Charlty number.. 1145506 Company number: 05202714 (England and Wales) Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financlal Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 AEHTRIYG 2011212025 COMPANIES HOUSE A23
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Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Contents Page For the year ended 31 March 2025 Réport of the Trustees 2to19 Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees 20 Stat8m8nt of Financial Activities 21 Statement of Financial Position 22 Statement of Cashflows 23 Notes to the Financial Slatements 24to33
Marlborough Theatre Productlons Ltd Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025 The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law. have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial stslemenls for the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Slalemenl of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounls in accordance wilh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective 1 January 20191.
ARLBOROUG LoucfioN Marlborough Theatre Productlons Ltd TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 10 August 2004 (Company number 05202714) and registered as a charity on 18 January 2012 (Registered Charity Number 1145506). Its governing document is its MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES INCORPORATED 10 August 2004 as amended on 24 June 2019. Previously Nightingale Theatre Lld, the charity was renamed Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd on 24th June 2019 to reflect the new creative direction and the resuming of activity following a dormant period. The Board A Board of Trustees governs Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd. These volunteers are charity trustees and company members. The minimum number of trustees is three and unless otherwise determined by a General Meeting no more than fifteen. 12 trustees served in 2024125. The Board meets at least four times a year, at quarterly intervals. The Annual General Meeling precedes the final board meeting. There is a Board finance sub-committee which meets weeks before the board meeting each quarter. Working groups of trustees and staff (and third parties where helpful) are convened to support specific projects, which are in line with Arts Council NPO investment principles. These are: Ambition & Quality Dynamism Environmental Responsibility Inclusivity & Relevance. Individual trustees undertake tasks in support of the staff team when required, notably recruitment, meetings with partners and funders and advising on matters that fall within their area of expertise, (e.g. finance, fundraising and community development). In 2024125 the Trustees were: Daniel Kok (Co-chair) (Appointed 19th September 2022) Thomas Emery (Co-chair) (Appointed 23rd January 2023) Mx N Alex Roxon (Appointed 22nd January 2024) Beth O'Leary (Resigned July 2025) Heather Getty (Appointed 23rd January 2023) Prof. Kate O'Riordan (Resigned January 2025) Kaya Stanley Money (Appointed 9th July 2020) Mathilda Gregory (Resigned January 2024)
Dr Topher Campbell (Appointed 13th August 2023) Ray Young (Resigned 29th July 2024) Richard James Barnes (Appointed 7th May 2019) Yassine Senghor (Appointed 20th July 2020) Trustees senie for 8 years after election and can then be nominated for re-election. Those appointed by the trustees are in place onty until the following AGM, when they may stand for election. Secretary.. David Sheppeard and Sofia Santos Forward from Co£halrs Thomas Eme & Danlel Kok It is with pride and gratitude that we introduce this year's Annual Report for Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd. Reflecting on 2024125, we are struck by the extraordinary achievements of our organisation and the unwavering commitment of our team, partners, and artists. This year, our flagship programme, New Queers on the Block, reached new heights. We commissioned vibrant new activity across Blackpool, Bradford, Hastings, and, for the first time, Portsmouth. Each were led by inspiring local Associate Producers and from Queer Amusements in Blackpool to Knees Up in Portsmouth, our work has brought bold, innovative, and joyful queer culture to communities across the UK. We have supported 23 artists and companies with new commissions, enabling emerging and established voices to create and share their work. Our commitment to access and wellbeing has remained at the heart of everything w8 do, ensuring our events are welcoming and inclusive for all. We are especially proud of the ways we have championed professional development, advocated for accessibility, and fostered a culture of care within our core team. Our impact is clear and measurable.. with public events and artworks reaching over 12,000 live audience members and nearly 300.000 online for New Queers on the Block alone, with overwhelmingly positive feedback. The stories, partnerships, and creative risks taken this year have nol only enriched our communities but have also set a new standard for what IS possible in our sector. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the exceptional leadership and vision of David Sheppeard and Tarik Elmoutawakil, supported by Sofia Santos and the rest of our dedicated team. The work Marlborough does is not always easy. It takes courage, grit, and perseverance, especially in the face of difficult circumstances, We are continually inspired by the resilience and passion that everyone brings to our shared mission. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our staff, the vision of our artists, the trust of our partners, and the generosity of our supporters. Thank you for believing in Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd and for helping us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and creative future.
