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← Deafinitely Theatre

2024-03-31-accounts

Registered number: 05371228 Charity number: 1111526

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

UNAUDITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers 1
Trustees' report 2 - 13
Independent examiner's report 14
Statement of financial activities 15
Balance sheet 16
Notes to the financial statements 17 - 30

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Trustees Mark Hopkinson, Vice Chair
Sanchayeeta Iyer
Liina Pukk Lowe
Ashesh Pradyamna Pandya (resigned 7 February 2024)
Tom Robbins
Louise Stephens, Chair
Kimberley Johanna Thomas-Currie
Junhui Yang
Clive John Young
Company registered
number
05371228
Charity registered
number
1111526
Registered office
30 Montpelier Rise
London
NW11 9DS
Independent examiners
MHA
Chartered Accountants
2 London Wall Place
London
EC2Y 5AU
Bankers
The Co-Operative Bank
PO Box 250
WN8 6WT
Artistic director
Paula Garfield
Executive Director
Frankie George

Page 1

(A company limited by guarantee)

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Deafinitely Theatre for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The Annual report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Since the Charity qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.

Objectives and activities

a. Objectives aims and principal activities

Deafinitely Theatre was set up in January 2002 by Paula Garfield, Steven Webb and Kate Furby to produce performance ideas by deaf people. Over the past 22 years, our reputation has grown, not only within the deaf community but in the London theatre community in general.

• Our Vision: A world where theatre is accessible for all and deaf people are a valued part of the national theatre landscape.

• Our Mission: To produce high-quality bilingual theatre for deaf and hearing audiences of all ages and backgrounds, combining the visual storytelling of sign language with the oral immediacy of spoken English.

Deafinitely Theatre is the first professional deaf-launched and led theatre company in the UK that provides performances and activities for all ages, from child to adult. Our work empowers deaf BSL users - their culture, identity and pride – through a creative programme accessible to all ages. This has five strands: an annual theatre production; family show touring, a Youth Drama Programme (including a youth theatre and regional outreach workshops); and a Creative Skills Development Scheme. We also carry out deaf equality consultancy training with arts organisations across the UK. All Deafinitely Theatre’s work is bilingual, in English and BSL.

In setting objectives and planning for activities the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance given by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance “Public Benefit: running a charity (PB2)’.

Page 2

(A company limited by guarantee)

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Objectives and activities (continued)

b. Public benefit

Deafinitely Theatre aims to benefit the UK's deaf community, both locally and nationally, by providing access to theatre performance, training and employment opportunities, as well as raising awareness of particular issues relevant to the lives of deaf people.

Our primary audience and beneficiaries are deaf BSL users in the UK. We also appeal to hearing audiences, both signers and non-signers.

We offer training opportunities for deaf creative artists (both emerging and professional, as well as young people) and we also attract hearing actors who can sign. Our work appeals to students who are learning BSL so they can test out their own sign skills and socialise with deaf people.

Our users also include children and young people, both deaf and hearing, and the many industry professionals we provide advice to and work with.

12 million people in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing, with over 151, 000 BSL users. Deaf people are more likely to have poor mental health up to 50% compared to 25% for the general population. Their cultural needs are too easily overlooked, but their visual language has so much to offer the wider world.

Our production work represents deaf people and their experiences on stage and aims to attract as wide an audience as possible, both deaf and hearing, to promote deaf awareness. In doing so deaf people are given a voice and essential role models in an arts role. All our work is led in BSL so that deaf sign language users have access to our events and activities; where possible we incorporate projected captions for those deaf people who are oral.

c. Activities for achieving objectives since the company’s foundation

When Deafinitely Theatre launched in 2002 with a short run of a devised theatre piece at London’s Gate Theatre, audiences queued in the street for return tickets to this sold-out premiere. By 2006 we were invited to open our first central London play at Soho Theatre for three weeks, attracting over 1,000 people, both deaf and hearing. In May 2012, our 10th anniversary year, we performed the first ever BSL Shakespeare play at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, attracting deaf actors and audiences into the venue for the first time in its entire history. For the first time, audiences and reviewers looked beyond the deafness of the actors and instead judged us on the quality of the experience. In January 2018, our production Contractions won the Off West End Theatre Award for Best Production and in March 2019 our Artistic Director Paula Garfield won a Tonic Award for her energy and unwavering commitment to opening theatre up and the artistic quality of the work she produces as Artistic Director of Deafinitely Theatre. Since then we have produced 40+ productions in London and nationally.

