in the Criminal Justice System or at risk of, and the impact on families.

HMP Askham Grange

On 14[th] December 2023, we ran a workshop in HMP/YOI Asham Grange for the National Literacy Trust to empower people with Literacy. The workshop explored creative writing.

Achievements and Recognition

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year

Winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Social Change Award at the North East Charity Awards 2023

Recognised for our work throughout 2023 which including working directly with 50 women to make new theatre; convening public discussions on the long term systemic injustice faced by women and girls in our society with senior policy makers, academics, politicians and service providers, widening access as 10,000 people accessed our work digitally and delivering training using drama which features our co-created theatre to 300 professionals across the criminal justice and care sectors.

Shortlisted for Performance of the Year at the North East Culture Awards.

For Lasagna sell-out national tour to 10 venues programmed with community partnerships including small/medium scale arts venues, community spaces and HMP Low Newton in March 2023. Directed by Laura Lindow, cocreated with women who have lost children to the care system or are at risk of. Performed by Beth Crame and Zoe Lambert.

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OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Principal Funding Sources

Open Clasp has a robust funding model with its Arts Council NPO funding making up 45%, 22% coming from Commissions, Trusts and Foundations 16% (as detailed in the accounts) and Earned Income 10% (ticket sales, sales from assets and delivery of training). With the focus on income generation core costs allowing the company to continue to work towards its charitable objectives, as well as pursuing as wide a variety of funders as possible and seeking to encourage gifts and donations.

The decision of Arts Council England to award Open Clasp renewed NPO status from April 2023 to March 2026 provides the company with financial security and opportunities to grow and develop.

Plans for Future Periods

When planning future activities and projects the Trustees take into account the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.

Open Clasp starts the 2023-24 financial year in a good position. We are hugely grateful to Arts Council England for our continued investment as a National Portfolio Organisation from 2023 – 2026. We are also grateful to our funders who continue to support us with core funding including Community Foundation for Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, Barbour Foundation, Sir James Knott Foundation and The Shears Foundation. The trustees have committed funds from company reserves to the production of Mycelial which is the largest production budget in the history of the company, including a digital campaign and film capture to ensure a strong legacy and life for the project.

Projects for 2024/2025

Sharon Bailey iCare Project in association with Open Clasp

Sharon Bailey has commissioned Artistic Director, Catrina McHugh, to write the script for her newest project ‘I Care.’ Sharon Bailey has a strong history with the company, and I Care is a sequel to Home Alone (Catrina wrote the script Round Rooms for Sharon in 2019). This time the focus is on the paid and unpaid caregiver. As with Home Alone, Sharon Bailey has interviewed participants, collecting transcripts, recording voices, and writing a diary as she runs workshops and meets carers.

Open Clasp is supporting the production ‘in association’. The first performance will take place in Newcastle’s Grainger Market in w/c 10[th] June which is International Carer’s Week.

Rupture

Rupture was commissioned through the Parental Rights in Prison Project (PriP) in partnership with Durham University and NEPACS. Our participatory arts research methods cocreated Rupture with 10 mothers in HMP Low Newton in 2023. Rupture will tour the Northeast including returning to HMP Low Newton and a series of community settings in Spring 2025. The tour will be accompanied by post show discussion and workshops and captured on film

6

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2024

to be used by the project partners, HMPPS, and the wider sector, as an innovative tool to campaign for systems and programs to better serve mothers, their families, and their communities. It will be used to improve reduction in reoffending and in the rehabilitation of women returning to their communities after a custodial sentence by training staff and informing the design of services.

Mycelial International Film Tour with co-creators

Thanks to an Arts Council England Touring Grant, Mycelial digital theatre screenings & curated panel discussions will tour internationally in Autumn 2024. We will be in 13 community and criminal justice settings including UK, Ireland, North and South and New Zealand. The tour will take part during the #16 Days of global activism to end violence against all women (cisgender, transgender, and those who hold fluid identities that are subject to gender-based violence), girls and the Earth. Led by our specialist team this project will reach 7k live & digital audiences. Our award-winning distribution model (Digital Culture Awards) will ensure ownership of & by our communities & cocreators. Our network of 800+women’s organisations & grassroots activists will support screenings in community/youth settings, arts spaces & prisons.