With pride and appreciation, Daniel Kok and Tom Emery Co-chairs Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd The composition. development and capacity of the Board are regularly reviewed. Potential trustees are recruited either by advertisement or word of mouth and are selected based on their experience of life (personal and professional), skill and capacity. At least one trustee and one of the Executive team interviews candidates before attending a Board meeting as an observer. If both parties agree to proceed, the trustee is elected at the next Board meeting they can attend. New trustees can be elected at any point in the year and are confirmed in office at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). New Irustees receive an induction pack, which provides a comprehensive introduction to the organisation and sets out their responsibilities. Risk Management and safeguarding Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd has a risk management policy and practice which helps to anticipate risks to the organisation, assess likely impact and plan how to reduce and manage risks. The Executive Team reviews the risk register monthly and by the Trustees in the Quarterly board meetings. Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd has a Safeguarding Policy which is reviewed on a yearly basis (last reviewed April 2025). Staffing Creative Directors Tarik Elmoutawakil and David Sheppeard, and Executive Director, Sofia Santos leads Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd. All are full time salaried staff members. Tarik and David are jointly responsible for artistic programme, project development, participation and audience development. Sofia takes a lead on operations and HR. Collectively are responsible for finance and fundraising. We have a committed and robust team, which has allowed us more capacity to be able to achieve the mission of the charity. In addition to the Executive Team, the staff team is made up of.. General Manager (full time) Marketing Officer (full time) Senior Heritage Producer (full time) Senior Producer (part time 0.6 until March 2026) Programme Producer (part time 0.8 permanent) Programme Producer (part time 0.6 until March 2026) Programme Producer (part time 0.6 until March 2026) The team expands with freelance subcontractors covering producing, fundraising, admin support, technical support, Front of House duties and repairs and maintenance tasks when required and is reviewed on a regular basis Our regular freelancers for 2024125 are as follows:
Producer Gathering Producer (part time until April 2026) Radical Rhizomes Programme & Development Associate (part-time, ongoing funding dependent) Fundraiser (part time until December 2025) Volunteers Beyond the Trustees, Marlborough Productions Ltd, works with volunteers to gain valuable insights and to help it deliver projects. While this was limited in 202412025. we aim to leverage the role and value of volunteers in our events, projects and activities in the future, and have developed a robust volunteer policy with our board of trustees to support this. Partnership Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd is committed to building meaningful, funded partnerships at both local and national levels to deliver our projects and fulfil the aims of the charity. Local Partnerships At a local level, we have retained and strengthened partnerships with key cultural and academic institutions, including the University of Sussex, New Writing South, South East Dance, Brighton Dome and Festival, Brighton & Hove Council, Charleston, University College London, and Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. We also support DSPRNBW, a network established to share best practice among QTIPOC community leaders across the UK and Ireland. Supported by Marlborough Productions, the group will hold its second retreat in September 2025. Nelwork partners include Kiki, Glitter Cymru, BLKOUT, BlackExperienceUK, Rainbow Noir, House of Spice, African Rainbow Family, BlackBoyJoy Club, and our Radical Rhizomes programme. Natlonal Partnershlps On a national scale, Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd collaborates with a broad range of partners to deliver major projects and programmes such as New Queers on the Block, 8n?wnton Abbey, and Producer Gathering. Partners include University College London, University of Roehampton, Southbank Centre, Royal Ballet and Opera, Glastonbury Festival, Brighton Dom8, Belgrade Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Bradford Producing Hub, China Plate. Creative Crawley, Theatre in the Mill, Leftcoasl (8lackpool), Home Live Art and Unlimited. Through these partnerships, we successfully commissioned five LGBTQIA+ artists across four partner locations Bradford, Blackpool, Hastings, and Portsmouth. This work has provided crucial developmental support for the artists involved and has significantly enriched the cultural landscape of these regions. We collaborated with five local associate producers who secured additional funding from Arts Council England Project Grants upwards of £120k+ at time of writing. This collaboration enhand their skills through training in fundraising and marketing, contributing to a sustainable arts infrastructure by helping them develop festival programmes.
Public Benefit The objects outlined in our governing document are expressed and delivered as set out below in our objectives and activilies. In shaping our objectives and planning our activities for the year, the Trustees have given consideration to the duties set out in section 17 (5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit. The Trustees have considered how the planned activities will contribute to the overall aims and objectives that they have set. The following paragraphs, 'Objectives and Activities, and 'Achievements and Performance,, detail the benefits that Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd provides to the public. Objectives and Actlvlties The Charity's objectives are to advance education for the public benefit by the promotion of the arts, but not exclusively the art of drama. Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd: develops and presents theatre and performance art encourages dialogues between artists and communities produces a programme of audience development activity, with venue partners across the UK that seeks to remove barriers to access, engagement and understanding employs other cultural forms like heritage and literature to build audience engagement. Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Programme comprises interlinked strands of aclivity. These are: Community development projects thal engage people in creative activities e.g. Radical Rhizomes is our social network for Queer, Trans, Intersex, Black, People of Colour (QTIBPOC). Programming key moments in Brighton and Hove's cultural calendar we present a programme of events in partnership with other organisations e.g. Brighton Festival, LGBT History Month and Brighton Pride. Ongoing cultural programmes: Brighton LGBTIQIA+ History Club and Coast is Queer Festival of LGBTQIA+ Writing Touring projects: New Queers on the Block, developing artists and audiences for LGBTIQIA+ led performance across the UK. Touring Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd produced projects like Brownton Abbey, Mr Blackpool, No Apologies and Prancer the Dancer nationally and internationally. Artist development including advocacy and advice for local artists and companies. We have developed longer term producing relationships with leading UK performance makers and Associate Artists, Harry Clayton-wright. Emma Frankland, Subira Joy and Ebony Rose Dark that enhance their career sustainability. This year we introduced Marly Meets.. Artist Support, a new bi-monthly initiative offering emerging and established artists the opportunity to discuss ideas, challenges. and projects directly with our Creative Directors, Tarik Elmoutawakil and David Sheppeard These 30-minute one-to-one sessions are held in person at the Marlborough Productions office in the Old Courthouse, Brighton. In summary, Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd is working to.. Build new cultural audiences
Enable people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities to develop and realise their own creative ideas Create opportunities for active engagement with culture, particularly for LGBTIQIA+ people and others for whom there are economic, cultural or other barriers to rnainstream arts provision Raise the level of debate about culture, in particular contemporary theatre and performance practice and develop an awareness of the creative process Commlssion artists to create new work that fulfils their creative ambitions Develop other areas of cultural practice e.g. heritage and film to address issues of representation and increase audience reach of our work Contribute to the economic and cultural life of Brighton & Hove and the wider region Support the professional development of artists in the Southeast through the provision of advice and advocacy Develop partnerships with other organisations, locally and further afield, to enhance what Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd has to offer Key programme achievements In 202412025 Marlborough Productions achieved.. New Queers on the Block We commissioned new activity across three existing locations (Blackpool. Bradford, Hastings) and one new location (Portsmouth) under four new, Local Associate Producer-led programmes. 1. Queer Amusements in Blackpool 2. Castles in the Sky Presents in Bradford 3. Giddy Up in Hastings 4. Knees up in Portsmouth. We further held a Producer Gathering symposium for emerging producers and self-producing artists in Crawley. Two Local Associate Producers successfully raised additional funding for their programmes through Arts Council England Project Grants and all locations secured further match funding through local partner organisations. Our work in Crawley and Folkestone concluded this year, following constructive conversations with our partners and Local Associate Producers in each location. While each partnership presented its own challenges, the process gave us valuable learning and insighls that will inform our future projects. We are exploring the potential to continue activity in Crawley beyond New Queers on the 81ock, though we do not anticipate further work in Folkestone at this time. We supported 23 artistslcompanies with new comrnissions including: 10 emerging cabaret artists to develop and present new performance works as part of the FanGy A Turn course and showcase as part of Queer Amusements at The Old Electric in Blackpool Craft Artist The Bearded Sewist to develop and present a zine workshop at Aunty Social as part of Queer Amusements in 8lackpool - sadly cancelled on the day due to far right riots in the town Drag artist Oliver Gregory to deliver a drag vmrkshop Titty Kaka's Workshop Weekender at . Aunty Social in Blackpool and release their own publication Delusions From A Decade In Drag with
book signings at Aunty Social in Blackpool and The Coast is Queer LGBTQ+ Literary Festival in Brighton all as part of Queer Amusements Poet Jane Claire Bradley to be QueerAmusements' Wrlter in Residence and host their own spoken word evening The Dead, The Divine and The Diabolical at Bootleg Social and streamed online as part of QueerAmusements in Blackpool Filmmaker James 8arnett to make a short film about the Queer Amusements programme Queers in Blackpool, premiere it at Blackpool Film Festival and release it online as part of Queer Amusements in Blackpool Downtown Pompey to create bNo new Knees Up cabaret shows featuring new work from 4 artists at New Theatre Royal Portsmouth. Photographer Emma Bentley Fox to create and deliver 2 analogue photography workshops as part of Castles in the Sky Presents at Common Space in Bradford Spoken word artist and comedian Zee Y to create spoken word night Out & Brown for QTIBIPOC performers as part of Castles in the Sky Presents at Comrnon Space in Bradford OUT OUT to present a new drag king nlght Kings of The Castle as part of Castles in the Sky Presents at Common Space in Bradford 2 dance artists Nikhita Devi and Bollyqueer to create and deliver new workshops and performance under A Day & Night of Dance as part of Castles in the Sky Presents at Mind the Gap and Kala Sangam in Bradford. We provlded further support for slx artlstslcompanies previously Gommlssloned by Marlborough Productions including: Performance artist Scottee to host the emerging cabaret course and showcase Fancy A Tum at The Old Electric in Blackpool and a new dinner party performance work Chippy Tea at Aunty Social as part of Queer Amusements in Blackpool Theatre and live artist Emma Frankland to spend a week in residency at The Old Electric in Blackpool to develop her new commissioned work No Apologies which has since been presented at and won multiple awards at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Theatremakers Theatre with Legs to spend a week in residency with Castles in the Sky at Common Space in Bradford to develop their new work Neuroqueer which will premiere as part of Bradford 2025's City of Culture programme Performance and cabaret artist Symoné to spend a week in residency at Theatre in the Mill in Bradford developing their new mixed reality works Nullspace Motel and Highway to Infinity that will premiere and tour later this year Artist and writer Jamal Gerald to support his Thinker in Residence Residency at Theatre in the Mill in Bradford and fundraising to develop his first piece of outdoor theatre Baba Osain. Visual artist Garth Gratrix created and exhibited a new public artwork Mummy's Boy al The Grundy Art Gallery as part of Queer Amusements in Blackpool. The work has since been acquired into their permanent collection. Aside from the activity we commissloned, we also supported the presentation of: Three theatre performances; Lucy Mccormick's Lucy & Friends, Stacy Makishi's Walking Each Other Home, and Wet Mess's TESTO as part of Giddy Up at the White Rock Theatre and The Stables in Hastings 10