The impact our work has had on how mainstream theatre views deaf artists cannot be underestimated. Our work has placed deaf artists centre stage and many actors, writers and directors currently working in the industry gained their first training and employment opportunity with us, a track record we’re extremely proud of, empowering deaf culture, identity and pride locally, nationally and internationally. We have, as the UK’s first deaf launched and led theatre company, provided for deaf people of all ages.

Page 3

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Objectives and activities (continued)

d. In our history we are proud to have:

Level

• 10 of our alumni have gone on to develop their careers performing at high profile theatres like Shakespeare’s Globe, National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company

e. Each year we:

• Work with over 100 disadvantaged deaf young people through our annual youth programme across London and the UK and all of our youth participants take part in Arts Award

Page 4

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Achievements and performance

a.

This year has been one of achievement for our organisation as we expanded our in-person activities, strengthened engagement and delivered a wide range of impactful programs and events to our community. 46% of our workforce this year was deaf/disabled, an increase of 13% on last year (2023: 33%), withy 67% of our core workforce deaf, 11% of our workforce from the Global Majority and 68% female.

The year was a successful one for our Youth project where 98% of participants identified as deaf. Outreach this year included workshops and delivery activity at prestigious deaf schools, Frank Barnes and Heathlands. Our Summer School in London ran from 23rd to 26th August and included skills workshops, culminating in enrichment trip to The Other Palace for our participants. As part of this activity, we featured a dedicated “Industry Skills” day supported by a panel of professionals working in the sector, including a BBC Casting Associate and two prominent deaf actors.

Our Deafinitely Youth Theatre (DYT) term ran October to February in London culminating in two performances of our youth production Are We All Islands? on 10th February 2024 at Oxford House in London to an invited audience of 140 people. The show’s theme and content was developed by the participants across the term and directed by two deaf Co-Directors. The youth learned a range of skills throughout the DYT term from October 2023 to February 2024, including – Visual Vernacular, choreography and movement, improvisation, working with a script and theatrical BSL translation from English, all of which were put into practice in the show.

In total we delivered 31 sessions for youth participants aged 14-21 years old and had a total of 202 youth participants engage in person in total with 3 passing Arts Award this year.

“My time with Deafinitely Youth Theatre has deeply influenced my life, improving my acting skills and confidence, and expanding my networking opportunities. Deafinitely Youth Theatre will always hold a special place in my heart as a fantastic company!” Jude Powell, DYT 2023

Page 5

(A company limited by guarantee)

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

b.

We began to look at ways to revitalise our Hub project, our deaf adult training programme, which allows emerging deaf artists to gain accessible training. Previously sessions had to be postponed or cancelled in light of the ongoing COVID 19 impact. We successfully were able to offer Assistant and Associate Director paid roles across our programme including for our co-production Can Bears Ski and Youth Production Are We All Islands?. We also delivered two online panel events in March 2024. The first invited three emerging deaf actors to discuss career pathways into the creative industry and the second explored what is a Theatre Maker? with a panel of leading deaf creatives.

This year marked our first co-production with The Pied Piper Theatre Company as we created the production of Can Bears Ski?, based on the beloved children’s book written by Raymond Antrobus, a deaf writer and poet. Rehearsals took place in Guildford from October to November 2023. The UK tour included visits to mainstream and deaf schools, arts centres and theatre venues.

The company was a mix of deaf and hearing actors and incorporated BSL and spoken English throughout. For many deaf children with hearing families in the audience this was the first theatre opportunity they had attended that was fully accessible and could be enjoyed by everyone. The show delivered 115 performances from 20th November 2024 to 24th February 2024 and received favourable reviews from press and audiences alike.