Developed with 40 cocreators with lived experience of sex work. Mycelial places their voices in the context of decriminalisation and raises public consciousness around their rights & safety. As a work of ethnographic significance Mycelial, will be used by us and our partners to support workforces across the women’s sector, social services, health, care and criminal justice systems to engage with the issues raised and inform their practice and policies.

Audiences furthest from the arts will be supported to experience Mycelial film in their own community spaces or from the comfort of their own home. Giving them access to high quality theatre which is relatable in their communities. A resource package will support online access.

Us Too: Alisha’s Story Training

New training using Alisha’s Story will be developed with a Domestic Abuse focus for professional across adult safeguarding in the Durham County Council area.

Open Clasp – Open Archive, Newcastle University, Collaborative PhD

Situates the importance and role Open Clasp has played in the context of feminist theatre. Our collaborative PhD, Lucy Doig will continue to have a residency with our team actively archiving our work and researching the company’s distinctive contribution and evaluating our impact on the socially engaged arts.

The Elswick Monologues (2024 – 2027)

A new project is emerging from our meaningful engagement with members of West End Women and Girls Centre. Our Artistic Director has been attending weekly brunch drop-in sessions and the project will look to interview individuals who are interested in co-writing their story as residents of Elswick. This project aims to celebrate talent, creativity and story. It will support women to share the injustices faced by them and their community and to ask for what needs to change.

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OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Reference and Administrative Details

Company registration number 05137687

Registered office

The Stephenson Building, 173 Elswick Road,

Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6SQ

Trustees

For the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, the Board of Trustees is the Board of Directors of the charitable company and is referred to as the Trustees throughout this report.

The Trustees of Open Clasp during the period and to the date of signing this report are as follows:

Helen Ferguson Chair

Fiona O’Connor Vice Chair

Lara Jonah

Francesca Cross

Jacqueline Kell

Hayley Calvert

Leanne Sutherland

Charlotte Bennett

Independent Examiner

Michelle Wright, MW Accounting Services, Woodgate House, 5c Wood Street, Gateshead, NE11 9NP

Bankers

Unity Trust Bank, Nine Brindleyplace, 4 Oozells Square, Birmingham B1 2HB

Charity Bank, Fosse House, 182 High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1BE

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OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing Documents

Open Clasp Theatre Company is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 25 May 2004.

It was registered as a charity on 8 February 2005. It was established under the Memorandum of Association that established its objects and powers and is governed under its Articles of Association, as amended by a special resolution dated 31 January 2005 and 15 October 2020.

Eligibility for membership of the charity and membership of the Board of Trustees is governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association. There are no restrictions in the governing document on the operation of the charity other than those imposed by general charity law.

Structure and Governance

The Board of Trustees of Open Clasp Theatre Company are the charity Trustees and company Directors.

The charity currently has a Board of 8 non-executive Trustees who bring significant skills to the support of Open Clasp’s activities. The Board meets a minimum of four times per year and conducts an Annual General Meeting annually.

The Trustees are elected from the membership at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Trustees can co-opt additional Trustees between AGMs as required, but co-opted Trustees must stand for election at the next AGM.

Officers are elected by the Trustees at the first meeting following the AGM. The company appoints a Chair and a Vice Chair.

The Trustees meet quarterly, plus additional review and strategy meetings at least once a year and more often if deemed necessary.

Detailed written Board reports and an agenda are prepared and circulated in advance of meetings.

Two Board sub-groups meet as and when needed, covering financial, staffing and artistic matters. Other working groups are set up to support specific work as required.

