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← Phoenix Theatre (Blyth)

2024-03-31-accounts

PHOENIX THEATRE BLYTH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24

Charity Number: 1149700 Company Number: 08113214

FOREWORD

The Trustees of the Phoenix Theatre Blyth are pleased to present their annual report for the year ending 31 March 2024, which is also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies House purposes.

The Financial accounts (which have been submitted separately to this document) comply with the Charities Act 1993, the Companies Act 1985, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting Charities (SORP 2005).

The Phoenix Theatre (Blyth) is owned by an incorporated charitable trust and managed by a Board of Directors.

Our Mission Statement is “to provide a top class, affordable, entertainment, educational and social events venue that is inclusive, for all residents of and visitors to Blyth and South-East Northumberland, that is recognised as such, both locally, regionally and nationally.”

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE

I have the greatest pleasure in welcoming you to this Annual Report for the Phoenix Theatre, Blyth.

,5

It has been a period of challenge but also achievement.

Continuing the process of recovery from the pandemic, the organisation is settling, once again, into a period of growth and development.

We continue working on short-term and longer-term goals, the objectives of which are to meet our aims as stated in our mission statement.

Work continues on the theatre programme development work with young people and reaching out to the community. I am particularly pleased with the in-roads we are making in the areas of arts and the quality of life and better health.

Development work is, of course, just as important in the material assets i.e. the building and its assets. Maintenance is essential with a 30 year old building and a programme of repair and replacement has been developed. Similarly, resources, such as technical equipment etc., are constantly updated and, where necessary, replaced. Stretching into next year we hope to continue our particularly important aim of reaching greater energy efficiency.

We are conscious of the development of a new county council arts and cinema complex currently under construction 1 mile away and, whilst it could be perceived to be a threat to our business, we sincerely hope that, in the future, we can work in harmony with the new project, providing for the people of Blyth a fuller and more comprehensive arts experience.

We continue to thrive and make progress in these challenging times and are confident that we shall increase our success over the coming months and years.

Details of our activities are included within the body of this report which I, unhesitatingly, commend to you.

David G Garrett

Chief Executive – Phoenix Theatre (Blyth)

A LOOK BACK AT THE YEAR 2023/24

It hardly seems like five minutes since we were preparing our last annual report and here we are, another year gone and another report being written – and what another great year it has been. We are always amazed and grateful to our loyal customers who return to us year after year and to the new ones who walk through our doors. It has been yet another successful year and, despite the economic climate and the potential threat from competitors on our doorstep (new local authority arts complex), we feel that we have again achieved what we set out to i.e. increasing ticket sales and audiences and a growing reputation and respect from our peers in both the professional and amateur world.

Our theatre programme continues to attract customers as we continue to bring new and diverse entertainment to Blyth. During the year we hosted music from 35 different tribute bands offering very different music genres, but we also welcomed a number of headline acts, such as Francis Rossi and Paul Young. The dominance of tribute bands within the programme seems to be reducing and we hope that we can continue to bring more named acts to the Phoenix in the future. Variety is still popular with our customers and this year, we introduced a new dimension to the programme with the inclusion of shows aimed at young people, which have proved to be very popular. We continue to support local groups to perform their annual productions, song and dance. Our commitment to the inclusion of plays within the programme is still strong, but our offer during this year has been minimal. We are still looking to source productions that we feel our play-going audiences would enjoy, whether it be in the auditorium or smaller scale in the Studio.

Cinema continues at the Phoenix Theatre, despite the impending opening of the new purpose-built Council-funded cinema in Blyth marketplace. We shall monitor the impact this has on our cinema offering, but, in the meantime, we shall continue to screen films. We decided last year to only screen blockbuster new releases and focus on screening special films, such as National Theatre and films for young people. That being said, we still managed to show 50 films over 137 screenings, which were seen by over 2.5k customers. Films included the new Indiana Jones, Barbie, Allelujah and Wonka. (See Cinema summary later in this report

Finally, our round-up of our theatre programme would not be complete without a mention of our annual in-house pantomime. This year’s offering was Dick Whittington. We have reported separately on pantomime later in this report, but suffice to say that major changes were enforced, but the result was an overriding success.

During the year, we have continued to look for opportunities to engage with the community and were pleased to see the commencement of some new groups within the theatre. Alex Oates led a writing group, specifically focusing on script-writing. We also welcomed the introduction of Little/Baby Movers, Sing and Be Happy (a Singing for the Brain group) and a seated dance class. We shall be monitoring attendances over the next few months and reporting on any potential outcomes in next year’s report.

We have continued our commitment to offer provision for young people regarding theatre learning and education and, this year, we launched a series of monthly Saturday theatre workshops, together with a week long theatre summer school. Both were led by theatre professional, Brooke Havana-Fairly and proved to be very popular with young people and parents alike. All sessions were full to capacity with waiting lists. As a result of these

activities, we also made the decision to produce a young people’s production and welcomed appreciative audiences to Frozen Junior in November.

We are aware that the building is aging and we shall continue to invest in repair and replacement, as well as review maintenance contracts. During this year, the following was completed/reviewed:

Regarding our team, there have been no significant changes within the past year. We shall continue to monitor, however, as pressures increase within the theatre.

In conclusion, 2023/24 has been another very successful year, not just financially but artistically with the promise of many exciting developments to come. This could not have been achieved without the stalwart input of the whole team – staff, volunteers and trustees – together with the support of our customers, corporate sponsors and funders. We look optimistically to another great year for the Phoenix Theatre.

THEATRE PROGRAMME

During this year, we presented 65 different shows over 116 performances covering 9 genre types i.e. tributes, headliners, variety, dance, childrens’ shows, musicals, pantomime, plays and cinema. These were enjoyed by just over 26.5k customers (30.2% increase from last year) and accounted for £486,109 gross sales. 6 shows were rescheduled during the year by the agents, for various reasons outwith our control.

TRIBUTE ACTS

Pop Princesses Jive Talkin’ UK Rock Show History of Rock Rod Stewart Songbook Hotel California Gary and Robbie Celebrating George Michael 10CCLO

Floyd in the Flesh Lipstick on your Collar Under the Boardwalk Classic Clapton Counterfeit 60s Bon Jovi Forever Music of Lionel Richie One Night in Dublin Beatlemania Blue Flamingoes Barry Steele as Roy Orbison Dreams of Fleetwood Mac

Ultimate Killers Best of Queen Counterfeit 70s Women in Rock Ultimate 70s Xmas Show Sounds of the Rat Pack The Carpenters Experience Spirit of Bad Company & Free Abba Forever Tom Jones Songbook Typically Tina Trextasy

HEADLINERS Gareth Gates Dreamcoat Stars Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown Paul Young Francis Rossi Jeff Stelling Joe McElderry Lindisfarne Brian Downey The Three Degrees

CHILDRENS’ SHOWS

The McDougalls Golden Pearl Pirates Top Secret – the Magic of Science

MUSICALS

Tell Me on a Sunday Frozen Junior Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Curtains

PLAYS

Doing the Dead The Canterville Ghost The Life of Reilly

DANCE SHOWS

Harriet Dance Dance Stars Timestep Michelle Dance Strut

VARIETY

Silver Bells Treasure Island (Easter panto) Adult panto Forbidden Nights

PANTOMIME

Dick Whittington

Ben Thompson as Elvis Buddy Holly & the Cricketers

As with previous years, tribute bands do, again, account for the highest attendances and gross ticket sales, but it is interesting to note that their dominance of the programme has reduced by 14% from last year, as we’ve introduced more headline acts, such as Francis Rossi and Paul Young. We do acknowledge, however, that our audiences do appreciate the quality and diversity of our tribute band programme - as can be seen from the list on the previous page, our tributes have covered the whole gamut of music from rock and roll to retro to modern pop, country to heavy metal, musical theatre to R & B - therefore we shall continue to promote this type of entertainment.