A film screening of reaches of Peaches and an accompanying performance party as part of Castles in the Sky Presents and Bradford Queer Film Festival at Common Space in Bradford. A Producer Gathering in Crawley Heritage Programmes Secured £214,968 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Development Phase of 'Queer Heritage South: Live Archive, project. Secured £25,000 from Historic England to deliver Revealing St James Street, a community led exploration of Brighton & Hove's iconic gay village. Public outputs will be launched at Brighton Festival in May 2025. Successfully delivered large scale community consultation on LGBTQIA+ heritage in Brighton & Hove engaging target communities through targeted activity Built on successful LGBTQIA+ History Club sessions and collecting workshops with Brighton Museums. Charleston and The Coast is Queer Festival achieving high levels of attendance - most sessions sellout Developed our digital community archive hosting new collections and creating new outputs (blog posts, podcasts and mini docs) to increase access Engaged citywide heritage partners to consult on a strategic plan for LGBTQIA+ heritage in Brighton & Hove Brought together regional and national LGBTQIA+ heritage and community colleagues for a Peer Support event in Brighton, which received excellent feedback and a desire for more events in future Wellbeing We continue to centre wellbeing and access in the programme with provisions in place for artists including access budgets, support with access riders, check ins and surveys. and audiences, with all events being wheelchair accessible or livestreamed, and 500/0 of events also offered other access provisions such as relaxed performances, quiet spaces, BSL andlor captioning. This is a figure we'd like to improve on by continuing to advocate for accessibility provisions, supporting fundraising for accessibility, and providing Local Associate Producers and Partner Organisations with Disability Awareness Training in autumn 2025. We encourage all staff to develop Iheir skills to enhance their roles, providing a dedicated budget and time for professional development, while acknowledging the dynamic nature, best practices. and regulatory requirements of the non-profit sector. We also implemented new quarterly staff wellbeing check ins with our Executive Director who reports back to the board of Trustees. Our 24 public eventslartworks for NQOTB reached 12,288 live audiences, 217 live participants, and 291,332 online audiences and out of those who filled in our surveys. we engaged the following audience demographics (with each question being optional or providing a prefer not to say option): 77./0 described their gender as female, 13010 as male, and 10 % as other 24 % described their gender identity as different to the sex they were assigned at birth 710/0 described their sexuality as LGBTQ+ or other 57 % described themselves as Neurodivergent 30Q/o described themselves as Deaf of Disabled 11
15 % described themselves as of the Global Majority or other Audiences who filled out our survey and opted to share their postcodes travelled to our locations from.. Bexhill on Sea. Eastbourne, Hastings, St Leonards and surrounding areas Blackpool, Lytham St Anne's, Poulton-Le-Flyde, Cleveleys and surrounding areas Bradford, Leeds and surrounding areas London Manchester Reading Out of the audiences that filled in our surveys: 1. 90 % rated their overall experience very good and 5 % good 2. 73 % strongly agreed and 220/0 agreed that the event they attended made them feel proud of their local area 3. 39./0 Strongly agreed and 460/0 agreed that Ihe event they attended represented them and Iheir life IMPACT REPORT AND UOTES We assess the impact of our work through a robust evaluation framework that combines regular internal reviews with external expertise. Our team meets monthly to assess each project and refine our evaluation processes. With additional support from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. we partnered with external evaluator Dr. Roz Hall to develop this framework, which we continue to review on monthly basis. This collaborative approach strengthens our annual evaluations and ensures we capture the true effectiveness of our programmes and their value to the communities we serve. ARTISTS Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd works closely with artists to build professional networks, create bold new artistic work, and engage new audiences supporting sustainable careers and enriching the Cultural landscape. We are responsive and committed to refining our working practices; we regularly debrief with our artists when productions conclude to assess and measure our impact. We have received the following feedback: "Being an Associate Artist with Marlborough Productions has been the most integral part of my creative growth and producing skills. Leading on Queer Amusements in Blackpool as a LoGal Associate Producer, which was Go-commissioned by Marlborough Productions as part of New Queers on the Block and Blackpool based community arts organisation Aunty Social, has been one of the most important pieces of work I've ever had the pleasure of delivering on and I'm so proud of what we accomplished together. Being given the opportunity to help radically transform and shift the landscape of LGB TQ+ art and culture in my hometown with creating a brand new multi-artform festlV81 with Queer Amusements, meant that not only did I see my skills grow, we also received national coverage 8nd have started exciting conversations around new Greative, collaborative and commissioning partnerships - all of whom are seeing the value in this work differently. 12
We are in the process of making my new show, Mr Blackpool's Seaside Spectacular, which works with artists from the Queer Amusements programme and tours the work to Northern Stage in Newcastle, the Southbank Centre in London and Unity Theatre in Liverpool in November 2025 and has continued touring plans in 2026. We are showing that nationally significant touring work about an often underrepresented area can, should be and is being made in Blackpool. With the team's belief in my abilities, I've been able to show local and nation81 cultural partners what l am capable of. I can't wait to keep growing these skills and building on the success of our pilot year of Queer Amusements. This funding is paramount in shifting and challenging perceptions of artists from Blackpool. None of which would have been achieved without this continued belief and investment." Harry Clayton-wright. PARTNERSHIPS We work in collaboration on our productions across the cultural sector nationally and have built new and developed existing meaningful partnerships this year. As part of our evaluation process, we debrief with our partners at the end of each project. Some feedback that we received: .1 also want to exÈ8nd my gratitude for the helpfulness and positive energy that mad8 co118borating such 8 joy. Thank you as well for the solid support in managing the stage elements so professionally it's always a pleasure to work alongside such steady hands. I'm also