Trustees’ Annual Report
Year End 28 February 2023
REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES
As theatre venues and promoters increasingly embraced outdoor performances over the past year, our shows became more concentrated in the warmer summer months. This required our intrepid team of performers to adapt to the extreme heat and become even more nimble on their feet. On several occasions, we had to relocate our stage to find natural shade to perform under. However, the rising popularity of amphitheatres and other outdoor performance spaces has been beneficial for Opera Anywhere. Despite the added challenges, we have proven our ability to adapt to a variety of performance spaces.
We also observed an increased demand for our regular indoor venues, which resulted in improved ticket sales. Furthermore, Churches and other fundraising organisations demonstrated a growing interest in our performances as audiences became more comfortable returning to normality in the aftermath of the pandemic.
We continued our 'G&S Festival on Tour' concept, featuring a variety of Gilbert and Sullivan productions. Thanks to a generous contribution from a dedicated supporter and frequent attendee at our Suffolk performances, we were able to introduce a new performance of 'Iolanthe' to our repertoire.
In addition to the G&S productions, we presented our popular and enduring production of 'The Magic Flute' and brought back our 'Opera's Heroines' Puccini based production. Throughout our travels across the UK, our team showed amazing dedication and hard work, entertaining and inspiring audiences of all ages. Festival organisers and venue managers joined in sending messages of appreciation, making the entire experience all the more worthwhile. We are incredibly grateful to our team for their efforts.
The Sunningwell Festival June 2022 – Iolanthe at The Quarry, Sunningwell
“Mal and I had a lovely afternoon, and enjoyed your Company’s dazzling performance. We hope that there will be lots more performances of this kind at Sunningwell in the years to come, and we will try our very best to be there”! Best wishes, George
“Thank you for a wonderful afternoons entertainment in such a beautiful setting. The performance by everyone was first class and natural, we could hear every note and word while sitting in comfort. We recognise the vast amount of work which has gone into setting up the festival and hope you are happy with the result and can continue to bring music to the area for many years to come. CONGRATULATIONS”! Frank & Shirley.
“We so enjoyed your lively performance of Iolanthe a most appropriate choice of G & S Today has been a wonderful example of what we British do best.Your garden is beautiful and was a perfect stage for the production Thanks to you both and to your singers” Best Wishes Marian,Alan and Kathrine
“Just spent the PERFECT afternoon at The Quarry for Iolanthe ! What a wonderful performance, beautiful surroundings … it really could not have been better. Thank you and MORE PLEASE”!.
Best Susie Lopez
Opera’s Heroines at the Pinner Festival June 22
“Thank you all so very much for an astonishing evening of superb singing and entertainment – in the widest sense. We are all absolutely delighted, deeply impressed and profoundly moved by Opera’s Heroines & Sister Angelica. You all contributed so much to a remarkable occasion, which was hugely appreciated by everyone”. Anthony (Pinching), Director Pinner Music Festival
H.M.S.Pinafore – Thorington Theatre
“Dear Mike, Thank you so much for your performance at Thorington Theatre yesterday; what a marvellous production; it was clear that the audience were truly engaged and enjoyed it very much – there were a lot of opera buffs following every line! You made a lot of people very happy! The crew here at Thorington also very much enjoyed working with you”. – Lyndy Woods, Thorington Theatre, H.M.S.Pinafore – August 2022
Despite facing challenges in securing grants and donations, Opera Anywhere successfully managed to balance its books through careful budget management and strong support for the touring programme. The year was demanding and busy, and Opera Anywhere is delighted by the early signs of interest in the upcoming year's events, which provide cause for optimism.
Opera Anywhere is a member of several organisations, including 'Opera UK', which aims to promote collaboration and innovation among opera companies of all sizes. Additionally, Opera Anywhere is a member of 'Oxford Community Business Network', 'B4' business networking groups, the 'Gilbert and Sullivan Society', the 'Arthur Sullivan Society', Making Music, and the British Arts Festival Association.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
Looking ahead with greater optimism, Opera Anywhere is eager to expand its touring program and increase its reach throughout the UK. The recent addition of Lesley McKie to the management team brings valuable business and cultural experience to the table, particularly in the area of funding for the arts. Thanks to two recent successful grant applications, Opera Anywhere is thrilled to announce a complete reworking of 'The Mikado', which will be touring at various venues starting at the end of June.