Pantomime, as always, is a mainstay of our programme and, as our biggest income generator (being an in-house production), we strive to ensure that it retains its allure. 2023 saw major, but positive, changes to our traditional offering, which is reported separately in this report. Variety remains a favourite and this year we introduced a number of shows aimed at young audiences. Scheduling these shows during school holidays and in afternoon slots has proved to be very popular with parents and children alike. Our musicals offer increased this year, as we made the decision to produce two in-house, Tell Me On A Sunday and a young people’s production of Frozen Junior, the latter emerging as an outcome of the young people’s workshops (see report). Figures for dance shows and plays remain on a par with last year.

The following diagram shows the percentage split by genre (G – Gross sales, A – Attendances) in descending order:

----- Start of picture text -----
Tributes
Headliners Pantomime
36% (G), 29% (A)
23% (G), 14% (A) 14% (G), 18% (A)
Musicals
Variety Dance Shows
10% (G), 12% (A)
6% (G), 5% (A) 4% (G), 7% (A)
Cinema
Plays
4% (G), 10% (A) Childrens
1% (G), 1% (A)
2% (G), 4% (A)
----- End of picture text -----

TICKET SALES AND AUDIENCES

During this year, there was a total of £503,462 in gross ticket sales – an 18.4% increase from last year – which accounted for 28,036 tickets (5.5% increase). These totals are encouraging, particularly given that the country is still recovering from Covid and the resultant cost-of-living crisis. Increase in gross ticket sales can, in part, be indicative of the increase in ticket prices (average prices for tribute bands are now £24 compared to last year’s at £22), but our rising number of customers shows that business is continuing to thrive.

As always it is interesting to ascertain where our audiences come from as this enables us to not only feel we are meeting the needs of our local community, but also assists with marketing strategies aimed at attracting audiences from further afield. Postcode analysis from our Ticketsolve booking system is a vital source of information, which enables us to breakdown our ticket sales by region right down to ward. Unfortunately we are unable to analyse our total record base, as 2.5% of the records have unknown postcodes, accounting for £12,675 of sales. (These unknown postcodes are mostly cinema attendances, where customers either attend on the day of performance, or groups/parties). However, we can still extrapolate interesting analysis from the records for which we do have accurate postcodes. Not surprisingly, these reveal that 77.3% of our gross ticket sales were bought by customers living in South East Northumberland (accounting for £389,288 ticket sales) with 51% living in Blyth (£197,432.10)

SOUTH-EAST NORTHUMBERLAND BREAKDOWN (77.3% of sales)

This year’s sales figures within South-East Northumberland are comparative with last year's – only the Ashington area showing a slight increase of 2%.

----- Start of picture text -----
ASHINGTON (13%)
MORPETH (10%)
£50,094.47
£39,164.20 2661 tickets
2013 tickets
. zoho
BEDLINGTON (9%) CHOPPINGTON (4%)
£34,544.91 £15,175
1806 tickets 753 tickets
BLYTH (51%)
CRAMLINGTON (11%)
£197,432.10
£44,491.75
10952 tickets
2246 tickets
SEATON DELAVAL/SLUICE (2%)
£8385
423 tickets
----- End of picture text -----

BLYTH WARD BREAKDOWN

The following diagram shows the breakdown of gross annual sales by customers living within Blyth. Again figures are comparative with last year's i.e. Wensleydale ward having most sales/attendances and Cowpen having least sales/attendances. However there has been a significant increase of sales within Kitty Brewster ward this year, jumping from fourth to second place, plus a marked increase in sales/attendances within Newsham ward, which may be as a result of new housing developments in that area.

----- Start of picture text -----
COWPEN (8%) CROFT (11%)
£15,401.50 £21,556.18
798 tickets 1231 tickets
NINGTON EAS \ aly ee. DXA reorts enn
KITTY BREWSTER (14%) WENSLEYDALE (17%)
= \ ?
£28,234 INGTON \ i peeAi ita \ SS. 9 gfe aw £32,584
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1453 tickets \ oadie” ‘ 4, Cage CROFTf yy NG hie 1858 tickets
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Seis KITTY BREWSTER ' vs iN
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a \ TNO WENSLEYDALE ;
NEWSHAM (14%) Gin Gangg@l \ 1
ISABELLA (9%)
£27,270 4 pp! 4%% a ~ \ NewMgam 2oSPLESSEY5 | [araze] ~Te)t | HuthCB)Besct
£17,029.20
1585 tickets
972 tickets
é 7} mera” Neraham pond ACN _._SOUTH BLYTH
MUINGTON NOR Tileetitione | “Cottage Beran \
SOUTH BLYTH (13%) PLESSEY (14%)
£26,547 £28,243
1462 tickets 1577 tickets
----- End of picture text -----

We acknowledge that these figures pose no particular surprise to us, as there is an expectation that the majority of our customers would live within South-East Northumberland and specifically Blyth. It is always interesting, however, to see how the remaining 22.7% of sales are spread across the rest of the northern region, not to mention the rest of the country (and beyond!).

NORTH-EAST REGION BREAKDOWN

----- Start of picture text -----
NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND
£3646
166 tickets
NORTH EAST
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SOUTH TYNESIDE
COUNTY DURHAM
£4377
£7969
190 tickets
341 tickets
SUNDERLAND
£2937
104 tickets
----- End of picture text -----

Statistics show marked differences in customer footfall within the North-East area from last year. This year we have seen an increase in customers from West & North Northumberland, plus a significant increase in customers from Newcastle upon Tyne and Durham. Other areas remain on a par with last year.

REST OF THE COUNTRY BREAKDOWN

It surprises and delights us that 2.7% of this year’s audiences have travelled great distances to see our shows. This could be that they’re on holiday in the area, visiting family or following a particular favourite act of theirs. We believe this may also be as a result of our increased advertising in shopping centres and information centres throughout the region. We know that, this year, a number of our pantomime cast hailed from different parts of the country, accounting for some of the following numbers, but whatever the reason, we welcome them all from all corners of the country and beyond!

Interestingly, during this year, there has been a marked increase in visitors from both Scotland and North-West England

----- Start of picture text -----
EUROPE
SCOTLAND
£252
£3139 7 tickets
150 tickets
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
NORTH-WEST ENGLAND
£2652
130 tickets
IRELAND
£28
2 tickets
ae 7 <= oe
; ls Se Be
SOUTH-WEST ENGLAND
£382
20 tickets
WEST MIDLANDS EAST MIDLANDS
£592 £1121
25 tickets 38 tickets
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
YORKSHIRE & HUMBER
£2934
118 tickets
EAST OF ENGLAND
£830
24 tickets
LONDON
£635
32 tickets
SOUTH-EAST ENGLAND
£1065
47 tickets
----- End of picture text -----

Purchasing patterns

As always, we monitor purchasing patterns to ensure that we are giving our customers the best quality of service to meet their needs. Do they book tickets online or prefer the more personal approach booking through our box office, either in person or by phone? Two years ago, we reported an increase in online usage, but last year it appeared that direction of travel was slightly moving back to the traditional box office service. This shift has continued this year with 70% opting to book online and 30% using the box office (as opposed to 75/25% split last year). It could possibly be that customers opt not to pay the online booking fee or it could be that they prefer the personal touch. Of the customers who used the box office, 27% booked over the phone, which is a slight decrease from last year.