Day to day management of the company is delegated to the following staff team:

Artistic Director Catrina McHugh
Executive Director Ellie Turner
Creative Producer Carly McConnell
Finance and Office Manager Rachel Errington
Producer Erin Connor

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OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Project Coordinator 2024)

Colette Conlin (contract ended 12 April

Recruitment and Appointment of Board of Trustees

The Company's Trustees are either appointed by election at the AGM or co-opted to the Board between AGMs on the basis of nominations received from the membership or on recommendation from a member based on specialist skills, availability and commitment to the aims and objectives of the company.

Trustee Induction and Training

Trustees are inducted into the workings of the Company at a special meeting, held with individual appointees when they agree to be co-opted or are successfully elected. Trustees receive information on their legal roles and responsibilities and the Company's policies and procedures. Where the Board of Trustees feel specific training is needed, (for example, in safeguarding), it nominates specific Trustees to attend. Annually (usually in September) the Trustees’ meeting includes a session where Trustees are reminded of their duties and obligations and are updated with any relevant changes in legislation or guidance relating to their role.

Company Limited by Guarantee

The charity is incorporated under the Companies Act 1985 and is limited by guarantee, each member having undertaken to contribute such amounts not exceeding £1 as may be required in the event of the company being wound up whilst he or she is still a member or within one year thereafter.

There are currently 163 members of the company (2023 – 159)

Pay policy for senior staff

The Board reviews the Artistic Director’s and Executive Director’s salary annually and is responsible for making any decisions about remuneration. Remuneration is benchmarked against similar roles within voluntary and community sector organisations of similar size in the North East.

Open Clasp Theatre Company has a Remuneration Policy which covers all staff. Senior staff are not treated differently to other staff and all benefits (including pension contributions) are applied equally across all staff groups.

Risk management

The Trustees have conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks including the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects and for ensuring the consistent quality of the delivery of all operational aspects of the charitable company. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they still meet the needs of the charity.

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OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2024

- Related parties and co operation with other organisations

None of the trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity. Any connection between trustees or senior managers of the charity with suppliers must be disclosed to the full Board of trustees. In the current year no such related party transactions were reported. Trustees are asked to declare their interests before each board meeting and there is a Register of Interests.

Financial Review

The total income for the period was £396,802 (2023: £375,201). This income is allocated across respective funds on the Statement of Financial Activities in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice.

The Statement of Financial Activities for the period shows a net expenditure across all funds of (£76,229) (2023: net income £12,723).

The balance sheet indicates that at 31 March 2024 the total funds of the charity are £142,508 (2023: £218,737). Unrestricted funds of £79,308 (2023: £82,313) represent the reserves available to the organisation to fulfil its many existing commitments over the long term.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees aim to firstly hold a level of any unrestricted reserves which enables the charity to have sufficient financial resources to meet liabilities if Open Clasp’s funding were to be withdrawn and/or it were unable to continue operating.

At present, the Trustees estimate that the Unrestricted Reserves required for such purposes amount to £83,003. The Trustees then aspire to retain an additional allowance of £45,000 to enable the charity to respond flexibly to issues or appropriate initiatives which might be indemnified outside of its annual budgeting process (Future Projects Fund).

The optimum level of unrestricted Reserves held is £127,313.

The charity’s unrestricted Reserves on the 31 March 2023 are £124,308, including deferred budget to 24/25 (Total: £2,000).

Unrestricted Reserves £77,308 Future Projects Fund £45,000 Deferred Budget: £2,000

This policy will be reviewed by the Trustees on an annual basis as part of the charity’s budgeting processes.

Principal funding sources

Arts Council England, Arts Council England Project Fund, Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund, The Shears Foundation, The Barbour Foundation, The Clothworkers Foundation,

11

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Community Foundation – Roland Cookson Community Fund, Community Foundation – Margaret and Dorothy Gordon Memorial Fund, The Hadrian Trust.

Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Trustees have reviewed and considered relevant information, including the annual budget and future cash flows in making their assessment. In particular, in response to the cost-of-living crisis and the high competition for funding, the Trustees have revised their forecasts to take into account the impact on the business of possible scenarios brought on by the impact of global financial crisis, alongside the measures that they can take to mitigate the impact. Based on these assessments, given the measures that could be undertaken to mitigate the current adverse conditions, and the current resources available, the Trustees have concluded that they can continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

Trustees responsibilities in relation to the financial statement

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and the group and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

12

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2024

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

By order of the board of trustees

Helen Ferguson , Chair of the Board of Trustees. ~~………………………~~ Helen Ferguson (May 24, 2024 12:20 GMT+1) …………………….

24/05/24

Date: ................... ..........................

13

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

For the year ended 31 March 2024

I report on the financial statements of Open Clasp Theatre Company for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 15 to 28.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees (who are also directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I 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.

Michelle Wright Michelle Wright Michelle Wright (May 24, 2024 12:21 GMT+1) Woodgate House 5c Wood Street Gateshead Tyne and Wear NE11 9NP Date: 24/05/24

14

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(INCLUDING SUMMARY INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

For the year ended 31 March 2024

6
7
Other trading activities
8
9
10
Expenditure on:
11
12
Raising funds
Operation of the charity
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Net income/(expenditure) and net
movement of funds
Charitable activities
Total income
Donations and legacies
Income from:
Other income
Charitable activities
Grants and contracts
Investments
Notes
Total funds carried forward
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
4,118
205,801
74,134
2,771
46,202
333,026
312
425,400
425,712
( 92,686 )
-
( 92,686 )
216,994
124,308		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
63,776
-
-
-
63,776
-
47,319
47,319
16,457
-
16,457
1,743
18,200		 Total
2024
£
4,118
269,577
74,134
2,771
46,202
396,802
312
-
472,719
473,031
( 76,229 )
-
( 76,229 )
218,737
142,508		 Total
2023
£
1,327
330,424
13,977
2,009
27,464
375,201
-
362,478
362,478
12,723
-
12,723
206,014
218,737

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities

The notes on pages 17 to 28 form an integral part of these accounts.

15

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

Charity Number 1108000 Company Number 05137687

BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 March 2024

Fixed assets
Tangible assets
19
Total fixed assets
Current assets
Debtors
20
Cash at bank and in hand
21
Total current assets
Creditors:amounts falling due within
one year
22
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets or liabilities
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted income funds
Designated funds
Restricted income funds
Total funds
Notes		 £
81,814
82,549
164,363
( 22,363 )		 Total
2024
£
508
508
142,001
142,508
142,508
77,308
47,000
18,200
142,508		 £
34,832
218,887
253,719
( 36,751 )		 Total
2023
£
1,769
1,769
216,968
218,737
218,737
82,313
134,681
1,743
218,737

The company was entitled to an exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with the respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.

The notes on pages 17 to 28 form an integral part of these accounts.

23/05/24 These financial statements were approved by the Board on:

and are signed on its behalf by:

Helen Ferguson Helen Ferguson (May 24, 2024 12:20 GMT+1) Chair of Board of Trustees

16

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

2 Basis of accounting

2.1 Basis of preparation

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) – Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

Open Clasp Theatre Company meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

2.2 Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. In making their assessment the trustees have reviewed and considered relevant information, including their annual budget and future cash flows. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trustees have revised their forecasts to take into account measures that they can take with the current resources available to mitigate the impact of the current adverse conditions. The trustees are of the view that the immediate future of the charity for the next 12 months is secure and that on this basis the charity is a going concern.

3 Income

3.1 Recognition of income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the resources, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is more likely than not that the resources will be received and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability

3.2 Offsetting

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by FRS102 SORP or FRS102.

3.3 Grants and donations

Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Income received in advance of the provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria of income recognition are met.

17

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

3.4 Donated goods and services

Donated goods are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless impractical to do so.

Donated services and facilities are included in the SoFA when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided that the value of the gift can be measured reliably. Donated services and facilities that are consumed immediately are recognised as income with the equivalent amount recognised as an expense under the appropriate heading in the SoFA.

3.5 Volunteer help

The value of volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report.