Opera Anywhere is committed to supporting the early career development of young musicians, directors, and theatre makers by offering opportunities to work alongside professionals and providing pastoral care, fairly paid performance opportunities, and occasional work experience and volunteer posts. Through our events, we aim to enrich the communities in which we work by fostering cultural creativity and providing a year-round opera program that contributes to a
sustainable artistic economy. Additionally, we collaborate with other charities that promote opera events to raise funds for their own causes.
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER : 1138490
COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 07150053
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details | 1 |
| Trustees’ annual report | 2 - 5 |
| Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9- 15 |
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
REGISTERED Opera Anywhere Limited CHARITY NAME
CHARITY 1138490 REGISTRATION NUMBER
COMPANY 7150053 REGISTRATION NUMBER REGISTERED OFFICE 2 The Quarry, AND OPERATIONAL Sunningwell ADDRESS Abingdon OX13 6RA
TRUSTEES
The trustees who served during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Mr. John Logan
Dr Jeanette Gordon Mr Nicholas Planas Mr John Alcock Ms Barbara Wynn (resigned 28 April 2022) Mr Mike Woodward Mrs Vanessa Woodward Ms Lesley McKie (appointed 8 December 2022)
BANKERS
The Co-operative Bank p.l.c.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Neil Adshead FCA Creative Tax Reliefs Ltd Room F14A, First Floor, Bolton Arena, Arena Approach, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 6LB
1
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
To advance the education of the public in music, theatre and the performing arts with particular but not exclusive reference to opera. The Company produces, promotes and performs numerous public and private events each year with the objective of enabling the operatic form to be more accessible.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Opera Anywhere Limited is a registered charity, number 1138490. The governing constitution was adopted on 8 December2010.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES
As theatre venues and promoters increasingly embraced outdoor performances over the past year, our shows became more concentrated in the warmer summer months. This required our intrepid team of performers to adapt to the extreme heat and become even more nimble on their feet. On several occasions, we had to relocate our stage to find natural shade to perform under. However, the rising popularity of amphitheatres and other outdoor performance spaces has been beneficial for Opera Anywhere. Despite the added challenges, we have proven our ability to adapt to a variety of performance spaces.
We also observed an increased demand for our regular indoor venues, which resulted in improved ticket sales. Furthermore, Churches and other fundraising organisations demonstrated a growing interest in our performances as audiences became more comfortable returning to normality in the aftermath of the pandemic.
We continued our 'G&S Festival on Tour' concept, featuring a variety of Gilbert and Sullivan productions. Thanks to a generous contribution from a dedicated supporter and frequent attendee at our Suffolk performances, we were able to introduce a new performance of 'Iolanthe' to our repertoire.
In addition to the G&S productions, we presented our popular and enduring production of 'The Magic Flute' and brought back our 'Opera's Heroines' Puccini based production. Throughout our travels across the UK, our team showed amazing dedication and hard work, entertaining and inspiring audiences of all ages. Festival organisers and venue managers joined in sending messages of appreciation, making the entire experience all the more worthwhile. We are incredibly grateful to our team for their efforts.
The Sunningwell Festival June 2022 – Iolanthe at The Quarry, Sunningwell “Mal and I had a lovely afternoon, and enjoyed your Company’s dazzling performance. We hope that there will be lots more performances of this kind at Sunningwell in the years to come, and we will try our very best to be there”! Best wishes, George
“Thank you for a wonderful afternoons entertainment in such a beautiful setting. The performance by everyone was first class and natural, we could hear every note and word while sitting in comfort. We recognise the vast amount of work which has gone into setting up the festival and hope you are happy with the result and can continue to bring music to the area for many years to come. CONGRATULATIONS”! Frank & Shirley.