“Poignant, uplifting and education” 4 stars – Broadway World “Bright and lively” 4 stars – The Stage “As informative and insightful as it is entertaining” 4 stars – Theatre Weekly

Marking International Sign Language Day 2023, we presented a special charity fundraising performance of V’s (formerly Eve Ensler) acclaimed The Vagina Monologues on 23rd September 2023. This was the first time that the show had been performed on stage in British Sign Language and spoken English with captions, at this scale. This special one-off performance included a landmark 20 performers – a mix of deaf and hard of hearing women and non-binary people on stage.

The performance was a huge success with a final audience number of 853, which allowed us to raise £12,870 in funds for Deaf-initely Women, a charity that provides essential services to make sure all deaf and deafblind women are able to live free from abuse. This crucial donation amount allowed Deafinitely Women to identify and train more Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA) from the deaf community. With only 10 deaf IDVAs previously covering the whole of the deaf community across the UK, the funds created crucial qualification opportunities needed to increase this number and meet demand.

Page 6

(A company limited by guarantee)

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

c.

On the 21st of November 2023, our 20th anniversary production Everyday was screened at Lexi Cinema, Brent. This special screening included a panel Q&A event, allowing the deaf community to further access conversations and resources around domestic abuse within the deaf community, ensuring a lasting impact. This event also launched our online digital platform, Deafinitely Digital, allowing for our previous productions to be available to watch online. The platform featured award-winning shows 4:48 Psychosis, Love’s Labour’s Lost and our series of short films Talking Hands, created in association with Paines Plough, free of charge upon launching, with Everyday, available to rent for a week for a nominal fee.

This year saw the early development of the planned next production The Promise, a play exploring the topic of dementia within the deaf community. Our deaf Artistic Director Paula Garfield and deaf writer Melissa Mostyn co-created the script for this production. Paula and Melissa have continued to work with deaf academics in the field ensuring the activity programme that we present to the deaf community is accurate and handled sensitively, including Avril Hepner, Manager at British Deaf Association (BDA) in Scotland, running a landmark project to transform the deaf Dementia experience, Dr Joanna Atkinson-Hearn, a specialist in neuropsychology assessment and rehabilitation with deaf and disabled people and Dr Emma Ferguson-Coleman, PhD on Dementia and lead researcher funded by Alzheimer’s Society. We held three research and development (R&D) weeks with performers and creatives in both December 2023 and February 2024. Rehearsals commenced in March 2024, culminating in an exciting new production that toured in Spring 2024-25. These R&D’s focused on script development, alongside research sessions with deaf academics.

Our Consultancy and Deaf Equality Training work has continued, offering vital advice and best practice to venues, theatre companies, organisations and individuals across the sector. This included to: Equity to advise a steering group on ways to improve guidelines for working with BSL interpreters, BBC Casting department exploring how to make casting sessions more inclusive, National Theatre working to embed deaf access and inclusion with the company of The Father & The Assassin and delivering Deaf Equality Training for Central School of Speech and Drama staff.

This year, Deafinitely Theatre achieved significant progress in accessibility, creativity, and community impact, demonstrating our strong commitment to amplifying deaf voices in the arts and we aim to create even more opportunities in the future.

Page 7

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

d. Future developments

2024-25

• The Premiere and national tour of THE PROMISE, a co-production between Deafinitely Theatre, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

• A range of social impact activity linked to THE PROMISE, including: an online web-based resource portal powered through Deafinitely’s site, including help, guidance and support information; Free downloadable education resource pack; Q&A panel events with deaf experts and special guests, Deaf Equality Training sessions for tour venue’s staff teams, specific youth delivery linked to the themes from the show, social hub events, volunteering placements across the London run and tour dates, a BSL symposium event.