3.6 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

3.7 Income from membership subscriptions

Membership subscriptions received in the nature of a gift are recognised in donations and legacies.

Membership subscriptions which gives a member the right to buy services or other benefits are recognised as income earned from the provision of goods and services as income from charitable activities.

3.8 Investment gains and losses

This includes any realised or unrealised gains or losses on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

3.9 Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the

4 Expenditure and liabilities

4.1 Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised when it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

4.2 Charitable activities

Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of of creating professional theatre and other activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.

18

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

4.3 Governance and support costs

Support costs have been allocated between governance cost and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

4.4 Irrecoverable VAT

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

4.5 Creditors

The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.

4.6 Provisions for liabilities

A liability is measured on recognition at its historical cost and then subsequently measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date.

5 Assets

5.1 Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity

Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis, a full years depreciation charge is applied in the year of acquisition and no charge is made in the year of disposal:

Fixtures & fittings Straight line over five years IT and office equipment Straight line over three years

19

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Analysis of income

6
7
8		 Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Community Foundation
University of Glasgow
Durham University
Sunderland University
Income from contracts
Other trading activities
Arts Council England - NPO
The Shears Foundation
Garfield Weston Foundation
Sir James Knott Trust
Community Foundation - Margaret and
Dorothy Gordon Memorial Fund
Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund
Hadrian Trust
NCJAA - Inspiring Futures
Earned income - conferences, training
workshops & touring income
Clothworkers Foundation
Barbour Foundation
Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme
Grant
Arts Council England - Project Grant
Donations and Gift Aid
Income from grants and contracts		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
4,118
4,118
180,301
-
-
-
10,000
-
-
-
10,000
-
-
-
-
-
5,500
-
205,801
74,134
74,134		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
30,800
25,000
-
-
1,000
700
4,000
-
2,276
-
-
-
-
-
-
63,776
-
-		 Total
2024
£
4,118
4,118
180,301
30,800
25,000
-
10,000
1,000
700
4,000
10,000
2,276
-
-
-
-
5,500
-
269,577
74,134
74,134		 Total
2023
£
1,327
1,327
180,301
-
25,000
30,000
1,000
-
13,450
-
-
800
4,250
26,223
14,900
5,000
29,500
330,424
13,977
13,977

20

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Analysis of incomecontinued
9
Income from investments
10 Other income
Bank interest
Other income
Theatre Tax Relief		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
2,771
2,771
5,100
41,102
46,202		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-		 Total
2024
£
2,771
2,771
5,100
41,102
46,202		 Total
2023
£
2,009
2,009
5,000
22,464
27,464

Income was £396,802 (2023: £375,201) of which £333,026 was unrestricted or designated (2023: £369,951) and £63,776 was restricted (2023: £5,250)

21

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

11
12		 Raising funds
Charitable activities
Direct costs
Rupture project costs
Project staff costs
Support costs
Governance costs
Lasagna (Pause) Project
Staff support costs
Depreciation
Office administration & running costs
Staff costs
PR & marketing costs
Legal and professional fees
Trustees meeting costs
Annual review and AGM costs
Subscriptions & publications
Independent examiner's fees for reporting on
the accounts
Bank charges
Staging fundraising events
Workplace Development Programme
Durham PCC Us Too Training
Mycelial (Two Camps) project costs
One off projects including digital development		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
312
312
-
28,360
-
3,218
9,737
90,182
555
255,913
7,342
3,474
1,261
20,236
2,384
1,000
465
515
542
216
425,400		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
147
43,300
-
-
-
1,037
2,835
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
47,319		 Total
2024
£
312
312
147
71,660
-
3,218
9,737
91,219
3,390
255,913
7,342
3,474
1,261
20,236
2,384
1,000
465
515
542
216
472,719		 Total
2023
£
-
-
-
620
44,498
11,962
87
41,579
3,193
219,749
6,256
2,877
1,085
21,071
2,240
842
733
1,624
3,909
152
362,478

Expenditure on charitable activities was £473,031 (2023: £362,478) of which £425,712 was unrestricted or designated (2023: £355,191) and £47,319 was restricted (2023: £7,287)

