2024-03-31-accounts - Little Actors Theatre Company

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Registered number 07151719

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee)

Report and Unaudited Accounts

31 March 2024

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees' Report

The Trustees' present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Directors

Mr I Thomson - Chair Ms E Templeman - Treasurer Miss E M Miller Mrs S Kendall Mrs S Thomson Ms J Harding - appointed 18/1/2024 Ms M Pinkus - appointed 25/4/2024 Mrs S Wright - Resigned 30/10/2023

Secretary

Mrs S Thompson

Key Personnel:

Samantha Giblin – Artistic Director

Accountants

Ashville Henderson 15B Broadway Higher Bebington Wirral CH63 5ND

Bankers

Co-operative Bank PO Box 250 Skelmerdale WN8 6WT

Registered office

9 Carlton Close Parkgate Cheshire CH64 6TD

Registered number

Company: 07151719 Charity: 1155249

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees' Report For the year ended 31 March 2024

Chairs Report

During this period, the national cost of living crisis impacted significantly on the charity. Numbers, although stable did not increase as there is less disposable income for families and also it is more difficult to secure restricted and unrestricted grants. There is so much more competition for the funds that many trusts tell us they are having to make difficult decisions.

However, children’s and young people’s workshops in the room operated well. In particular in Neston where numbers grew in the 8-12s group.

InterACT Youth Theatre was not selected for National Theatre Connections, so, the group chose an extant Connections play ‘The Snow Dragons’ to perform at the Leverhulme Drama Festival in 2024. The group won the festival youth category and again secured the Best Actress and Best Actor awards for two young cast members. The group also won the Cheshire West Voluntary Arts Award for Best Children and Youth Arts provision. In October 2023, the group performed ‘Reflections’ which was a Cheshire West and Chester commission. The group created a verbatim theatre piece on the theme of COVID-19 reflections of local people and their own voices. This was performed in Stanney Fields Park at the COVID-19 white birch tree circle memorial and at Theatre Porto.

Sadly, adult dance class were cancelled due to lack of numbers and a lack of willingness to book in advance.

The professional company of actors again presented the Pantomime ‘Cinderella’ in Neston Town Hall and with a Grotto on offer. The show toured to three schools.

In London, the classes based at Wanstead House continued for ages 5 - 16 including LAMDA classes. A public Christmas show was presented and the Youth theatre began rehearsals with ‘Remote’ by Stef Smith for presentation at the Waltham Forest Drama Festival in March 2024. A young actor won the Most Promising Young Actor Award. The Theatre Tots class did run for two terms but then numbers faded again.

In the office space in Neston Town Hall the company had inadvertently become a drop in information and signposting service. Also, Warm Welcome space was granted and people could drop in and use the space for refreshments. Most significantly people used the stamp selling service to plug a gap where there is no post office in the town. This service became an important asset for the High Street and was supported by Neston Town Council.

The Board has committed members who are fully supportive of the aims of the charity.

The Artistic Director is always looking at new services and collaborations to offer to local communities and works tirelessly doing this. She graduated with an MA in Applied Theatre (Merit) at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama so as to upskill in order to drive the charity forward. Two Associate Directors took on some of the Artistic Directors duties but she remained steering the company through the financial year.

Our purposes and activities

This is primarily achieved through the delivery of professionally led singing, dance and drama activities in two geographical areas. Plus, the provision of youth theatre and adult dance and drama workshops. An open-door policy is applied to ensure access and inclusion is as wide as possible for the benefit of the public. The primary user group is children and young people with some focus on senior adults.

The company relies on grants to cover specific project costs and reasonable charges to cover overheads. Affordability is reflected in the pricing applied.

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees' Report

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Our volunteers

LATC has volunteers offering different amounts of times and services. From periodic help such as operating lighting and sound equipment, set design and selling raffle tickets at shows to regular assistance with the design and maintenance of the web site. The volunteering no matter how small helps root the charity in the community and contributes to the sustainability of the charity.