• Continuing our consultancy work and Deaf Equality Training as an expert in the field of deaf led accessible theatre

Page 8

(A company limited by guarantee)

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Financial review

a. Going concern

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to have a significant impact on our industry, we have worked hard as a team to ensure that Deafinitely continues to remain a robust charity, we have mitigated risk with cut budget scenarios Board approved in advance of financial year activity and in addition our Board evaluates and amends where necessary our risk register quarterly.

b. Reserves policy

The Trustees determine the level of reserves to be held. Trustees determine free reserves should be equivalent to six months' operating costs and not less than three months’ operating costs. This is calculated based on actual budgets.

c. Finance review

Deafinitely Theatre has worked hard to remain robust and to mitigate the challenges resulting from the post pandemic and continuing cost of living crisis impact on our sector. Due to reductions on direct project costs, our successful achievement on fundraising from Trusts & Foundations, and a successful family co production tour, the financial year has remained healthy for the organisation and we have continued to utilise Theatre Tax Relief. In addition it should be noted that significant expenditure for our main production The Promise was incurred however as the production took place in the financial year of 2024-25 this expenditure has been deferred of £56,262.

This year we have generated a reduction, compared to previous years, in In-kind support, totalling £2,400 for the year for youth project. The Yellow Space generously donated rehearsal space in kind for the project. As our main show activity expenditure will show in the next financial year there is no in-kind support on main productions this year, and our co producers led on all in-kind funds for our family tour.

Our Arts Council England NPO funding increased this year with additional investment towards our new Associate Director scheme, accessible regional production development with R&D embedded and new commissions and collaborations, totalling £265,083.

We raised a total of £139,300 from Trusts and Foundations towards our main production and Youth project with grants received from Boshier Hinton Foundation, City Bridge Trust, Disability Justice Fund, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and the Worshipful Company of Lightmongers.

Our unrestricted income generated via our box office income, consultancy work, supporters scheme and Theatre Tax Relief totalled £79,815.

Our total surplus for the year is £132,534 and general unrestricted reserves are healthy at £117,553 which is at the top end our reserve policy of £60,000-£120,000. In addition, the Charity holds designated reserves of £369,332. This includes £323,332 towards future main productions and £25,000 towards required operational investment and a further £21,000 allocated towards our adult training programme. Restricted funds increased to £103,000 (2023: £48,000). Free reserves (general unrestricted reserves not represented by fixed assets) are £109,317.

Page 9

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

d. Threats to the organisation

Threats and mitigation to the organisation, as reported last year continue in a similar pace as previous year’s report:

• Post COVID-19 impact saw many of the options for funding activities such as our main productions reduced, alongside increased competition for those funds available.

• Income from Individual Giving via our Friends scheme is a challenge as the majority of donors, many of whom are from the deaf community, find themselves still unable to donate.

• In this year’s post pandemic climate competition for co-production investment and partnership is fierce, we have seen a reduction in this income generated and opportunities offered as well as for consultancy projects.

• Within this climate we have faced higher than expected expenditure. We have needed to ensure that staff working from home have efficient communication methods and equipment. Delivering activity online can incur additional costs for access, including more interpreters and live captioning and wellbeing support for staff.

• A key risk for the organisation this year continued to be the limited number of partners and collaborators. The risk impact of this includes slow growth of our audiences, lack of venues and options for our productions potentially causing delays in touring and presenting our work.

• Failure to meet fundraising targets remains a risk, with potential impact from this which could include failure to achieve delivered product, activity and box office targets which would impact on our reserves having to be used and a lack of engagement with the public.

• Small risk around audience development due to our main production touring in the next financial year therefore a lack of activity this year for our adult audiences in particular being available.

• Re writes needed on main production due to casting challenges

e. Mitigation

• Continue to implement appropriate equipment and online platforms such as Slack and Zoom to enable staff to work securely and efficiently from home

• To mitigate the risk around limited partners we use our consultancy work as a lever to establish new partnerships as well as utilising our profile raising via our marketing and press strategies

• To mitigate the risk of failure to meet funding targets our Trustees and Executive ensure we have a thorough funding strategy in place. We have secured Arts Council England NPO funding to 2026 with an uplift, all budgets are Board approved well in advance with varying project scenarios included, freelance fundraising expert staff are on board and income diversification as part of business planning continue to be considered by our Trustees and subcommittees as part of a longer-term strategy for financial resilience.