2
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
“We so enjoyed your lively performance of Iolanthe a most appropriate choice of G & S Today has been a wonderful example of what we British do best.Your garden is beautiful and was a perfect stage for the production Thanks to you both and to your singers” Best Wishes Marian,Alan and Kathrine
“Just spent the PERFECT afternoon at The Quarry for Iolanthe ! What a wonderful performance, beautiful surroundings … it really could not have been better. Thank you and MORE PLEASE”!. Best Susie Lopez
Opera’s Heroines at the Pinner Festival June 22
“Thank you all so very much for an astonishing evening of superb singing and entertainment – in the widest sense. We are all absolutely delighted, deeply impressed and profoundly moved by Opera’s Heroines & Sister Angelica. You all contributed so much to a remarkable occasion, which was hugely appreciated by everyone”. Anthony (Pinching), Director Pinner Music Festival H.M.S.Pinafore – Thorington Theatre
“Dear Mike, Thank you so much for your performance at Thorington Theatre yesterday; what a marvellous production; it was clear that the audience were truly engaged and enjoyed it very much – there were a lot of opera buffs following every line! You made a lot of people very happy! The crew here at Thorington also very much enjoyed working with you”. – Lyndy Woods, Thorington Theatre, H.M.S.Pinafore – August 2022
Despite facing challenges in securing grants and donations, Opera Anywhere successfully managed to balance its books through careful budget management and strong support for the touring programme. The year was demanding and busy, and Opera Anywhere is delighted by the early signs of interest in the upcoming year's events, which provide cause for optimism.
Opera Anywhere is a member of several organisations, including 'Opera UK', which aims to promote collaboration and innovation among opera companies of all sizes. Additionally, Opera Anywhere is a member of 'Oxford Community Business Network', 'B4' business networking groups, the 'Gilbert and Sullivan Society', the 'Arthur Sullivan Society', Making Music, and the British Arts Festival Association.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
Looking ahead with greater optimism, Opera Anywhere is eager to expand its touring program and increase its reach throughout the UK. The recent addition of Lesley McKie to the management team brings valuable business and cultural experience to the table, particularly in the area of funding for the arts. Thanks to two recent successful grant applications, Opera Anywhere is thrilled to announce a complete reworking of 'The Mikado', which will be touring at various venues starting at the end of June.
Opera Anywhere is committed to supporting the early career development of young musicians, directors, and theatre makers by offering opportunities to work alongside professionals and providing pastoral care, fairly paid performance opportunities, and occasional work experience and volunteer posts. Through our events, we aim to enrich the communities in which we work by fostering cultural creativity and providing a year-round opera program that contributes to a sustainable artistic economy. Additionally, we collaborate with other charities that promote opera events to raise funds for their own causes.
3
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
Although grants received were much lower than during the first year of the pandemic, public and private event income increased and the lower marketing costs enabled Opera Anywhere to repay some directors loans whilst making a small nett profit.
On reflection, an extremely busy and stressful year for Opera Anywhere but delighted that we are in a position to look forward to the coming year with increased optimism, equipped with new skills, a very talented and enthusiastic team accompanied by a number of new business partnerships and an ever growing loyal and supportive audience base.
Opera Anywhere is a member of ‘Opera UK’, an organisation which has an objective of bringing together opera companies large and small in order to encourage collaboration and to develop new initiatives. Opera Anywhere is also a member of the ‘Oxford Community Business Network’ and ‘B4’ business networking groups and also members of the ‘Gilbert and Sullivan Society’ and the ‘Arthur Sullivan Society’.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The unrestricted funds of the charity were a surplus of £15,680 (2022- £15,253).
The aim of the charity is to build up reserves in order to ensure productions and education can be ongoing. The reserves policy is to review resources annually to ensure future funding needs are met. Our reserves do not meet this requirement at the present time.
The trustees have reviewed this policy in the light of their expectations for the future and have confirmed that it is prudent to maintain the charity’s current policy .
GOING CONCERN POLICY
The Trustees have a reasonable current expectation that the organisation has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, being a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements. At the date of signing, the charity had made a surplus for the period commencing 1 March 2022. For these reasons, the Trustees have adopted the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of these financial statements. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include any adjustments to the carrying amount or classification of assets and liabilities that would result if the organisation was unable to continue as a going concern.
4
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
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).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales 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 charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material
-
departures that must be disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
-
presume that the charity will continue in business.