Last year we made the decision to remove the postage option from the ticketing system, which has resulted in savings. The majority of our customers prefer to print or download their tickets at home. We have retained the facility to print hard copy tickets as a number of our customers either don’t have the required technology or actually prefer to have “proper tickets”.

Another area that we constantly monitor is how our customers pay for their tickets when they use the box office. There is a national debate relating to this and a number of establishments have moved to cashless transactions. This is something that we have considered, but, at this point in time, we don’t feel the time is right to change. This decision is backed by the figures, which show that cash transactions have increased – during this year 6.5% of customers opted to pay with cash, compared with 5.78% last year. Cheque payments are minimal and are restricted to block bookings, but many of the latter are now utilizing bank transfer payments, which is easier to administrate.

Phoenix Theatre vouchers are still proving to be popular and this year we sold 137 vouchers, totalling £2695 (24% increase). Vouchers accounted for 0.93% of the payment type for this year as we saw £4698 being redeemed for ticket sales.

Marketing and Advertising

Although we advertise on our website, we still find that a number of our customers prefer having a physical brochure, which we produce twice a year and mail out to just over 2500 addresses. Copies are also available at the theatre as well as a number of public venues in the area, such as libraries and hotels. The new external LED screen has proved to be popular and a useful source of advertising, but, as with previous years, our most effective method of advertising is on social media, in particular Facebook, which generates most impact.

CINEMA

Following our launch in April last year, attracting audiences to cinema has been challenging and has been the cause of great debate. Having other theatre commitments precludes us from being able to show films as they are newly released, therefore we have found that audiences have been minimal for mainstream films. The decision to source films independently has been a wise one and has resulted in efficiencies. The national and international scene in cinema production reveals that the industry is facing difficulties.

That having been said, however, we have managed our cinema programme with careful thought during this year, focusing more on attracting audiences to speciality screenings, such as Andre Rieu, and working with local organisations, such as Leading Link, to bring in groups of young people at weekends and school holidays.

Cinema has accounted for 2% of our gross ticket sales this year ( just over £21K) and 4% of our total attendances. We have shown 50 different films over 137 screenings and welcomed 2593 people. Although these figures, sadly, show a 35% decrease in attendances from last year, ticket sales themselves have actually increased by almost £1k. This is most likely due to the fact that a number of our audiences are paying £15.50 for the speciality screenings. This can demonstrated by the following charts show the analysis of attendances and ticket sales by screening type:

----- Start of picture text -----
CINEMA ATTENDANCES BY FILM TYPE
22%
24%
12%
6%
32%
4%
----- End of picture text -----

New releases Childrens Musicals NT plays Speciality Leading Link

CINEMA GROSS SALES BY FILM TYPE

----- Start of picture text -----
a New releases a Childrens | Musicals a NT plays a Speciality Leading Link
13%
17%
22%
29%
12%
7%
----- End of picture text -----

The most popular new release films during this year were, in order of attendance, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Allelujah, Wonka and Barbie. Audiences for the National Theatre one-night screenings have been small, but have been highly appreciated by audiences. During the year we have shown 8 National Theatre plays with the highest attendance being for Dear England. We have also introduced staged musical screenings this year, such as Kinky Boots and Titanic and two of Matthew Bourne’s ballets (Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, which have attracted, on average, about 20-25 people per screening.

The highest attendances, however, have been the films aimed at young people and screenings of Andre Rieu concerts. For the second year in a row, we completely sold out two Christmas Eve screenings of Polar Express, complete with hot chocolate and Tom Hanks look-alike. We are hoping to retain this as an annual tradition.

It is our firm intention to continue with cinema, despite the threat of a three-screen cinema arts complex being built in the town. We shall, hopefully, be able to work in conjunction without an impact on both venues.

PANTOMIME

Pantomime has always been our flagship production of the year. Not only has it always been the show that attracts the highest numbers of attendances, it also yields the theatre its highest gross ticket sales – income that sustains the remainder of the year.

Preparations for pantomime basically start as soon as the last piece of set from the previous year is dismantled as we look towards bigger and better entertainment and value for money. We have always produced traditional family pantomime welcoming hundreds of returning customers over the years.

This year, in an attempt to improve the standards of our offer, we employed professional artists for pantomime. Moving towards the professional production enabled us to condense the rehearsal schedule, freeing up more time and increasing the run. Over 28 performances, we welcomed almost 5000 visitors and accrued ticket sales in the region of almost £70k – it was our most successful pantomime to date, despite an increased expenditure.

Pantomime has certainly been a learning curve in 2023 and we look forward to learning from this experience by producing an even bigger and better Cinderella in December 2024.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

In line with our mission statement, we are committed to working with local organisations and groups, to engage with the community and provide a venue for them to showcase their work and interact with people of similar interests. During this year, we have, yet again, been proactive in liaising with a number of groups and organisations, fostering new working relationships.

Venue hire is a major part of our business and we strive to provide the best facilities to any groups or organisations that require them. We continue to support our two local amateur operatic societies, Beaconsfield Operatics and Blyth Music & Theatre Company, as well as five dance companies by providing a venue and facilities for their annual productions. As with previous years, we offer them a comprehensive contracted hire package at reduced community rates. In June we welcomed back Blyth Town Football Club who utilised the theatre for a full day’s awards celebrations and then in February, Blyth Town Council hired the venue.

Following on from the success of last year’s young people’s summer school, this year we embarked on an ambitious programme of theatre events over 9 months, which were attended by over 60 young people aged between 10 to 18. We started the year with monthly Saturday workshops, run by a theatre professional, who also oversaw another week long summer school in August. Many of the participants of these events then auditioned and successfully took part in a November production of Frozen Junior. We are grateful to the Ridley Trust who granted us £5000 last year, specifically to assist with work with young people.

During this year, we saw the commencement of a number of community activities, which also contributed to our daytime usage. Using ring-fenced monies, we developed a local writing programme with a professional artist to work with a group of people interested in script writing.

We were approached by a group called Baby Movers/Little Movers, who provide music & dance sessions for babies and toddlers. They started using our facilities later in the year, so we shall be monitoring uptake. In September, we also started a Seated Dance Class, for anyone who has mobility issues.

In August, we also saw the return of the Singing for the Brain. Entitled Sing and be happy, the group started out on a monthly basis, but has proved so popular that it now runs fortnightly. The group welcomes not only persons suffering from or affected by Alzheimer’s, but also persons with learning difficulties. We report on a monthly basis to the Alzheimer’s Society and local GP practices are now referring to the group.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Despite the national cost of living crisis, the Phoenix Theatre has experienced another successful year with optimistic pre-sales for the next year. We cannot, however, become complacent for, as predicted in last year’s report, we find that this year’s expenditure has outweighed the income. This is mainly as a result of escalating utility costs, which have been greatly inflated due to issues with a change of supplier contract. We must continue to look towards ways of reducing those costs.