• To mitigate the risk around audience development we presented a co production family tour and charity performance event this year for our audiences

• To mitigate the re writes risk on our main production the Board approved additional budget for the re writes as well as further R&D time on the project

f. Principal funding

Deafinitely Theatre is core funded by Arts Council England NPO funding, our grant this year totalled £265,083.

Page 10

(A company limited by guarantee)

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Structure, governance and management

a. Constitution

Deafinitely Theatre was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 21 February 2005 and its objects and regulations are governed by its memorandum and articles of association, as amended by special resolution on 14 March 2016. The objects for which the Charity was formed are to advance education for the public benefit by the promotion of the arts, in particular but not exclusively the art of drama. In carrying out its objects the Trustees have given due consideration to the Charity Commission published guidance on the operation of the public benefit requirement. There have been no changes in the objects since the last annual report

b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees

The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Articles of Association. The recruitment and appointment of new Trustees is made by the Board, recruiting from both the deaf and hearing communities.

c. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees

An initial induction comprises information on the format of the Charity; policies of the Charity; provision of Charity Commission publications on Trustee responsibilities and effective stewardship and provision of publications for new Trustees from the Independent Theatre Council (ITC).

d. Organisational structure and decision-making policies

The Board of Trustees manage the Charity and meet quarterly with four Trustee Subcommittees meeting regularly throughout the year on Finance, Governance, Artistic Direction and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, to support our Senior Management Team further. The maximum number of Trustees is 20, as agreed by special resolution in March 2016 and maximum term for Trustees is 9 years as agreed by special resolution in December 2022. Paula Garfield, the Artistic Director, and Frankie George, the Executive Director, attend all Board meetings as senior staff representatives responsible for the day- to-day running of the Charity.

e. Related party relationships

The Charity has worked with:

Page 11

(A company limited by guarantee)

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Structure, governance and management (continued)

f. Risk management and duty of care

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the Charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Employer’s Liability Insurance and a Trustee Indemnity policy are in place to mitigate certain risks. The Board designates a Trustee to work closely with the Executive Director on financial management and funding strategy, as well as having our Trustee Finance Subcommittee, meeting with our Executive Director quarterly prior to each Board Meeting. The Board approves an Annual Operating Budget consistent with the Charity's strategic objectives and reserves policy. A Financial Protocols Policy is approved by the Board. Monthly salaries are signed off by the Executive Director and Artistic Director.

Members' liability

Every member of the Charity undertakes to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up.

The trustees have complied with their duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.

Page 12

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and 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 hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Louise Stephens (Chair of Trustees)

Date: 28 January 2025

Page 13

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Deafinitely Theatre ('the Charity')

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Charity 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 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

Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the 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

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].

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.

This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Signed: John Coverdale, FCA

Dated: 29 January 2025

MHA

Chartered Accountants 2 London Wall Place London EC2Y 5AU

Page 14

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Note
Income from:
Charitable activities
3
Investments
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
7
Total expenditure
Net income
Transfers between funds
15
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
135,500
-
135,500
42,088
42,088
93,412
(38,412)
55,000
48,000
55,000
103,000		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
348,693
5
348,698
309,576
309,576
39,122
38,412
77,534
409,351
77,534
486,885		 Total
funds
2024
£
484,193
5
484,198
351,664
351,664
132,534
-
132,534
457,351
132,534
589,885		 Total
funds
2023
£
433,735
-
433,735
396,161
396,161
37,574
-
37,574
419,777
37,574
457,351

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 17 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

Page 15

DEAFINITELY THEATRE (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 05371228

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

Note
Tangible assets
12
Current assets
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
14
Net current assets
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
15
Unrestricted funds
15
Total funds		 93,559
513,921
607,480
(25,831)		 2024
£
8,236
581,649
589,885
103,000
486,885
589,885		 114,789
355,879
470,668
(13,317)		 2023
£
-
457,351
457,351
48,000
409,351
457,351

The Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

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

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Louise Stephens (Chair of Trustees) Date: 28 January 2025

The notes on pages 17 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

Page 16

DEAFINITELY THEATRE (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1. General information

Deafinitely Theatre is a company limited by guarantee and is registered with the Charity Commission (Charity Registered Number 1111526) and Registrar of Companies (Company Registration Number 5371228) in England and Wales. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect o the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the Charity. The address of the registered office is given in the Charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the Charity’s operations and principal activities are to produce performance ideas by deaf people.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Deafinitely Theatre 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.

2.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

2.3 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

2.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Page 17

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.4 Expenditure (continued)

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, .

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Other fixed assets - over five years

2.6 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.7 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

2.8 Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.9 Pensions

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.

Page 18

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.10 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

3. Income from charitable activities

Community & Education
Artistic Programme
Total 2024
Community & Education
Artistic Programme
Total 2023		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
85,500
50,000
135,500
Restricted
funds
2023
£
53,675
39,000
92,675		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
273,850
74,843
348,693
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
271,543
69,517
341,060		 Total
funds
2024
£
359,350
124,843
484,193
Total
funds
2023
£
325,218
108,517
433,735

Page 19

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

4. Analysis of income - Community & Education

Donations
Grants
Box office, fees and similar
Donations in kind
Analysis of income - Artistic Programme
Grants
Box office, fees and similar
Donations in kind
Theatre tax relief		 2024
£
2,183
354,383
2,784
-
359,350
2024
£
50,000
23,656
-
51,187
124,843		 2023
£
4,006
278,976
27,405
13,623
324,010
2023
£
39,000
-
-
69,517
108,517

5. Analysis of income - Artistic Programme

Page 20

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

6.
Grants receivable
Arts Council England - NPO
Trust for London - Disability Justice Fund
Artc Council Culture Recovery Grant
City Bridge Trust
Esmee Fairburn Foundation
Garfield Weston Foundation
Global's Make Some Noise
Greater London Authority Young Londoners Fund
London Youth Quality Mark
Ovingdean Hall Foundation
Boshier Hinton Foundation
Worshipful Company of Lightmongers		 2024
£
265,083
60,000
-
42,400
20,000
15,000
-
-
-
-
1,400
500
404,383		 2023
£
216,013
-
-
46,288
24,000
15,000
-
3,675
3,000
10,000
-
-
317,976

Page 21

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Community & Education
Artistic Programme
Total 2024
Community & Education
Artistic Programme
Total 2023		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
42,088
-
42,088
Restricted
funds
2023
£
30,830
53,845
84,675		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
271,664
37,912
309,576
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
311,486
-
311,486		 Total
2024
£
313,752
37,912
351,664
Total
2023
£
342,316
53,845
396,161

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Community & Education
Artistic Programme
Total 2024		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2024
£
264,332
37,912
302,244		 Support
costs
2024
£
49,420
-
49,420		 Total
funds
2024
£
313,752
37,912
351,664

Page 22

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Community & Education
Artistic Programme
Total 2023
Analysis of direct costs
Staff costs
Other direct costs
Analysis of support costs
Depreciation
Operating costs
Marketing and publicity
Governance costs		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
323,717
53,845
377,562		 Support
costs
2023
£
18,599
-
18,599
Total
funds
2024
£
169,132
133,112
302,244
Total
funds
2024
£
284
29,672
14,748
4,716
49,420		 Total
funds
2023
£
342,316
53,845
396,161
Total
funds
2023
£
185,421
192,141
377,562
Total
funds
2023
£
-
17,039
-
1,560
18,599

Page 23

(A company limited by guarantee)

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

9. Independent examiner's remuneration

2024 2023
£ £
Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent
examination of the Charity's annual accounts 5,000 1,560
Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner in respect of:
Tax compliance services not included above 1,500 -

10. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contributions to defined contribution pension schemes		 2024
£
156,881
5,152
7,099
169,132		 2023
£
171,095
6,956
7,370
185,421

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

Creative
Management and administration		 2024
No.
2
5
7		 2023
No.
2
5
7

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

The total amount of employee benefits received by Key Management Personnel was £48,976 (2023 - £49,284).