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 Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
By order of the board of trustees
Mike Woodward Trustee Dated: 27 April 2023
5
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
On accounts for the year 28 February 2023 Charity no 1138490 ended
Set out on pages 7 to 15
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 28 February 2023.
As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also 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 Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination.
Responsibilities and basis of I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under report section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiner's I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come statement to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
-
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
-
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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.
Signed: Date: 27 April 2023 Name: Neil Adshead Relevant professional FCA. Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: Creative Tax Reliefs Ltd
Room F14A, First Floor, Bolton Arena, Arena Approach,
Horwich, Bolton, BL6 6LB
6
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
| Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ |
Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| Notes | Funds | |
| 2022 | ||
| £ | ||
| INCOME FROM: | ||
| Donations and legacies 2 |
20,770 | 11,930 |
| Charitable activities 3 |
75,564 4,846 |
69,382 |
| Other income 4 |
1,765 | |
| Total income | 101,180 | 83,077 |
| EXPENDITURE ON: | ||
| Charitable activities 5 |
99,173 1,580 |
77,862 |
| Raising funds 6 |
2,810 | |
| Total expenditure | 100,753 | 80,672 |
| NET INCOME | 427 | 2,405 |
| TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD | 647 | (1,758) |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 1,074 | 647 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All
income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
7
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 28 FEBRUARY 2023
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Notes | ||
| Fixed assets Tangible assets 7 |
||
| 22,282 | 24,959 | |
| Current assets Debtors 8 |
||
| 1,080 | - | |
| Creditors Amounts falling due within one year 9 |
||
| 7,682 | 9,706 | |
| Net current assets | (6,602) | 15,253 |
| Net assets | 15,680 | 15,253 |
| Funds of the charity: Unrestricted income funds 10 |
||
| 1,074 14,606 |
647 | |
| Revaluation reserve 11 |
14,606 | |
| TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS | 15,680 | 15,253 |
The company was entitled to 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 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.
These financial statements were approved by the trustees and authorised for issue on 27 April 2023, and are signed on behalf of the board by:
John Logan Chair
Mike Woodward Trustee
The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these accounts
8
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
1. Accounting Policies
General information
Opera Anywhere Limited is a charitable company registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales. The office address is 2 The Quarry, Sunningwell, Abingdon, OX13 6RA.
1.1 Accounting convention
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity’s constitution, the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy or note.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
1.2 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.
At the date of approval of the accounts, the trustees are aware of the potential impact on the charity of Covid-19. The trustees have actively taken and continue to take all reasonable steps to mitigate any impact the virus may have on the charity.
1.3 Public benefit entity
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
1.4 Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are funds that can be used in accordance with the objectives of the charity at the discretion of the trustees.
1.5 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained, then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.
9
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital grants or revenue grants’, are 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. Where a grant is received for a specific purpose, it is included in restricted income and any unexpended portion carried forward as a restricted fund.
Gift Aid
Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.
Donated services and facilities
Donated services and facilities are included in the SOFA when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided the value of the gift can be measured reliably.
Donated services and facilities that are consumed immediately are recognised as income with an equivalent amount recognised as an expense under the appropriate heading in the SOFA.
1.6 Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure was incurred in carrying out the charitable activity of the charity, including the costs of operating.
The charity is registered for VAT and therefore all expenditure is recorded net of VAT.
There were no employees during the year (2022, Nil)
1.7 Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. The charity is registered for VAT.
1.8 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost (or deemed cost) or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a straight-line or reducing balance basis over its expected useful life as follows:
Costumes & sets 10% straight line Motor vehicles 20% reducing balance Equipment 10% reducing balance
10
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
At the beginning of the year, the trustees revised depreciation rates for all tangible fixed assets to better reflect their use in the charity. In 2022 the depreciation rates were:
Costumes & sets 20% straight line Motor vehicles 25% reducing balance Equipment 33% reducing balance
1.9 Basic financial instruments
The charity accounts for basic financial instruments on initial recognition as per paragraph 11.7 FRS 102 SORP. Subsequent measurement is as per paragraphs 11.17 to 11.19, FRS 102 SORP.