As the following charts demonstrate, we have faced significant rising costs, which have now returned to pre-Covid levels.

----- Start of picture text -----
Income v Expenditure over last 10 years
£250,000.00
£200,000.00
£150,000.00
£100,000.00
£50,000.00
£-
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Income Expenditure
----- End of picture text -----

These trends are also mirrored in our overall theatre operating costs, as can be seen from the following chart:

----- Start of picture text -----
Operating Costs over last 10 years
£200,000.00
£180,000.00
£160,000.00
£140,000.00
£120,000.00
£100,000.00
£80,000.00
£60,000.00
£40,000.00
£20,000.00
£-
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
----- End of picture text -----

VAT Review

During the past year, we have embarked on a comprehensive review of our VAT procedures, working with an independent consultant, Deeks VAT Consultancy Limited. As a charitable organization managed by volunteers, the review highlighted that we qualified for exemption from VAT for all ticket sales, expenditure and associated activities.

The review helped us get a better grasp on the whole VAT process and we are now able to identify all exempt and non-exempt activity. As a result of our endeavours, we were able to reclaim £13.5k of overpaid VAT. We have agreed to retain the service of Deeks consultants for the foreseeable future to review our quarterly VAT returns prior to submission. We shall monitor this arrangement in the coming months.

Funding and Donations

We are continually grateful for the financial support we received from funding, grants and donations and would like to express thanks to Northumberland County Council who have honoured their annual grant funding.

Our thanks would not be complete without reference to the generosity of our customers, who continue to regularly donate to our Theatre Development Fund. During this year, we can report a 1.4% increase in donations from last year with a total of £1406 raised from 873 individuals – this total then generates further income, as 63.3% of donators have signed up to Gift Aid, meaning that we can claim a further 25%.

Looking forward to 2024/25

As each year passes, we reflect on what we have achieved, but must always keep an eye on the future, make provision for what is to come and what is required. Not only do we have to continually refresh our theatre programme and look towards new and innovative entertainment, we have the pressure of maintaining the building. It is fair to say that the majority of our aims for the next year are continuations from last year, but one of the main areas for consideration is sustainability.

The following to-do-list is not exhaustive, but an indication of the year ahead:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

In conclusion, as we bring this annual report to a close, we must acknowledge the contribution and support from everyone involved with the Phoenix Theatre - our hardworking staff, volunteers, trustees and freelance personnel, our customers, together with the businesses and organisations who work with us. Thank you!

Appendices

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

In thenext couple of pages we present details of thisorganisation’sformal structure, how we are administrated and by whom and information relating to our underpinning governance

REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

Company Registration Number: 08113214 Charity Registration Number: 1149700 VAT Registration Number: 804 2178 55

The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its trustees for the purposes of charity law. The trustees serving during this year and since the year end are as follows:

David Garrett (Chair) Paul Worth Alison Thoburn Robert Nixon David McSparron

REGISTERED OFFICE:

The Phoenix Theatre, 37a Beaconsfield Street, BLYTH, NE24 3DS

SOLICITORS :

Dickinson Dees, St Annes Wharf, 112 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DX

AUDITORS :

Albert Gurney, Chartered Accountant, 4 West Terrace, Seaton Sluice, NE26 4RE

BANKERS :

HSBC, 26 Bamburgh House, Manor Walks, Cramlington, NE23 6QE

GOVERNING DOCUMENT

The Phoenix Theatre (Blyth) is a company limited by guarantee, governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 31 December 2012. It was established following the dissolution of the previous company Phoenix Theatre Blyth Limited and the charity Blyth Arts and Community Association (B.A.C.A.)

ORGANISATION OF THE CHARITY

The company is administered by the Board of Directors (Trustees & Officers), who meet formally on a monthly basis to discuss all matters (operational and strategic). The company has no shareholders, but does have a trading company with two shares, owned by the Phoenix Theatre (Blyth).

TRUSTEES

The number of Directors/Trustees shall not be less than three nor more than eight. On the incorporation of the Company, the first Trustees were designated as those who had previously been Directors/Trustees in the dissolved Company/Charity. Subsequent Directors/Trustees shall be appointed by the Board from time to time and at any time throughout the year. Directors/Trustees retire by rotation every 3 years at the first Board meeting of every calendar year, but can be reappointed. No Director/Trustee can serve for more than nine consecutive years (except in the event of exceptional circumstances).

TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Charity Trustees (who are also the Board of Directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements, in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom’s Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). These financial statements must give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the theatre and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors/Trustees are required to select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently, observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP, make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The Directors/Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the charity and to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985, the Charities Act 1993, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence take reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. A risk register has been established and is update annually. Management accounts are prepared monthly and the performance of the charity is monitored by the entire board of trustees. Potential risks and threats are monitored constantly and any necessary action taken.

ACCOUNTS

The Board of Directors/Trustees fulfil their responsibility for maintaining proper accounting records and safeguarding the assets of the charity and have appointed Albert Gurney, Chartered Accountant, as the Phoenix Theatre’s Independent Examiner. Details of the 2023/24 accounts, together with supporting information have been submitted to the Charities Commission in a separate document.

AUDIT

For the period ending 31 March 2024, the company was entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, relating to small companies.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD/TRUSTEES

Registered Office: The Phoenix Theatre 37 Beaconsfield Street Blyth Northumberland NE24 2DS

David G Garrett

(Chair and Chief Executive of the Board of Directors/Trustees)

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

CONTENTS PAGES
Legal and administrative information. 1
Report of the Trustees 2
Trustees responsibilities 3
Report of the independent examiner 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes forming part of the financial statements 7 - 11

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

CONSTITUTION

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH) is a registered charity number 1149700 and a company limited by guarantee registered with Companies House, Company number 08113214.

TRUSTEES

The trustees and directors serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:

CEO

D G Garrett

FINANCE DIRECTOR

P B Worth

SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND GOVERNANCE DIRECTOR

Ms A Thoburn

OTHER

D A McSparron (appointed 7th June 2023)

R V Nixon

REGISTERED OFFICE

The Phoenix Theatre, Beaconsfield Street, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2DS.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

A Gurney, Chartered Accountant, 4 West Terrace, Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, NE26 4RE.

BANKERS

HSBC, 31 Bridge Street, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2AB.

SOLICITORS

Bond Dickinson LLP, St Annes Wharf, 112 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DX

1

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

The trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the period ended 31st March 2024

Legal and administration information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, and the Statements of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities.

OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY

The purpose of the Charity are to promote and advance interest and education in the arts for the benefit of the public, and in particular for the benefit of the residents of Blyth Valley, by managing and maintaining a theatre known as "The Phoenix Theatre" and in particular by the production, promotion, presentation and management of plays, musical theatre, signing and dramatic and musical performances and by the provision or production any other artistic works.

To further provide facilities for the interest of social welfare for the recreation and leisure time occupation with the aim of improving the conditions of life of those residing in the said area and elsewhere.

ORGANISATION

A board of trustees who meet on a regular basis administer the charity. Potential members are invited for interview before being offerred a place on the Board.

REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH) a new charitable company limited by guarantee was incorporated and registered with the Charity Commission, for the purpose of taking over the operation of the Blyth Arts and Community Association including it's assets and liabilities with effect from 31st December 2012 liabilities.