13 Fees for examination of the accounts

Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts 2024
£
1,000
1,000		 2023
£
1,000
1,000

22

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

14 Analysis of staff costs and the cost of key management personnel

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs (defined contribution pension plan)		 2024
£
223,812
23,355
8,746
255,913		 2023
£
191,793
20,444
7,512
219,749

No employee received remuneration above £60,000 (2023: nil)

The key management personnel of the charity, comprise the Trustees, Artistic Director and the Executive Director. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £104,881. (2023: £101,603)

15 Staff numbers

The average monthly head count was 6 staff (2023: 6 staff) and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the year were as follows:

Artistic production and support
The parts of the charity in which the employee's work		 2024
Number
6.0
6.0		 2023
Number
6.0
6.0

Sessional staff are hired on a project by project basis and are included within charitable activities as direct project costs as they typically relate to specific production or projects.

16 Transactions with trustees

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with their charity or a related entity.

Trustees' expenses

The following detail the expenses incurred by the trustees.

Travel 2024
£
378
378		 2023
£
9
9

Transaction(s) with related parties

There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period.

17 Defined contribution pension scheme

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

The employer's pension costs represent contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amount to £8,746 (2023: £7,512). There was £6,332 outstanding as at 31 March 2024 (2023: £2,058)

23

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

18 Corporation Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objectives.

19 Tangible fixed assets
Cost
Balance brought forward
Additions
Disposals
Balance carried forward
Depreciation
Basis
Rate
Balance brought forward
Depreciation charge for year
Disposals
Balance carried forward
Net book value
Brought forward
Carried forward
20 Debtors and prepayments (receivable within 1 year)
21
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Prepayments & accrued income		 Fixtures &
fittings
£
3,947
-
-
3,947
SL
20%
3,947
-
-
3,947
-
-
2024
£
15,028
66,785
-
81,814
2024
£
55,320
27,229
82,549		 IT & office
equipment
£
10,089
-
-
10,089
SL
33%
8,320
1,261
-
9,581
1,769
508
2023
£
2,411
31,199
1,222
34,832
2023
£
188,313
30,574
218,887		 Total
£
14,036
-
-
14,036
12,267
1,261
-
13,528
1,769
508

24

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

22 Creditors and accruals (payable within 1 year)

reditors and accruals (payable within 1 year)
Pension
Accruals
Independent examination of accounts
Deferred income
Taxation and social security
Other accruals		 2024
£
5,587
6,332
1,000
1,720
7,724
22,363		 2023
£
5,328
2,058
1,000
4,570
23,795
36,751

23 Deferred income

Deferred income comprises of advance payments from grants that relate to future periods

Balance carried forward
Amount deferred in year
Amount released to income earned from
charitable activities
Balance brought forward		 2024
£
23,795
( 23,795 )
7,724
7,724

24 Events after the end of the reporting period

No events (not requiring adjustment to the accounts) have occurred after the end of the reporting period but before the accounts are authorised which relate to conditions that arose after the end of the reporting period.

25

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

25 Analysis of charitable funds Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds

For the year ending 31 March 2024

Unrestricted funds
General unrestricted fund
Designated funds
Future projects
Mycelial
25th Anniversary budget
Totals		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
82,313
45,000
89,681
-
216,994		 Incoming
resources
£
333,026
-
-
-
333,026		 Resources
expended
£
( 425,712 )
-
-
-
(425,712)		 Transfers
£
87,681
-
( 89,681 )
2,000
-		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
77,308
45,000
-
2,000
124,308

For the year ending 31 March 2023

Unrestricted funds
General unrestricted fund
Designated funds
Future projects
Mycelial
Totals		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
183,148
20,000
-
203,148		 Incoming
resources
£
369,951
-
-
369,951		 Resources
expended
£
( 355,191 )
-
-
(355,191)		 Transfers
£
( 115,595 )
25,000
89,681
(914)		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
82,313
45,000
89,681
216,994