2. Donations and legacies
| Donations and legacies | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations | 6,439 | 3,739 |
| Donated goods and facilities | 12,000 | 8,000 |
| Gift aid | 2,331 | 191 |
| 20,770 | 11,930 |
3. Income from charitable activities
| Income from charitable activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Performances | 75,564 | 69,382 |
| Other income | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Creative industry tax relief claim | 4,846 | 1,765 |
4. Other income
11
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
5. Expenditure on charitable activities
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Production expenditure | 80,745 | 47,455 |
| Support costs | 18,428 | 30,407 |
| 99,173 | 77,862 |
Support costs include an amount of £1,000 incurred on governance costs (2022 £3,492)
6. Expenditure on raising funds
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Advertising and marketing | 1,381 | 2,810 |
| Repairs and maintenance | 199 | - |
| 1,580 | 2,810 |
12
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Costumes | Motor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| and sets | Vehicles | Equipment | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Cost | ||||
| At 1 March 2022 | 12,983 | 35,195 | 13,386 | 61,564 |
| Additions | - | - | 770 | 770 |
| Transfer | - | |||
| - | - | - | ||
| At 28 February 2023 | 12,983 | 35,195 | 14,156 | 62,334 |
| Depreciation | ||||
| At 1 March 2022 | 4,583 | 26,195 | 5,827 | 36,605 |
| Depreciation | 891 | 1,800 | 756 | 3,447 |
| Transfer | - | - | ||
| - | - | |||
| At 28 February 2023 | 5,474 | 27,995 | 6,583 | 40,052 |
| Net book value | ||||
| At 1 March 2022 | 8,400 | 9,000 | 7,559 | 24,959 |
| At 28 February 2023 | 7,509 | 7,200 | 7,573 | 22,282 |
8. Debtors
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Prepayments | 967 | - |
| Other debtors | 113 | - |
| 1,080 | - |
13
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
9. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
| **10. ** | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 £ 4,931 2,320 1,991 464 9,706 Balance at 28 February 2023 £ 1,074 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | ||||||||
| Bank loans and overdrafts | 3,602 | |||||||
| Accruals and deferred income | 1,000 | |||||||
| Obligations under hire purchase contracts | - | |||||||
| Other creditors | 3,080 | |||||||
| 7,682 | ||||||||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||||||
| Balance at | Incoming | |||||||
| 1 March 2022 |
resources | |||||||
| £ | £ | |||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 647 | 101,180 | ||||||
| Resources expended £ 80,672 |
Balance at 28 February 2022 £ 161,991 |
|||||||
| For the year ended 28 February 2022 | Balance at | Incoming | ||||||
| 01/03/2021 | resources | |||||||
| £ | £ | |||||||
| (1,758) | 83,077 |
Unrestricted funds comprise income granted or donated to or earned by the charity to be used at the discretion of the trustees to fund any activity in furtherance of the charity’s objectives.
11. Revaluation reserve
The revaluation reserve of £14,606 (2021 £14,606) was created due to the gain on valuation of certain fixed assets in 2021. This valuation remains materially correct at 28 February 2023
14
OPERA ANYWHERE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2023
12. Trustees’ transactions
No trustee received remuneration for their services as a trustee during the year (2022 Nil).
One trustee, Nick Planas, received fees as a performer of £2247 (2022 £2,525)
Michael and Vanessa Woodward (trustees) loaned £3080 to the company during the year.
At the year end the balance owed to them was £3080
In 2022,Michael and Vanessa Woodward (trustees) made donations totalling £3,144 (2021 £5,000) for general use by the charity, during the year. This total included the balance of £177 owed to them at 1 March 2021.
15
Trustees’ Annual Report
Year End 28 February 2023
REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES
As theatre venues and promoters increasingly embraced outdoor performances over the past year, our shows became more concentrated in the warmer summer months. This required our intrepid team of performers to adapt to the extreme heat and become even more nimble on their feet. On several occasions, we had to relocate our stage to find natural shade to perform under. However, the rising popularity of amphitheatres and other outdoor performance spaces has been beneficial for Opera Anywhere. Despite the added challenges, we have proven our ability to adapt to a variety of performance spaces.