The effect of the transfer is that PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH) Trading Limited has now acquired all the assets and undertaking of the Association, including the premises, with effect from 31st December 2012

Similarly the Company acquired the assets and liabilities of PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH) Trading Limited on the same date, with the Company now being a wholly owned subsidiary.

The trading position is as outlined on pages 5 and following to these financial statements.

2

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Trustees have adopted the following reserves policy

That will ensure that at all times the level of reserves is appropriate to the level of the Charity's activities. The Trustees will review annually the nature of the income and expenditure streams, the need to match variable income with fixed commitments and the nature of the reserves in order to decide on the level of reserves required for the Charity to be managed efficiently and to enable the future services to remain interrupted.

Use of Reserves are to be used to protect the long term delivery and continuity of services. Ensure the upkeep of the property and to help fund any major repairs / alterations required. Level / form reserves. Trustees decide on the reserves required. The current aim of the Charity is to hold reserves of at least £130,000. This figure will be kept under review as the cost base of the Theatre increases.

Decisions on the use of the reserves will be made by the Board. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Charities Act 2011 requires the trustees to prepare financial statements that give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charity at the end of the financial year and of its surplus or deficit for the financial year. In doing so the trustees are required to :

select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently

make judgments that are reasonable and prudent : and

prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enables them to ensure that the financial statements comply with statutory requirement. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

A Gurney, Chartered Accountant was appointed to undertake an independent examination of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.

By order of the trustees

P B Worth FinanceDirector

Date : 1st November 2024

3

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above Charity for the period ended 31st March 2024.

As the Charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011. ("the Act")

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under 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.

The Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination being a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below)

The charity does not provide for depreciation of it's land and buildings, which are included at historic costs. In this respect the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Act.

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.

A GURNEY

Chartered Accountant

Date : 1st November 2024

4

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

Notes
Incoming resources
Activities for generating funds
Commercial Activities
4
Operation of theatre and community
association
Fund raising and donations
Grants received
5
Community practitioners
Interest
Subscriptions
Other
Total incoming resources available for
charitable application
Less cost of generating funds
Commercial Activities
4
Net incoming resources available for
charitable application
Charitable expenditure
Cost of operation of theatre and
community association
4
Total charitable expenditure
Movement in total funds for the period
Funds brought forward
Movement in designated funds
Transferred on re-organisation
Property dilapidations
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
522,236
0
522,236
444,119
309
0
309
838
18,373
5,000
23,373
45,829
-3,825
10,533
0
10,533
2,628
1,224
0
1,224
175
0
0
0
0
552,675
1,175
557,675
493,589
397,683
0
397,683
271,100
154,992
1,175
159,992
222,489
169,486
0
169,486
130,869
169,486
0
169,486
130,869
-14,494
1,175
-13,319
91,620
499,707
0
499,707
408,087
1,277,300
0 1,277,300 1,277,300
130,000
0
130,000
130,000
1,892,513
1,175 1,893,688 1,907,007

All amounts relate to continuing operations.

The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the deficit for the year.

5

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31st MARCH 2024

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
6
CURRENT ASSETS
Investments
7
Stocks
8
Debtors
9
Cash in hand and at bank
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
10
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after
more than one year
10
NET ASSETS
RESERVES
Page 5		 2024
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
1,434,683
1,439,206
6
6
1,373
2,781
1,214
8,064
664,182
580,467
666,775
591,318
207,770
123,517
459,005
467,801
1,893,688
1,907,007
0
0
1,893,688
1,907,007
1,893,688
1,907,007		 2024
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
1,434,683
1,439,206
6
6
1,373
2,781
1,214
8,064
664,182
580,467
666,775
591,318
207,770
123,517
459,005
467,801
1,893,688
1,907,007
0
0
1,893,688
1,907,007
1,893,688
1,907,007
1,907,007
0
1,907,007
1,907,007

For the period ended 31st March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the period in question in accordance with section 476.

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

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

Approved by the board on 1st November 2024

P B Worth

director

6

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2023

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP FRS 102) and comply with the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 issued under the Charities Act 2011.There were no material departures from the standard.

The financial statements set out on pages 1 to11 are prepared under the historical cost convention.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The following accounting policies have been used consistently in dealing with items which are considered material to the Charity's affairs.

(a) Commercial trading activities

Income from commercial activities is included in the period in which the Charity is entitled to receive the income

(b) Donations and grants

Income from donations and grants, including capital grants, is included in incoming resources when these are receivable, except as follows:

when donors specify that donations and grants given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods.

when donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred and not included in incoming resources until the pre-conditions of use have been met.

When donors specify that donations and grants, including capital grants, are for particular restricted purposes, which do not amount to pre-conditions regarding entitlement, this income is included in restricted funds when receivable.

(c) Interest receivable

Interest is included when receivable by the charity.

(d) Resources expended

Resources expended are included in the statement of financial activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.

Certain expenditure is directly attributable to specific activities and has been included in those cost categories.

7

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

(e) Fixed Assets

Individual fixed assets are capitalised at net cost. Land and Buildings represent the gross cost to the charity. In previous years this has been shown after the deduction of grants receivable.

Other tangible fixed assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment costs. Depreciation is calculated so as to write-off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value over the useful economic life of the asset on a straight-line basis as follows:

Land and Buildings 0 % per annum Plant and Machinery 20 % per annum Fixtures and fittings 20 % per annum

(f) Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost as determined on a first in first out basis.

(g) Taxation

The Company is a charity within the meaning of Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010. Accordingly, the Company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains within categories covered by Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

(h) Trade Creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the Association does not have unconditional rights, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date.

Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at the amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2 REVENUE RECOGNITION

Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for services supplied, stated net of discounts and of Value Added Tax .Turnover is recognised at the point the goods are sold or services provided.

3 LEGAL STATUS OF CHARITY

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH) is a registered charity number 1149700 and a company limited by guarantee registered with Companies House, Company number 08113214.

8

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

4 OPERATION OF CHARITY

INCOME
Bar
Productions
Third party income
Catering etc
Other income
Programmes
Rental charges
Sweets and Ice Creams
COST OF SALES
Bar
Cinema costs
Productions
Hirer costs
Ticket fees
OPERATING PROFIT
COST OF OPERATION OF THEATRE
Wages and Freelance Costs
Pension Contributions
Advertising, printing, postage and stationery
Cleaning, maintenance and equipment hire
Entertaining
Heat, light and water
Insurance
I T costs
Licences and performing rights
Telephones and internet
Training
Travelling
Accountancy
Professional fees
Bank and credit charges
Depreciation
Other expenses
Net operating (loss) / profit		 2024
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
55,865
47,186
201,992
245,757
222,213
115,907
5,444
3,168
1,829
7,997
133
137
25,226
17,379
9,534
6,588
522,236
444,119
31,974
29,763
7,614
15,507
278,380
176,321
63,018
34,488
16,697
15,021
397,683
271,100
124,553
173,019
40,603
36,255
2,356
1,644
12,958
11,190
25,639
14,351
339
285
21,499
12,502
9,019
10,284
3,927
469
10,057
9,527
627
1,278
1,037
35
74
430
2,260
1,880
6,993
3,000
12,009
10,980
18,829
15,664
1,260
1,095
169,486
130,869
-44,933
42,150		 2024
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
55,865
47,186
201,992
245,757
222,213
115,907
5,444
3,168
1,829
7,997
133
137
25,226
17,379
9,534
6,588
522,236
444,119
31,974
29,763
7,614
15,507
278,380
176,321
63,018
34,488
16,697
15,021
397,683
271,100
124,553
173,019
40,603
36,255
2,356
1,644
12,958
11,190
25,639
14,351
339
285
21,499
12,502
9,019
10,284
3,927
469
10,057
9,527
627
1,278
1,037
35
74
430
2,260
1,880
6,993
3,000
12,009
10,980
18,829
15,664
1,260
1,095
169,486
130,869
-44,933
42,150
42,150