Purpose of unrestricted funds

General unrestricted fund Designated funds

The 'free reserves' after allowing for designated funds Fund set aside for developing future projects

26

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

25 Analysis of charitable funds continued

Analysis of movement in restricted funds For the year ending 31 March 2024

Fund
balances
brought
forward
Restricted funds
£
1,184
Arts Council England Project
Grant
-
Community Foundation -
Newcastle Cultural Investment
Project Fund
559
Hadrian Trust
-
Clothworkers Foundation
Community Foundation - Roland
Cookson Community Fund
-
Community Foundation -
Margaret and Dorothy Gordon
Memorial Fund
-
Totals
1,744
For the year ending 31 March 2023
Fund
balances
balances
brought
forward
Restricted funds
£
1,666
Regional Theatre Young
Directors Scheme Grant
1,200
Community Foundation -
Newcastle Cultural Investment
Project Fund
-
Hadrian Trust
-
Totals
2,866
Analysis of movement in restricted funds
Northumbria Police and Crime
Commissioner – Operation
Payback Fund
Northumbria Police and Crime
Commissioner – Operation
Payback Fund		 Incoming
resources
£
-
30,800
25,000
1,000
2,276
4,000
700
63,776
Incoming
resources
£
-
800
3,450
1,000
5,250		 Resources
expended
£
( 1,184 )
( 12,600 )
( 25,559 )
( 1,000 )
( 2,276 )
( 4,000 )
( 700 )
(47,320)
Resources
expended
£
( 482 )
( 2,914 )
( 2,891 )
( 1,000 )
(7,286 )		 Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
Transfers
£
-
914
-
-
914		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
-
18,200
-
-
-
-
-
18,200
Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
1,184
-
559
-
1,744

27

OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

25 Analysis of charitable funds continued

Purpose of restricted funds

Restricted funds represent income resources used for a specific purpose within the charity as identified by the donor.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner – Operation Payback Fund

To support production costs for a participatory theatre-based training course for police officers and related service providers working with women with learning disabilities/ autism who report rape/ sexual assault.

Arts Council England Project Grant To deliver the Mycelial film and international cinema tour 2024-25

Community Foundation - To support the delivery of a performance showcase of new work, as part of Newcastle Cultural Investment a weeklong programme of creative and cultural events at West End Project Fund Women and Girls Centre Hadrian Trust To support Open Clasp in the delivery of Bronze Arts Award to young women in HMP Low Newton Clothworkers Foundation Capital grant to purchase projection equipment to support community touring

To support the delivery of a performance showcase of new work, as part of a weeklong programme of creative and cultural events at West End Women and Girls Centre

Community Foundation - Roland Cookson Community Fund

To support accessibility around Mycelial to co-creators

Community Foundation - To support accessibility around Mycelial to co-creators Margaret and Dorothy Gordon Memorial Fund

26 Capital commitments

As at 31 March 2024, the charity had no capital commitments (2023 -£nil)

27 Analysis of net assets between funds

nalysis of net assets between funds
Other net current assets/(liabilities)
Cash at bank and in hand
Tangible fixed assets		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
508
64,349
59,451
124,308		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
18,200
-
18,200		 Total
2024
£
508
82,549
59,451
142,508		 Total
2023
£
1,769
218,887
( 1,919 )
218,737

28

2024-05-24

Open Clasp Full doc YE 2024 v3

Final Audit Report

Created: 2024-05-24 By: Michelle Wright (michelle-wright@hotmail.com) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAWTk3soxZRc5FRjFk9k0eF32RXhBw9r6H

"Open Clasp Full doc YE 2024 v3" History

2024-05-24 - 11:14:51 AM GMT

Document emailed to Helen Ferguson (helen@mortalfools.org.uk) for signature 2024-05-24 - 11:14:58 AM GMT

Document emailed to Michelle Wright (michelle-wright@hotmail.com) for signature 2024-05-24 - 11:14:59 AM GMT

Agreement completed.

2024-05-24 - 11:21:09 AM GMT