We also observed an increased demand for our regular indoor venues, which resulted in improved ticket sales. Furthermore, Churches and other fundraising organisations demonstrated a growing interest in our performances as audiences became more comfortable returning to normality in the aftermath of the pandemic.
We continued our 'G&S Festival on Tour' concept, featuring a variety of Gilbert and Sullivan productions. Thanks to a generous contribution from a dedicated supporter and frequent attendee at our Suffolk performances, we were able to introduce a new performance of 'Iolanthe' to our repertoire.
In addition to the G&S productions, we presented our popular and enduring production of 'The Magic Flute' and brought back our 'Opera's Heroines' Puccini based production. Throughout our travels across the UK, our team showed amazing dedication and hard work, entertaining and inspiring audiences of all ages. Festival organisers and venue managers joined in sending messages of appreciation, making the entire experience all the more worthwhile. We are incredibly grateful to our team for their efforts.
The Sunningwell Festival June 2022 – Iolanthe at The Quarry, Sunningwell
“Mal and I had a lovely afternoon, and enjoyed your Company’s dazzling performance. We hope that there will be lots more performances of this kind at Sunningwell in the years to come, and we will try our very best to be there”! Best wishes, George
“Thank you for a wonderful afternoons entertainment in such a beautiful setting. The performance by everyone was first class and natural, we could hear every note and word while sitting in comfort. We recognise the vast amount of work which has gone into setting up the festival and hope you are happy with the result and can continue to bring music to the area for many years to come. CONGRATULATIONS”! Frank & Shirley.
“We so enjoyed your lively performance of Iolanthe a most appropriate choice of G & S Today has been a wonderful example of what we British do best.Your garden is beautiful and was a perfect stage for the production Thanks to you both and to your singers” Best Wishes Marian,Alan and Kathrine
“Just spent the PERFECT afternoon at The Quarry for Iolanthe ! What a wonderful performance, beautiful surroundings … it really could not have been better. Thank you and MORE PLEASE”!.
Best Susie Lopez
Opera’s Heroines at the Pinner Festival June 22
“Thank you all so very much for an astonishing evening of superb singing and entertainment – in the widest sense. We are all absolutely delighted, deeply impressed and profoundly moved by Opera’s Heroines & Sister Angelica. You all contributed so much to a remarkable occasion, which was hugely appreciated by everyone”. Anthony (Pinching), Director Pinner Music Festival
H.M.S.Pinafore – Thorington Theatre
“Dear Mike, Thank you so much for your performance at Thorington Theatre yesterday; what a marvellous production; it was clear that the audience were truly engaged and enjoyed it very much – there were a lot of opera buffs following every line! You made a lot of people very happy! The crew here at Thorington also very much enjoyed working with you”. – Lyndy Woods, Thorington Theatre, H.M.S.Pinafore – August 2022
Despite facing challenges in securing grants and donations, Opera Anywhere successfully managed to balance its books through careful budget management and strong support for the touring programme. The year was demanding and busy, and Opera Anywhere is delighted by the early signs of interest in the upcoming year's events, which provide cause for optimism.
Opera Anywhere is a member of several organisations, including 'Opera UK', which aims to promote collaboration and innovation among opera companies of all sizes. Additionally, Opera Anywhere is a member of 'Oxford Community Business Network', 'B4' business networking groups, the 'Gilbert and Sullivan Society', the 'Arthur Sullivan Society', Making Music, and the British Arts Festival Association.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
Looking ahead with greater optimism, Opera Anywhere is eager to expand its touring program and increase its reach throughout the UK. The recent addition of Lesley McKie to the management team brings valuable business and cultural experience to the table, particularly in the area of funding for the arts. Thanks to two recent successful grant applications, Opera Anywhere is thrilled to announce a complete reworking of 'The Mikado', which will be touring at various venues starting at the end of June.
Opera Anywhere is committed to supporting the early career development of young musicians, directors, and theatre makers by offering opportunities to work alongside professionals and providing pastoral care, fairly paid performance opportunities, and occasional work experience and volunteer posts. Through our events, we aim to enrich the communities in which we work by fostering cultural creativity and providing a year-round opera program that contributes to a
sustainable artistic economy. Additionally, we collaborate with other charities that promote opera events to raise funds for their own causes.