50% scholarships are offered to low income families to encourage participation from all demographic backgrounds. Some free places for unwaged families were offered when funding permits.

Financial Review

The company started the financial year with reserves of £5,665. 2023/24 showed a surplus of £117 leaving reserves of £5,782 to carry forward to 2024/25.

LATC’s pricing policy offering income related discounts reflects our strategy of enabling all within the community to access our activities.

Reserves Policy and Going Concern

Reserves Policy and Going Concern Reserves are reviewed to ensure the sustainability of the charity regardless of income dips and peaks in future years. They also bridge the gap between the receiving of income and expenditure, plus as an emergency fund for sudden costs arising such as repairs to equipment etc.

Plans for Future Periods

The plan for the forthcoming annual repertoire includes the development of the fee discount scheme to widen access and inclusion. The repertoire included collaborations with Cheshire West and Chester Arts Department, LAMDA, National Theatre Connections, the Leverhulme Drama Festival and Theatre Porto where a joint funding bid for twelve months hence is being researched with UKSPF funds.

Links with the community, particularly in Neston continues to strengthen with collaborations with Neston Town Council, the NC&YC, Neston Arts Network Neston Parish Church and Cheshire West and Chester council, CWVAN, CWVA, local councillors, library services, LIVE! Cheshire and the local MP.

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees' Report For the year ended 31 March 2024

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

Little Actors Theatre Company is a Company Limited by Guarantee and a Registered Charity. The Governing Document was amended for the charitable purposes with the services of the Independent Theatre Council in December 2013.

Appointment of Trustees

Trustees would be appointed if a vacancy became available and in line with requirements of the Articles of Association.

Trustee Induction and Training

Potential Trustees are invited to a Trustees meeting for the opportunity to see the required levels of involvement and commitment. New Trustees would be appointed by a vote of existing Trustees.

Trustees are provided with copies of all policies and procedures and the Articles of Association. New Trustees are invited to visit venues and activities and to familiarise themselves with LATC’s activities. The Artistic Director facilitates the practical induction of new Trustees with the provisional of all necessary documents.

Training is provided via Cheshire West Voluntary Action. Recent training has included Safeguarding and Child Protection and First Aid.

Organisation and Responsibility

There are currently five Trustees. They determine the path the charity takes and oversee the progress. The Artistic Director reports directly to the Trustees and administrates the plans and decisions of the Trustees.

The Trustees are responsible for the delivery of all the legal requirements of reporting and accounting Companies House, HMRC and the Charities Commission in line with the requirements set out in the Articles of Association.

Related Parties and co-operation with other organisations

No Trustee received remuneration for their services.

The Charity is able to deliver its services and to raise standards by having close relationships with the National Theatre (Connections), The Lowry, the ITC, Equity and Storyhouse. In the Neston community there are strong community links with Neston Town Council, Cheshire West and Chester councillors, the local MP, CAN Group, the CH64 Events Committee, The Neston Village Fair Committee and Neston Community and Youth Centre.

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees' Report For the year ended 31 March 2024

Pay Policy for Senior Staff

The Artistic Director and all actor/facilitators are free-lance and deliver work on a session basis. Contracts are issued having been approved by ITC/Equity. Rates of pay are reviewed annually and remain in line with Equity minimum or above.

Risk Management

On an annual basis the Trustees review all policies and procedures. Amendments are made if required by new legislation or staff recommendation. Particular attention is paid to the Health and Safety Policy and the Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy. Advice and resources are sought from the ITC to ensure all risk management is documented and adhered to.

Risk assessments are produced as required for each event and venue by the Artistic Director in conjunction with the manager at the relevant venue.

Trustees' responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year.In preparing those accounts, the trustees are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts;
prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.

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

In so far as the trustees are aware:

there is no relevant information of which the charitable company's auditor is unaware; and
the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that

The Report was approved by the Board on 22 October 2024

Mrs Emma Templeman Director

Little Actors Theatre Company

Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Little Actors Theatre Company

I report on the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and the related notes.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is required.