The Charity considers its Key Management personnel comprise:

Page 24

(A company limited by guarantee)

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 31 March 2024, expenses were reimbursed or paid directly to 2 Trustees (2023 - to 2 Trustees) broken down as follows:

Travel - Louise Stephens
Travel - Junhui Yang		 2024
£
495
108
603		 2023
£
439
102
541

12. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
Additions
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023		 Other fixed
assets
£
8,520
8,520
284
284
8,236
-

Page 25

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

13. Debtors

Due within one year
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2024
£
40
5,553
87,966
93,559
2024
£
14,575
-
5,646
5,610
25,831		 2023
£
7,893
-
106,896
114,789
2023
£
2,519
1,865
-
8,933
13,317

14. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Page 26

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

15. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Main productions
Deafinitiely HUB (BSL Course
& Directors)
Investment in operations
General funds
General funds
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Main production
Youth programme
DJF HUB
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
April 2023
£
270,057
-
25,000
295,057
114,294
409,351
35,000
13,000
-
48,000
457,351		 Income
£
51,187
-
-
51,187
297,511
348,698
80,000
45,500
10,000
135,500
484,198		 Expenditure
£
(37,912)
-
-
(37,912)
(271,664)
(309,576)
(10,000)
(30,088)
(2,000)
(42,088)
(351,664)		 Transfers
in/out
£
40,000
21,000
-
61,000
(22,588)
38,412
(20,000)
(18,412)
-
(38,412)
-		 Balance at
31 March
2024
£
323,332
21,000
25,000
369,332
117,553
486,885
85,000
10,000
8,000
103,000
589,885

Page 27

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

15. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Designated Funds - all funds
Main productions
Deafinitiely HUB (BSL Course
& Directors)
Investment in operations
20th anniversary
General funds
General funds
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Main production
Youth programme
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 April 2022
£
-
219,028
15,000
25,000
-
259,028
120,749
379,777
40,000
-
40,000
419,777		 Income
£
-
65,000
-
-
-
65,000
276,060
341,060
39,000
53,675
92,675
433,735		 Expenditure
£
-
(13,971)
(15,000)
-
(10,739)
(39,710)
(271,776)
(311,486)
(44,000)
(40,675)
(84,675)
(396,161)		 Transfers
in/out
£
-
-
-
-
10,739
10,739
(10,739)
-
-
-
-
-		 Balance at
31 March
2023
£
-
270,057
-
25,000
-
295,057
114,294
409,351
35,000
13,000
48,000
457,351

Page 28

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

16. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current period

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2024
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
£
-
8,236
103,000
504,480
-
(25,831)
103,000
486,885
Restricted
funds
2023
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
£
48,000
422,668
-
(13,317)
48,000
409,351		 Total
funds
2024
£
8,236
607,480
(25,831)
589,885
Total
funds
2023
£
470,668
(13,317)
457,351

17. Nature and purpose of funds

Restricted funds carried forward are £103,000 (2023 – £48,000). This includes £10,000 for the DT Youth Programme, £85,000 towards future main productions and £8,000 towards our adult training programme.

Additional funds of £369,332 (2023 - £295,057) have been designated by the Trustees making the total as at 31 March 2024:

£323,332 towards future main productions

£21,000 towards adult training programme

£25,000 towards operations including HR issues/work.

In addition to the Arts Council England NPO core funding our projects were funded by: Boshier Hinton Foundation, City Bridge Trust, Disability Justice Fund, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and the Worshipful Company of Lightmongers.

Page 29

DEAFINITELY THEATRE

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

18. Pension commitments

The Charity contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Charity to the fund and amounted to £4,393 (2023 - £2,723).

19. Related party transactions

Fiona Garfield the sister of Artistic Director Paula Garfield was paid £150 directly in the year as consultancy associate.

Page 30