grateful for the ongoing support of the work and for creating opportunities for beautiful queer joy. And finally, thank you for showing up with creativity and authenticity. Some shows remind me why I chose this career, and Éhis was one of those moments,: . Partner feedback on Mr Blackpool 2025. "The New Qu8ers on the Block touring project has been a welcome addition to the blossoming queer scene in Hastings and has been a fantastic opportunity for Home Live Art to support and develop new audiences for these urgent, political and radical performance works from LGB TQ+ artists. . Katy Baird, Home Live Art, Artistic Director "We are delighted to be working with Marlborough Productions, New Queers on the Block programme on artists, development and look forward to this new phase in our adv8ntur8, where we share resourc&s for equitabl8 commissioning. This will be a beautiful bringing together ot North and South through which we will stun audiences nationally with gorgeous new queer work." Dr. Shabina Aslam, Theatre in the Mill, Artistic Director "Th8 SUPPOrt from Marlborough Productions, New Queers on the Block programme had such an incr8dibl8 impact on Knee s Up. Their mentorship and belief in developing new queer work gave our team the confidence and space to nurture emerging artists and bring rSh, authentic voices to the stage." Local Associate Producer. Portsmouth 13
COMMUNITIES Radical Rhizomes We engage deeply with communities through our Radical Rhizomes Programme, which includes regular meet-ups, workshops, and the annual Rhize Up festival. We also conduct dream sessions to gather feedback from our community members. "Joining Radical Rhizomes really helped me to embrace my identity.. Radical Rhizomes really was the catalyst and I IOOO/o know I would not be where l am today without it. l am so grateful as I feel so much more like a whole person and so much more myself than I did 5 years ago." Radical Rhizomes community member Queer Heritage South (QHS).. Live Archive As part of our QHS.. Live Archive we have worked withztarget communities who have been historically underrepresented in archives, and still missing from our digital archive. The aim of these sessions was to literally call in participation from members of these communities, build trust, get them to know and understand the project, and to understand their place in queer heritage. Building trust and understanding is the first step to make people comfortable with sharing their stories and giving their objects and ephemera to a community archive. From these sessions we also learnt a lot as a team about the specific needs of these target communities, and as a result have adjusted and reflected upon the proj8Ct design, as well as our collecting policies. "I think people got a lot of enthusiasm for archiving disability related history in a city that is brimming with passion for disability rights activism and history. A lot of people brought their own artefacts to contribute. Oral histories were taken from Suchi Chattergee and a director from Oscar Bright, a disability arts comp8ny who work with filmmakers who have learning disabilities. People were really enth'usiastic and excited about it, and keen to do more. It was absolutely beautiful." Participant In Disability Communlty Sessions "I think people really enjoyed telling stories and connecting to those people they know from before as well as meeting new people. There was a nice intergenerational feel to the session...Many people gave me feedbaGk about how much they enjoyed reconnecting with others,.. There was lots of laughter and knowing smiles. Mapping memories physically was a great SUCGess... - Participant in Older Lesbians Community Sessions for Queer Heritage South "As a younger queer person, this event brought to light an individualistlG level /perspective on my communitys history that is much needed." Participant In Hlstory Club Community Sessions "It was really interesting to both hear about the context and history of the women and also the process of exhibiting and researching the archive." 14
Participant In History Club Community Sessions Marlborough Productions staff: Working at Marlborough Productions has allowed me to grow professionally. The organisation really champions good practice when it comes to meeting employees where they are at, supporting them where they might encounter difficulties, and most importantly offering opportunities for development and growth. Being in an environment that is both nurturing and stimulating has allowed me to think about my work and ambitions in an expansive way. - Roni Guetta, Senior Heritage Producer Investing in Local Artists and Creative Development In 2024125 Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd increased by 24.10 % of the artists and companies, supporting the development of new work from 2023124 to 2024125. 2023124 2024125 % increase from previous year Artists supported 54 55 1.820/0 increase Partner Companies 26 136'.360/0 increase Touring Locations 18 22 22.22 increase Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd continued to champion the value of culture in 8righton & Hove. The organisation regularly contributes to local and national strategy, policy and provision of services through involvement with What Next? Sussex Fundraisers, Brighton Venues Access Forum and Brighton Fringe. AUDIENCES: We continuously assess our progress and impact by collecting data, including feedback from our audience, participants. and partners, as well as engag¥nieiil i))¥trics aiid evaluations from external parties. This process helps us refine our strategies and make more informed decisions regarding programming, community involvement, and overall cultural influence. In 202412025 we reached 473,000 audiences across live and digital rnedia and engaged with 120 participants across our programme of work. Online Visitors and Social Media Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd increased its online content and visitors: 15
2022123 2023124 2024125 % increase from previous year MP Website Visitors 13,557 9,113 10,300 13.020/0 increase MP Web Page Views 26,557 19,145 17,000 11.210/. decreas PG Website Views 2,900 9,300 7,900 16.28 /0 increase PG Web Page Views 7,088 35,439 27,185 26.460/0 decreas QHS Website Views 9,700 QHS Web Page Views 31,000 Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd added social media followers across plarform, with current figures standing at". Social Media Channel 2022123 2023124 2024125 /0 increase from previous MP Facebook 6,635 6,559 6,400 .420/0 decrease Queer Heritage South Facebook 1,800 MP Instagram 4,321 4,634 5,518 19.080/0 increase Radical Rhizomes Instagram NIA-pe 158 Producer Gathering Instagram NIA-pe ,083 Queer Heritage South Instagram 2,049 MP Mailchimp Mailing List 2,200 2,714 3,027 11.530/0 increase Queer Heritage South Mailing List 949 Producer Gathering Mailing List 936 MP Linkedln 669 Producer Gathering Linkedln 1,650 Queer Heritage South Linkedin 179 Over the past few years, Marlborough Productions has been taking a reflective and intentional approach to comms in regards to use of social media with our desire of wanting to safeguard our artists and projects. We have created a positive community around our work on Instagram, with the numbers of followers organically increasing on that platform and an increase in subscribers on our mailing lists, who receive information about our projects directly with far less risk. 16