9

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

5 GRANTS RECEIVED 2024 2023
£ £
Comprised :
NCC 18,373 45,829
Ridley Charity Grant Restricted 5,000 0
23,373 45,829
6 FIXED ASSETS
The movement on these during the period was as follows:
Freehold Plant & Fixtures &
Property Equipment Fittings Total
Cost £ £ £ £
As at 1st April 2023 1,379,572 175,670 40,320 1,595,562
Additions 0 14,306 0 14,306
Grants received 0 0 0 0
Disposals 0 0 0 0
0
As at 31st March 2024 1,379,572 189,976 40,320 1,609,868
Depreciation
As at 1st April 2023 0 123,226 33,130 156,356
Additions 0 17,255 1,574 18,829
Disposals 0 0 0 0
As at 31st March 2024 0 140,481 34,704 175,185
Net Book Value
As at 31st March 2024 1,379,572 49,495 5,616 1,434,683
As at 31st March 2023 1,379,572 52,444 7,190 1,439,206

10

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

7 INVESTMENTS 2024 2023
£ £
Represents the issued share capital of PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)
(Trading) Limited a wholly owned subsidiary. 6 6
8 STOCKS 2024 2023
Stocks comprised: £ £
Bar stocks 1,373 2,781
9 DEBTORS 2024 2023
Debtors comprised: £ £
Other debtors and prepayments 1,214 8,064
10 CREDITORS Amounts due Amounts due
within one year after one year
March March March March
Creditors comprised: 2024 2023 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Barclaycard 1,889 2,031
Trade creditors 20,028 1,224
Amounts due to the Phoenix Theatre
Blyth (Trading) Limited 39,096 39,096
Advanced bookings 140,760 69,267
Other taxes and social security 1,881 9,299
Other creditors 4,116 2,600
207,770 123,517 0 0

11

EXTENDED TRIAL BALANCE

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

As at As at **Transfers/ ** **Transfers/ ** As at As at Transfers/ Transfers/ Income Income Balance Balance
Details 31st March 31st March Adjusts Adjusts **31st March ** **31st March ** Adjusts Adjusts Expenditure Expenditure Sheet Sheet
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Freehold Property 1,379,572 1,379,572
Fixtures and Fittings 40,320 40,320
Plant and equipment 179,210 10,766 189,976
Fixtures and Fittings - Depn 33,130 1,574 34,704
Plant and equipment - Depn 123,226 17,255 140,481
Investments 6 6
Stock 2,781 2,781 1,373 1,373
Debtors 7,264 7,264 0
Petty cash 10,121 10,121
Prepayments 1,614 2,828 1,214
Internet 0 0
0
Cash at Bank 29,037 3,803 25,234
Cash at Bank 628,827 628,827
Loan Account 0 0
0
Barclay Card 1,889 1,889
Deposit Account 8,427 10,041 1,614 0
VAT 41,863 42,542 679
PAYE 1,202 1,202
Inter Company 39,096 39,096
Accruals 2,600 2,600 4,116 4,116
Advance Bookings 69,267 69,267 140,760 140,760
Advance Grants 0
Other Creditors 1,553 1,553 20,308 20,308
Credit Card 0
PAYE 0
Trade Creditors 280 -280
Corporation Tax 0
Property Restricted Reserves 1,277,300 1,277,300
Property Dilapidations Reserves 0
Other Restricted Reserves 0
Unrestricted Reserves 282,301 596 281,705
Reserves B/F 348,002 348,002
0
0
SALES 0
Bar 55,865 55,865
Productions 495,698 69,267 362,973 201,992
Third Party Income 15,940 238,153 222,213
Programme Donations 133 133
Coffee 0
Sweets 1,499 1,499
Ice Creams 8,140 8,140
Hire Charges 24,776 24,776
Other 2,528 -2,528
COST OF SALES
Bar 29,955 2,781 611 1,373 31,974
Productions 267,166 17,452 6,238 278,380
Hire Ticket Sales 59,227 3,791 63,018
Ticket Fees 0
Cinema 7,328 286 7,614
Sweets 0
Ice Creams 105 105
Subscriptions 0
Other 0
0
OTHER INCOME 0
Grants given 23,373 0 23,373
Interest 10,533 10,533
Rental 450 450
Grants 0
Donations 309 309
Costumes and novelties 1,676 1,676
Programmes 0
Pie n' Peas 5,444 5,444
Subscriptions 1,224 1,224
Food 0
Misc' 2,681 2,681
0 0
0
Advertising 9,348 9,348
Wages 40,954 1,202 1,553 40,603
Pensions 2,356 2,356
Furlough claims 0
Cleaning and maintenance 32,327 5,292 11,980 25,639
Community Practitioners 3,825 3,825
Entertaining 339 339
Equipment hire 0
Cinema 0
Heat, light and water 20,383 800 1,916 21,499
Hire 0
Insurance 9,019 9,019
I T Equipment 3,927 3,927
Subscriptions and Licences 10,057 10,057
Postage, printing and stationery 3,610 3,610
Rental for Phoenix Theatre 0
Cabs 0
Telephones and internet 627 627
Training 1,037 1,037
Transfer fees 28,192 28,192
Travel 74 74
Accountancy 1,800 4,060 2,260
Bank charges 514 514
Bank interest 0
Legal and professional fees 2,158 6,695 1,860 6,993
Theatre Diary 0
Other expenses 8,516 596 35 6,695 1,260
Corporation Tax 0
0
Depreciation - Fixtures 1,574 1,574
Depreciation - Plant 17,255 17,255

2,862,748 2,862,748 75,244 75,244

0 0 465,748 465,748 571,099

557,780 2,276,643 2,289,962

-13,319

-13,319

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

CONTENTS PAGES
Legal and administrative information. 1
Report of the Trustees 2
Trustees responsibilities 3
Report of the independent examiner 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes forming part of the financial statements 7 - 11

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

CONSTITUTION

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH) is a registered charity number 1149700 and a company limited by guarantee registered with Companies House, Company number 08113214.

TRUSTEES

The trustees and directors serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:

CEO

D G Garrett

FINANCE DIRECTOR

P B Worth

SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND GOVERNANCE DIRECTOR

Ms A Thoburn

OTHER

D A McSparron (appointed 7th June 2023)

R V Nixon

REGISTERED OFFICE

The Phoenix Theatre, Beaconsfield Street, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2DS.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

A Gurney, Chartered Accountant, 4 West Terrace, Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, NE26 4RE.

BANKERS

HSBC, 31 Bridge Street, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2AB.