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

examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Charities Act;
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

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

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with s130 of the Charities Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Anne Finnegan BA ACA Ashville Henderson 15B Broadway Higher Bebington Wirral CH63 5ND

22 October 2024

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee) Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024

Notes Income and endowments from: Charitable activities 3 Investments Activities for generating funds 2 Trading activities - nurseries Total Incoming Resources Fundraising costs 5 Charitable activities 4 Trading activities Governance costs 6 Total Resources Expended Net Incoming (outgoing) resources Transfers between funds Funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 14	2024 2024 2024 2023 Restricted Unrestricted Total Total
	£ £ £ £ 13,741 37,817 51,558 69,702 - 134 134 18 - 6,395 6,395 1,190 - 2,700 2,700 -
	13,741 47,046 60,787 70,910
	- 2,096 2,096 - 13,741 43,138 56,879 65,852 - - - - - 1,695 1,695 6,483
	13,741 46,929 60,670 72,335
	- 117 117 1,425 - - - - - - 5,665 5,665 7,090
	- 5,782 5,782 5,665

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

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024

Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 10 Current assets Stocks Debtors 11 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets Net assets Funds 14 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds	2024 2023 £ £ 65 87 328 165 3,834 3,717 10,484 7,997 14,646 11,879 (8,929) (6,301) 5,717 5,578 5,782 5,665 5,782 5,665 - - 5,782 5,665

The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

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

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

Mrs Emma Templeman Director Approved by the board on 22 October 2024

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Charities' SORP(FRS102), applicable accounting standards and the Companies Act 2006.

Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The Covid-19 pandemic has created financial pressures on the charity however the Trustees have considered the levels of funds held and the level of income and expenditure, together with the reserves for the charity, sufficient to be able to continue as a going concern.

Depreciation

Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write off the assets over their estimated useful life

Business equipment 25% reducing balance Computer equipment over 3 years

Incoming Resources

Voluntary income including donations and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature are recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Investment income is recognised on a receivables basis.

Income from charitable activities includes grants received under contract, and is recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. Income is deferred when the donors specify that it must be used in future accounting periods or donor conditions have not been

Volunteers and donated services and facilities

The value of services provided by volunteers is not incorporated into these financial statements. Further details of the contribution by volunteers can be found in the Trustees Annual Report.

Where services are provided to the Charity as a donation that would normally be purchased from our suppliers, the contribution is included in the financial statements at an estimate based on the value of the contribution to the charity.

Resources expended

Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis inclusive of any vat which cannot be recovered. Expenditure which is directly attributable to specific activities has been included in these cost categories. Where costs are attributable to more than one activity they have been apportioned across categories on a basis consistent with the use of these resources.

Funds

Unrestricted funds are incoming resources receivable for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and are available as general funds.

Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund.

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

2 Activities for generating funds T shirts Tuck Shop Fundraising Postage stamps 3 Charitable Activities Theatre Clubs Easter/Summer/Autumn Course Interact Spacehive Box office Shows and workshops grants Adult Dance 4 Direct Charitable Expenditure Theatre Clubs Summer InterAct Spacehive Stanney Fields Shows and workshops Dance	Restricted £ - - - - - Restricted £ 6,200 500 1,032 6,009 - - - - 13,741 Restricted £ 6,200 500 1,032 6,009 - - - 13,741	Unrestricted £ 129 339 4,106 1,821 6,395 Unrestricted £ 24,860 2,790 6,127 98 1,162 2,200 - 580 37,817 Unrestricted £ 33,353 2,805 2,209 1,174 999 1,972 626 43,138	2024 £ 129 339 4,106 1,821 6,395 2024 £ 31,060 3,290 7,159 6,107 1,162 2,200 - 580 51,558 2024 £ - 39,553 3,305 3,241 7,183 999 1,972 626 56,879	2023 £ 165 404 621
				1,190
				2023 £ 56,997 3,256 8,385 - 607 - - 457
				69,702
				2023 £ 54,693 3,023 8,136 - - - -
				65,852