Working closely with our partners to make sure our projects are reaching communities we want to engage with entails deliberate support and protection of the work. Where possible, we expand outside of that to have conversations that feel correct within those environments and create marketing material to work within those arenas. Marketing and comms continues to be something we are reactive and sensitive with as the political climate changes as we strive to find new ways to work and reach people. Income Generatlon Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd received grant funding from Arts Council England as part of their National Portfolio Organisation, Arts Council England Project Grants. National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of a four year grant, Chalk Cliff Trust, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Rainbow Fund, UK Black Pride, LGBTX Consortium, The Spire Arts and Historic England. Our total fundraised income in 2024125 was £986,765. Priorities and Pollcles We have begun work to diversify our income streams, Our income is predominantly from Trust and Foundations and major grant givers, but we have invested in fundraising support to develop our Individual Giving campaign and Consultancy offer to diversify our income streams and make us more resilient. Financial reviewl Reserves The free reserves position as of 31 st March 2025 was £135,212 which equates to roughly three months of running costs. As part of our financial resilience strategy, we continue to monitor this as our quarterly Trustee meetings. The charity uses Metro Bank, Cooperative 8ank, Paypal and Pleo Pocket, for its banking purposes. The charity no longer banks with Santander. Banking relationships are in accordance with our Ethical Fundraising Policy. The accounting year is 31st March. Future plans We have adopted a new five year business plan as of 2025 which has a revised fundraising strategy. We review the fundraising strategy annually. This plan articulates fundraising strategy, programming plans and the principles behind our approach to audience development. The plan reflects our continued ambition to increase access to, and understanding and enjoyment of culture. Designed to increase the quality of experience at Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd for artists, audiences, participants, partners and staff it outlines the strategic partnerships and fundraising strategy required lo deliver on the plan. We can confidently plan our ambitious programme of activity for the five years due to achieving NPO status. Major confirmed projects for 25126 include: New Queers on the Block feslival touring Brownton Abbey touring and partnership Nous Nous - new work from Tarik Elmoutawkil Collaborations with Brighton Festival Mr Blackpool Seaside Spectacular at the Southbank Centre and touring No Apologies Edinburgh Fringe and touring Queer Heritage South Delivery Phase 17
Revealing St James St at Brighton Festival History Club and collaborations with Charleslon (Queer Bloomsbury) Artist Associate Programme Coast is Queer Festival Radical Rhizomes Rhize Up Fest Producer Gathering Symposium New Family work 18
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Name of Charity Charity registration number Company Charity number Prlncipal address Marfborough Theatre Productions Ltd 1145506 05202714 118 Church St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1UD TRUSTEES The Trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows.. In 2024125 the Trustees were.. Daniel Kok (Co-chair) (Appointed 19th September 2022) Thomas Emery (Co-chair) (Appointed 23rd January 2023) Mx N Alex Roxon (Appointed 22nd January 2024) Beth O'Leary (Resigned July 2025) Heather Getty (Appointed 23rd January 2023) Prof. Kate O'Riordan (Resigned January 2025) Kaya Stanley Money (Appointed 9th July 2020) Mathilda Gregory (Resigned January 2024> Dr Topher Campbell (Appointed 13th August 2023) Ray Young (Resigned 29th July 2024) Richard James Barnes (Appointed 7th May 2019) Yassine Senghor (Appointed 20th July 2020) Secretary David Sheppeard & Sofia Santos Independent examiner Caroline Clarke ACA 66 High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 1XG Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by Tom Emery .Tom Ernery.IDec I .2a35.11:48'.32GMTI................. CO-CHAIii 18112/2025 19
Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025 I report to the trustees on my examination of Ihe aOuntS of Ihe ¢harilable company for Ihe year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibllltles and basis of report As the charity Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, arè responslble for th8 preparation ol the accounts in accordance with the requiremenls of the Companies Act 20061'the 2006 Acl'l. Having $81isfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required lo be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I report in respect of my examin81ion of your chartty's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 {'Ihe 2011 Acl'l- In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charily Commission under section 14515)Ib) of the 2011 Act. Independent examlnffrs st¥t•ment Since the Charitable compan$ gross income exceeded £250.000, your éxaminer must be a member of a body listed in section 145of the 2011 Act. confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination by vlrtue of my membership of Inslitule of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. which is one of Ihe lisled bodieg. I have completed my examination. I confirm ihal no matters have ¢ome lo my attention in connection wlh the examination giving me cause lo believe that in any material respect: - accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as reqUId 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 requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any quIrement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fair view, which is not a matter Considered as part of an independenl examination,. or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance wilh the methods and principles of the Slalemenl of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by chariltes applicable lo charilies PTeparing iheir accounls in accordance wth Ihe Financial Reporting Standard applicable In the UK and Republlc of Ireland IFRS 102). I have no Goncerns and have come across no other mallers in connection wilh the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounls to be reached. Caroline Clarke ACA 66 High Streèt Lewes East Sussex BN7 1XG 20
Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd stalement of Financial Activities {including Income and Expenditure Account) For the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes Unrestri¢led funds Restrlcted funds 2025 2024 Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities 369,585 268,966 731 347.483 717,068 268,966 731 792.853 156,509 355 Inveslmenls Total 639.282 347,483 986,765 949,717 Exptndlture on: Charitable activities 516 (500.013) 1500.013) (394,968) 1394,9681 (894,9811 {894,981) 1934,400) (934,4001 Total Nel Incom•l¢xp•ndlturo Reconclllatlon of funds Total funds broughl forward Total funds carried fobward 139.269 147,4851 91,784 15,317 147.516 111.335 258,851 350,635 243,534 258,851 286,785 63.850 21
Registered Number '. 05202714 Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Statement of Financial Position As at 31 March 2025 Notes 2025 2024 Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 2.096 2,096 4.877 4.877 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13 206.827 167.281 374.108 125,5691 22,822 339,666 362,488 (108.5141 Credltors: amounts falling due within one year 14 Net ¢UTr•nt as8¢ts 348.539 350,635 253,974 258.851 Tolal assets less curnent liabilities N•t asset8 350,635 258,851 The funds of th¢ ¢harity Reslricled income funds Unr851rlcled income funds 15 15 63,850 286,785 111,335 147,516 258,851 Totsl funds 350.635 FDr the year ended 31 March 2025the company was enlilled lo ex8mpllon from audlt under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating lo small companies. The members have not required the company lo obtain an audit of its accounts for Ihe year in question in accordance with section 476, The trustees acknowledge Ihelr responslbililie5 lor complying wllh the requlrements of the Act with respect lo accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts hav8 been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subjecl to the small CoMpans, regime. The finan¢lal slatements were approved and authorised for issue by the 8oaid and signed on its behalf by: Tom Emery Tom Emery (Dec , 2025 11.'49:32 GMT) Co-Q4A(I 18112/2025 22
Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Cashflow Statement For the pèriod ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Cash flow from operating activllies Cash gen8rat8d from operations (172.385) (100,642) Dividends. interest and rent from investments Purchase of tangible assets 6,277 6,277 (172,385) (106,919) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 339 666 446,585 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 167,281 339.666 Cash g•n•ratéd from op•ration8 Net movement in funds 91,784 15,317 Adjustments for: Depreciation and amortisation of fixed assets Dividends, interest and rent from inveslments 2,781 2,511 Movement in working capital (Increase)Idecrease in debtors Increasel{Decrease) in creditors (184,005) {.16,058> 102 412 Cash generated from operatlon8 172385 100 642 23
Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 1. A¢counting Policies Basls ol a¢¢ountlng The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. except for investments which are included al market value and the revaluation of certain fixed assets and in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charilies preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 leffeclive 1 January 20191., Financial Reporting Standard 102 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of lieland (FRS 1021. and the Companies Act 2006. Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd meets Ihe definition of a public benefit entity Under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised al historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise slated in the Felevanl accounting policy nolels). Going concern The financial statements are prepared, on a going concern basis, under the hlslorical cost convention. Fundg The chanty maintains a general unrestrlcled fund which represents funds which are expendable at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. Such funds may be held in order lo finance both working capital and capital inveslment. Designated funds comprise of unreslricled funds Ihal have been sel aside by the Trustees lor particulaf purposes. Reslrlcled funds have been provided lo the charity for particular purposes, and il is Ihe policy of the board ol trustees lo carefully monitor the application of Ihose funds in accordance with the reslriGlions placed upon them. There is no formal policy of transfer beeen funds or on the allocation of funds to deSnated funds, other than that descnbed above Ineomlryg r•sourc•i All incoming resources are Included in the slalement ol financlal activities when the Charity Is enlllled lo the income and the amount can be quantified wilh reasonable accuracy. Grants are treated as deferred where they are given to specificalty Gover production cosls arising in a future period. Resources expended Liabilities are recognised as resources expended when there is a legal or conslruclive obligation committing the Ch8rlty lo the expenditure. Taxatlon As a regISted chanty, the company is exempt from income and corporation tax to the extent that Ils Income and gains are applicable to charitable purposes only. Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land, are stated al cost or valuation less depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated lo write off the cost or valuation of fixed assels, less Ihelr eslimaled residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis.. Computer equipmenl 25% Slraighl line Irrecoverable VAT Irrecoverable VAT 15 included in the Statement of Financial Activities, and is reported as part of the experKliture to which it relal&s. 24
Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Noles to the Financial Statements Continu¢d For the year ended 31 March 2025 2. Income from donations and legacies Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2025 2024 Donations received 4,634 358.251 6,700 4,634 705,734 6.700 443 Grants received 347,483 789,778 2,632 Sponsorships received 369,585 347.483 717,068 792,853 Analysls of granls received 2025 2024 Arts Council England NPO Arts Council England Project Grants Brighton LGB TQ+ Switchboard - Community Health Inequalities Prog Chalk Cliff Trust 281,250 52,886 168,750 139,730 5,000 5,000 1,000 5,000 Clore Leadership Community Action Fund Creative Crawlèy Creative Folkestone 5,720 6,700 5.000 67,600 Esmée Falrb81rn Foundalion 5,000 15,000 Garfield Weston Foundation Heritage England Historic England LGBTX Consortium 12.750 7,750 7,000 20,000 5,000 National Lotteries Communilies Fund National Survlvor User Netsvork National Trust 4,876 3,135 Other Grants Paul Hamlyn Foundation Rainbow Fund 77,000 7,960 9.954 3.000 Sv5sex Community Foundalion The National Lottery Heritage Fund The Spire Arts University of Roehampton 214,968 1,200 357,283 705,734 789,778 25
Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 3. Income from charitable a¢tlvlties 2025 2024 Unrestricted funds Theatrical productions Income from charitable activities 268,966 156.509 4. Investment income 2025 2024 Unrestrl¢led funds Bank interest receivable 731 355 731 355 5. Costs of charltable a¢tivlll•s by fund type Unrestrlcted lund8 R•stil¢ted funds 2025 2024 Theatrical productions Support costs 384.770 115.243 394,968 779,738 115,243 829,285 105,115 500,013 394.968 894,981 934,400 6. Costs of charltable activitles by activlty type Activltle8 und•rtaken directly Support costs 2025 2024 Support ¢o$ts Theatrl¢al productions 779,738 115,243 894,981 934.400 26
Marlborough Theatre Productlons Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 7. Analysls ol support Gosts 2025 2024 Theatrical productions Management Finance 101,081 331 92.837 496 9,349 2,782 1,700 7,571 2.511 1,700 Office costs Gov8rnanGe costs 115,243 105,115 N•t In¢om•l{expondlture) lor th• year This is staled after chargingllcrediling).. 2025 2024 Depreciation of owned fixed assets Accountancy feés Staff pension contributions 2,782 1,700 5,209 2.511 1.700 3,941 9. Staff costs and omolumenls Total slafl costs lor the year ended 31 March 2025 were.. 2025 2024 Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension costs 262,034 21.130 5,209 125,120 7.239 2.693 288,373 135,052 The total employee benefits including pension contribution5 of the key management personnel were £101,592 (2024.£74.9001. Our staffing levels have increased significantly from 2023124 due project stsff for Ihe Queer Heritage South pro9ramme. where posts are fully funded from National Lollèry Herilage Fund. on a full cost recovery basis. We have also reslruclured the senior leadership team with the addits'on of a full lime Executive Oirector and General Manager funded by Art5 Council National Portfolio settlemenl. No employees received remuneration in excess of £60,000 in the year (2024: £nil). 27
Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Management 10. Trustee remuneration and related party transactions The charity trustees We not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year (2024.'£nill. No Gharily trustee received payment for proféssional or other sèrvices supplied to the charity (2024'.£nill. The trustees all give freely their lime and expertise without any form of Muneration or other benefil in cash or kind12024'.£nil). Trustees, expenses represents the payment or reimbursement of travel and subsistence costs totalling £nil (2024-£nill. Theie are no related party transactions lo disclose for 202512024.'nonel. 11. Comparative for the Slalemenl of Financlal A¢t5vltl•s Unre8trScted funds RoBtrl¢ted lund8 1024 In¢om• and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Inv8slments 718,359 156,509 355 74,494 792,853 156,509 355 Tol•l 87S,223 74,494 949,717 Expendlture on: Charitable activities (772,092) 1772,0921 (162.3081 1162,3081 1934.4001 (934,4001 Tot•1 Trnnsf•rs b•tw•eTr funds (1,000) 102,131 1.000 186.814) Net movemenl in funds 15,317 Reconcillatlon ol funds Total funds brought foward Total funds carrled forward 45,385 147.516 198.149 111,335 243.534 258.851 28
Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 12. Tangible flxed assets Plant and ma¢hinery Computer equSpmenl Cost or valuation Tolal At 01 April 2024 Al 31 March 2025 2,223 2,223 6,277 6,277 8,500 8,500 Depreclallon Al 01 April 2024 Charge for year Al 31 hAarch 2025 1,531 2,092 3,623 314 2.467 2,781 6,404 1,845 4,559 N•t book values Al 31 March 2025 378 1,718 2,096 Al 31 hAarch 2024 692 4,18S 4,877 13. D•btor• 2025 2024 Amounts due wilhln one year: Trade debtors 9,097 195,018 2,712 16,071 3,748 3,003 Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors 206,827 22,822 Accrued income includes £145,752 for Theatre Tax Reli8f. 14. Credilor8: amounts falling duè wilhln on• yoar 2025 2024 Trade creditors 16,779 7.090 1,700 26,421 2,313 79,780 Other creditors Accruals and deferred income 25,569 108,514 29
Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 15. Movement in funds Unfestrlctèd Funds Balance at 0110412024 Incoming resources Oulgolng r•sources Transfers Balance at 3110312025 Designated Designated Project Spend Designated Reserve Alloealion 78,754 68,921 147,675 98,000 39,308 137,308 General General (29.2381 639,282 1500,013) 1108,229) 1.802 147,516 639,282 1500,013) 286,785 Unr•strlct•d Funds - Pr•vlou$ y•ar Balance at 0110412023 Incomlng resources Outgoing r•source$ Transfers Balance at 3110312024 Designated Deslgnaled Project Spend Designated Reserve Allocalion 78,754 78,754 1,111 96,889 98,000 General General 44,274 875,223 {772,092) 1176,643) 129.2381 45,385 875.223 (772,092) 11,0001 147,516 Purpose of unrestrlcted Fund$ Designated Project Spend Designaled lo crealive projects as agreed with the trustees. Designated Reserve Allocatlon Designated lo Reserves as agreed wilh the trustees General Maintained for the general running of the charity. 30
Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Notes to the Financial Stalements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 Restrlcted Funds Balance at 0110412024 Incomlng r•$ourc•g Outgolng resour¢•s Transfers Balance at 3110312025 ACE 57,117 3,977 6,000 S2.886 (93.644) 13.9771 (6,0(Ki) 16.359 Baring Foundation British Council Chalk Cliff 5,000 7.000 15,000 5,000 7.750 234.968 5,000 7,000 Equity Fund Garfield Weston 115,000) Heritage Fund Historic England National Lottery for All Postcode Lottery Small Grants Rhizomes 7,750 (7,7501 7,750 5,000 9,821 14,004 15.679) (220.964) 13,184) (41,813) 3,184 30,307 13.679 2,173 Spire Arts Artlst Commission 1.200 12001 1,000 Sussex Community Fund 3,000 (3,0001 Synergl 5.000 (1,5071 3,493 111,335 347,483 1394,968) 63,850 R¢8trlcled Funds . Pr•vlou$ y•ar Balance Jt 0110412023 Incorning resources Outgoing resourc85 Transfers Balance at 3110312024 ACE 79,018 22,810 33.437 (55,3381 118.8331 57,117 3,977 6,000 Baring Foundallon British Councll 6,000 Esmee Fairb8irn Foundation Heritage Fund Paul Hamlyn Foundation 25,260 (25,2601 12,750 (5.000) 141,8161 7,750 41,816 Postcode Lottery Small Grants Rhizomes 19,245 10,000 116,061) 3,184 30,307 25,307 (5,000) Svssex Community Fund 3.000 3,000 198,149 74,494 1162.3081 1,000 111.335 31
Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 16. Analysis of nel assels between funds Tanglbl• Ilxed as$¢t5 Net Current ssets I N•t Ai$•ls Unroslrlcted funds Gener81 General 1,802 1,802 Designated Oesignated Project Spend Oesignated Re58rve Allocation 147,675 147,675 2,096 135,212 137.308 Restrl¢ted funds ACE 16,359 5.000 7,000 5,000 9,821 14,(Ki4 2,173 1.000 16,359 5.000 7,000 5.000 9,821 14,004 2,173 1.000 Chalk Cliff Equity Fund Heritage Fund Historlc England National Lottery for All Small Grants Rhizomes Spire Arts Artist Commission Synergi 3,493 3,493 2,096 348.539 350.635 32
Marlborough Theatre Productions Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 PrevSous year Tangible fixed a$ts Net current assets I Illablllll•$} Net Assets Unrestricted funds General General (29,238) 129.2381 Desnated Designated Project Spend Designaled Reserve Allocation 78,754 78,754 4,877 93,123 98,000 Re$lrl¢ted lunds ACE 57,117 3,977 6,000 7,750 3.184 30,307 3,000 57,117 3,977 6,000 7.750 3,184 30,307 3,000 Baring Foundation British Council Heritage Fund Poslcode Lottery Small Grants Rhizomes Sussex Community Fund 4.877 2S3,974 258.851 33