SOLICITORS

Bond Dickinson LLP, St Annes Wharf, 112 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DX

1

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

The trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the period ended 31st March 2024

Legal and administration information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, and the Statements of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities.

OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY

The purpose of the Charity are to promote and advance interest and education in the arts for the benefit of the public, and in particular for the benefit of the residents of Blyth Valley, by managing and maintaining a theatre known as "The Phoenix Theatre" and in particular by the production, promotion, presentation and management of plays, musical theatre, signing and dramatic and musical performances and by the provision or production any other artistic works.

To further provide facilities for the interest of social welfare for the recreation and leisure time occupation with the aim of improving the conditions of life of those residing in the said area and elsewhere.

ORGANISATION

A board of trustees who meet on a regular basis administer the charity. Potential members are invited for interview before being offerred a place on the Board.

REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH) a new charitable company limited by guarantee was incorporated and registered with the Charity Commission, for the purpose of taking over the operation of the Blyth Arts and Community Association including it's assets and liabilities with effect from 31st December 2012 liabilities.

The effect of the transfer is that PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH) Trading Limited has now acquired all the assets and undertaking of the Association, including the premises, with effect from 31st December 2012

Similarly the Company acquired the assets and liabilities of PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH) Trading Limited on the same date, with the Company now being a wholly owned subsidiary.

The trading position is as outlined on pages 5 and following to these financial statements.

2

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Trustees have adopted the following reserves policy

That will ensure that at all times the level of reserves is appropriate to the level of the Charity's activities. The Trustees will review annually the nature of the income and expenditure streams, the need to match variable income with fixed commitments and the nature of the reserves in order to decide on the level of reserves required for the Charity to be managed efficiently and to enable the future services to remain interrupted.

Use of Reserves are to be used to protect the long term delivery and continuity of services. Ensure the upkeep of the property and to help fund any major repairs / alterations required. Level / form reserves. Trustees decide on the reserves required. The current aim of the Charity is to hold reserves of at least £130,000. This figure will be kept under review as the cost base of the Theatre increases.

Decisions on the use of the reserves will be made by the Board. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Charities Act 2011 requires the trustees to prepare financial statements that give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charity at the end of the financial year and of its surplus or deficit for the financial year. In doing so the trustees are required to :

select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently

make judgments that are reasonable and prudent : and

prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enables them to ensure that the financial statements comply with statutory requirement. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

A Gurney, Chartered Accountant was appointed to undertake an independent examination of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.

By order of the trustees

P B Worth FinanceDirector

Date : 1st November 2024

3

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above Charity for the period ended 31st March 2024.

As the Charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011. ("the Act")

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under 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.

The Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination being a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below)

The charity does not provide for depreciation of it's land and buildings, which are included at historic costs. In this respect the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Act.

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.

A GURNEY

Chartered Accountant

Date : 1st November 2024

4

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

Notes
Incoming resources
Activities for generating funds
Commercial Activities
4
Operation of theatre and community
association
Fund raising and donations
Grants received
5
Community practitioners
Interest
Subscriptions
Other
Total incoming resources available for
charitable application
Less cost of generating funds
Commercial Activities
4
Net incoming resources available for
charitable application
Charitable expenditure
Cost of operation of theatre and
community association
4
Total charitable expenditure
Movement in total funds for the period
Funds brought forward
Movement in designated funds
Transferred on re-organisation
Property dilapidations
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
522,236
0
522,236
444,119
309
0
309
838
18,373
5,000
23,373
45,829
-3,825
10,533
0
10,533
2,628
1,224
0
1,224
175
0
0
0
0
552,675
1,175
557,675
493,589
397,683
0
397,683
271,100
154,992
1,175
159,992
222,489
169,486
0
169,486
130,869
169,486
0
169,486
130,869
-14,494
1,175
-13,319
91,620
499,707
0
499,707
408,087
1,277,300
0 1,277,300 1,277,300
130,000
0
130,000
130,000
1,892,513
1,175 1,893,688 1,907,007

All amounts relate to continuing operations.

The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the deficit for the year.

5

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31st MARCH 2024

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
6
CURRENT ASSETS
Investments
7
Stocks
8
Debtors
9
Cash in hand and at bank
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
10
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after
more than one year
10
NET ASSETS
RESERVES
Page 5		 2024
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
1,434,683
1,439,206
6
6
1,373
2,781
1,214
8,064
664,182
580,467
666,775
591,318
207,770
123,517
459,005
467,801
1,893,688
1,907,007
0
0
1,893,688
1,907,007
1,893,688
1,907,007		 2024
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
1,434,683
1,439,206
6
6
1,373
2,781
1,214
8,064
664,182
580,467
666,775
591,318
207,770
123,517
459,005
467,801
1,893,688
1,907,007
0
0
1,893,688
1,907,007
1,893,688
1,907,007
1,907,007
0
1,907,007
1,907,007

For the period ended 31st March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the period in question in accordance with section 476.

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

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

Approved by the board on 1st November 2024

P B Worth

director

6

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2023

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP FRS 102) and comply with the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 issued under the Charities Act 2011.There were no material departures from the standard.

The financial statements set out on pages 1 to11 are prepared under the historical cost convention.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The following accounting policies have been used consistently in dealing with items which are considered material to the Charity's affairs.

(a) Commercial trading activities

Income from commercial activities is included in the period in which the Charity is entitled to receive the income

(b) Donations and grants

Income from donations and grants, including capital grants, is included in incoming resources when these are receivable, except as follows:

when donors specify that donations and grants given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods.

when donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred and not included in incoming resources until the pre-conditions of use have been met.

When donors specify that donations and grants, including capital grants, are for particular restricted purposes, which do not amount to pre-conditions regarding entitlement, this income is included in restricted funds when receivable.

(c) Interest receivable

Interest is included when receivable by the charity.

(d) Resources expended

Resources expended are included in the statement of financial activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.

Certain expenditure is directly attributable to specific activities and has been included in those cost categories.

7

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

(e) Fixed Assets

Individual fixed assets are capitalised at net cost. Land and Buildings represent the gross cost to the charity. In previous years this has been shown after the deduction of grants receivable.

Other tangible fixed assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment costs. Depreciation is calculated so as to write-off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value over the useful economic life of the asset on a straight-line basis as follows:

Land and Buildings 0 % per annum Plant and Machinery 20 % per annum Fixtures and fittings 20 % per annum

(f) Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost as determined on a first in first out basis.

(g) Taxation

The Company is a charity within the meaning of Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010. Accordingly, the Company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains within categories covered by Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

(h) Trade Creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the Association does not have unconditional rights, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date.

Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at the amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2 REVENUE RECOGNITION

Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for services supplied, stated net of discounts and of Value Added Tax .Turnover is recognised at the point the goods are sold or services provided.

3 LEGAL STATUS OF CHARITY

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH) is a registered charity number 1149700 and a company limited by guarantee registered with Companies House, Company number 08113214.