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31 March 2024

5 Fundraising costs

Tuck shop T shirts Postage stamps 6 Governance Costs Office rent Accountancy Insurance Other	Restricted £ - - - Restricted £ - - - - -	Unrestricted £ 138 234 1,724 2,096 Unrestricted £ - 1,174 499 22 1,695	2024 £ 138 234 1,724 2,096 2024 £ - 1,174 499 22 1,695	2023 £ - - -

				2023 £ 4,845 1,155 454 29
				6,483

7 Grants Paid

No grants were paid in the year, nor in the previous year

8 Trustees remuneration and staff costs

No remuneration was paid to trustees in the year, nor were any expenses reimbursed to them The following costs were included within charitable activities:

9 Operating Outgoings

The operating outgoings are stated after charging:

Depreciation - owned assets 10 Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 April 2023 Additions At 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year At 31 March 2024 Net book value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023	2024 £ 22 22 Plant and machinery etc £ 1,088 - 1,088 1,001 22 1,023 65 87	2023 £ 29
		29

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

11 Debtors Trade debtors Other debtors 12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Bank loans and overdrafts Trade creditors Other creditors	2024 £ 3,747 87 3,834 2024 £ 2,063 6,010 856 8,929	2023 £ 3,476 241
		3,717
		2023 £ - - 6,301
		6,301

13 Related party disclosures

The Trustees have undertaken to contribute an amount not exeeding £1 towards meeting the Charity's liabilities in the event of its being wound up

The Charity's Trustees were not paid during the year and no Trustee received any emolument or payment for professional or other services.

Controlling Entity

The charity is controlled by the trustees who are all directors of the company.

14 Statement of funds

Statement of funds
At 1 April 2023 Income Expenditure Transfer At 31 March 2024	Restricted £ 13,741 (13,741) -	Unrestricted £ 5,665 47,046 (46,929) 5,782	Total £ 5,665 60,787 (60,670) -
			5,782

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

15 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of grants held on trust for specific purposes

CWaC Neston Town Council Co-op Spacehive Masons Cheshire Community Foundation John Thaw Foundation Arts Society Wirral Local Giving	Balances at 1/04/2022 - - - - - - - -	Incoming Resources 450 3,000 1,032 5,509 300 1,250 1,000 700 500 13,741	Resources Expended 450 3,000 1,032 5,509 300 1,250 1,000 700 500 13,741	Balances at 31/03/2023 - - - - - - - -
				-

16 Other information

Little Actors Theatre Company is a charitable company limited by guarantee in England and Wales It's registered number is 07151719, and it's registered adddress is 9 Carlton Close, Parkgate Cheshire, CH64 6TD

Little Actors Theatre Company (A company limited by guarantee) Detailed profit and loss account for the year ended 31 March 2024

Sales Theatre Club E11 Theatre Club CH64 Interact CH64 Summer Course Dance Workshops T Shirts Nurseries Schools Box Office Fund raising Tuck shop Stamps Grants Cost of sales Purchases Administrative expenses Employee costs: Facilitators and Artistic director Wages and salaries Staff training and welfare Travel and subsistence Premises costs: Rent - room hire Rent - office General administrative expenses: Telephone and fax Internet Postage Stationery and postage Printing Subscriptions Bank charges Insurance Repairs and maintenance Depreciation T Shirts Tuck shop Sundry expenses Legal and professional costs: Accountancy fees Advertising and PR DBS checks	2024 £ 11,466 12,394 6,127 2,790 580 1,400 129 2,700 800 1,162 4,106 339 1,821 14,839 60,653 1,226 37,430 1,175 - - 38,605 8,275 4,500 12,775 228 267 1,724 36 348 1,633 - 499 - 22 234 138 1,447 6,576 1,174 234 80 1,488 59,444	2023 £ 15,806 11,816 6,916 1,140 457 90 165 750 - 607 621 404 - 32,121
		70,893
		582
		49,950 198 312 1,053
		51,513
		10,507 4,845
		15,352
		117 33 - 90 395 1,828 26 454 40 29 - 424 (42)
		3,394
		1,155 300 40
		1,495

		71,754