8

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

4 OPERATION OF CHARITY

INCOME
Bar
Productions
Third party income
Catering etc
Other income
Programmes
Rental charges
Sweets and Ice Creams
COST OF SALES
Bar
Cinema costs
Productions
Hirer costs
Ticket fees
OPERATING PROFIT
COST OF OPERATION OF THEATRE
Wages and Freelance Costs
Pension Contributions
Advertising, printing, postage and stationery
Cleaning, maintenance and equipment hire
Entertaining
Heat, light and water
Insurance
I T costs
Licences and performing rights
Telephones and internet
Training
Travelling
Accountancy
Professional fees
Bank and credit charges
Depreciation
Other expenses
Net operating (loss) / profit		 2024
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
55,865
47,186
201,992
245,757
222,213
115,907
5,444
3,168
1,829
7,997
133
137
25,226
17,379
9,534
6,588
522,236
444,119
31,974
29,763
7,614
15,507
278,380
176,321
63,018
34,488
16,697
15,021
397,683
271,100
124,553
173,019
40,603
36,255
2,356
1,644
12,958
11,190
25,639
14,351
339
285
21,499
12,502
9,019
10,284
3,927
469
10,057
9,527
627
1,278
1,037
35
74
430
2,260
1,880
6,993
3,000
12,009
10,980
18,829
15,664
1,260
1,095
169,486
130,869
-44,933
42,150		 2024
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
55,865
47,186
201,992
245,757
222,213
115,907
5,444
3,168
1,829
7,997
133
137
25,226
17,379
9,534
6,588
522,236
444,119
31,974
29,763
7,614
15,507
278,380
176,321
63,018
34,488
16,697
15,021
397,683
271,100
124,553
173,019
40,603
36,255
2,356
1,644
12,958
11,190
25,639
14,351
339
285
21,499
12,502
9,019
10,284
3,927
469
10,057
9,527
627
1,278
1,037
35
74
430
2,260
1,880
6,993
3,000
12,009
10,980
18,829
15,664
1,260
1,095
169,486
130,869
-44,933
42,150
42,150

9

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

5 GRANTS RECEIVED 2024 2023
£ £
Comprised :
NCC 18,373 45,829
Ridley Charity Grant Restricted 5,000 0
23,373 45,829
6 FIXED ASSETS
The movement on these during the period was as follows:
Freehold Plant & Fixtures &
Property Equipment Fittings Total
Cost £ £ £ £
As at 1st April 2023 1,379,572 175,670 40,320 1,595,562
Additions 0 14,306 0 14,306
Grants received 0 0 0 0
Disposals 0 0 0 0
0
As at 31st March 2024 1,379,572 189,976 40,320 1,609,868
Depreciation
As at 1st April 2023 0 123,226 33,130 156,356
Additions 0 17,255 1,574 18,829
Disposals 0 0 0 0
As at 31st March 2024 0 140,481 34,704 175,185
Net Book Value
As at 31st March 2024 1,379,572 49,495 5,616 1,434,683
As at 31st March 2023 1,379,572 52,444 7,190 1,439,206

10

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

7 INVESTMENTS 2024 2023
£ £
Represents the issued share capital of PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)
(Trading) Limited a wholly owned subsidiary. 6 6
8 STOCKS 2024 2023
Stocks comprised: £ £
Bar stocks 1,373 2,781
9 DEBTORS 2024 2023
Debtors comprised: £ £
Other debtors and prepayments 1,214 8,064
10 CREDITORS Amounts due Amounts due
within one year after one year
March March March March
Creditors comprised: 2024 2023 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Barclaycard 1,889 2,031
Trade creditors 20,028 1,224
Amounts due to the Phoenix Theatre
Blyth (Trading) Limited 39,096 39,096
Advanced bookings 140,760 69,267
Other taxes and social security 1,881 9,299
Other creditors 4,116 2,600
207,770 123,517 0 0

11

EXTENDED TRIAL BALANCE

PHOENIX THEATRE (BLYTH)

PERIOD ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

As at As at **Transfers/ ** **Transfers/ ** As at As at Transfers/ Transfers/ Income Income Balance Balance
Details 31st March 31st March Adjusts Adjusts **31st March ** **31st March ** Adjusts Adjusts Expenditure Expenditure Sheet Sheet
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Freehold Property 1,379,572 1,379,572
Fixtures and Fittings 40,320 40,320
Plant and equipment 179,210 10,766 189,976
Fixtures and Fittings - Depn 33,130 1,574 34,704
Plant and equipment - Depn 123,226 17,255 140,481
Investments 6 6
Stock 2,781 2,781 1,373 1,373
Debtors 7,264 7,264 0
Petty cash 10,121 10,121
Prepayments 1,614 2,828 1,214
Internet 0 0
0
Cash at Bank 29,037 3,803 25,234
Cash at Bank 628,827 628,827
Loan Account 0 0
0
Barclay Card 1,889 1,889
Deposit Account 8,427 10,041 1,614 0
VAT 41,863 42,542 679
PAYE 1,202 1,202
Inter Company 39,096 39,096
Accruals 2,600 2,600 4,116 4,116
Advance Bookings 69,267 69,267 140,760 140,760
Advance Grants 0
Other Creditors 1,553 1,553 20,308 20,308
Credit Card 0
PAYE 0
Trade Creditors 280 -280
Corporation Tax 0
Property Restricted Reserves 1,277,300 1,277,300
Property Dilapidations Reserves 0
Other Restricted Reserves 0
Unrestricted Reserves 282,301 596 281,705
Reserves B/F 348,002 348,002
0
0
SALES 0
Bar 55,865 55,865
Productions 495,698 69,267 362,973 201,992
Third Party Income 15,940 238,153 222,213
Programme Donations 133 133
Coffee 0
Sweets 1,499 1,499
Ice Creams 8,140 8,140
Hire Charges 24,776 24,776
Other 2,528 -2,528
COST OF SALES
Bar 29,955 2,781 611 1,373 31,974
Productions 267,166 17,452 6,238 278,380
Hire Ticket Sales 59,227 3,791 63,018
Ticket Fees 0
Cinema 7,328 286 7,614
Sweets 0
Ice Creams 105 105
Subscriptions 0
Other 0
0
OTHER INCOME 0
Grants given 23,373 0 23,373
Interest 10,533 10,533
Rental 450 450
Grants 0
Donations 309 309
Costumes and novelties 1,676 1,676
Programmes 0
Pie n' Peas 5,444 5,444
Subscriptions 1,224 1,224
Food 0
Misc' 2,681 2,681
0 0
0
Advertising 9,348 9,348
Wages 40,954 1,202 1,553 40,603
Pensions 2,356 2,356
Furlough claims 0
Cleaning and maintenance 32,327 5,292 11,980 25,639
Community Practitioners 3,825 3,825
Entertaining 339 339
Equipment hire 0
Cinema 0
Heat, light and water 20,383 800 1,916 21,499
Hire 0
Insurance 9,019 9,019
I T Equipment 3,927 3,927
Subscriptions and Licences 10,057 10,057
Postage, printing and stationery 3,610 3,610
Rental for Phoenix Theatre 0
Cabs 0
Telephones and internet 627 627
Training 1,037 1,037
Transfer fees 28,192 28,192
Travel 74 74
Accountancy 1,800 4,060 2,260
Bank charges 514 514
Bank interest 0
Legal and professional fees 2,158 6,695 1,860 6,993
Theatre Diary 0
Other expenses 8,516 596 35 6,695 1,260
Corporation Tax 0
0
Depreciation - Fixtures 1,574 1,574
Depreciation - Plant 17,255 17,255

2,862,748 2,862,748 75,244 75,244

0 0 465,748 465,748 571,099

557,780 2,276,643 2,289,962

-13,319

-13,319