– Kendal Community Theatre Report October 2023 February 2025
The Snow Queen in Kendal. Written by local writers 6-8 December 2023. Kendal Town Hall;
Kendal Community Theatre’s production was an all-new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s story The Snow Queen in Kendal , written specifically for KCT by Ginny Moss and other KCT members with Ginny Moss as the director assisted by Beth Saunders and Jules Boswell. The performance was the fulfilment of six months of preparation which started with the scripting, led on to a puppetry workshop and the recruitment of actors and technicians who were involved in twice weekly rehearsals over nearly a 12-week period.
KCT is wholly open-access and welcomes all abilities. There were no auditions so all members could take part. Our actors ranged in age from 8 to the 80s and performers included vulnerable adults and children. It was good to welcome several new members. School students studying GCSE and A Level Theatre took part alongside several adults who had never before performed in public. The whole company, including actors, musicians and technicians, was almost 50 in total.
In addition, as was the case in last year’s production of The Christmas Carol for Kendal, KCT secured funding from the Stevenson Trust to support a project with Sandgate School. Members of KCT went into school for weekly sessions leading up to the show. Students attended Sunday afternoon rehearsals along with other young people in the final weeks leading up to the performance. This opportunity to work with around 5/6 SEND students further broadened our inclusivity. The project was overwhelmingly successful once again. There was evidence of a development in confidence in those who were involved last year, and this had a positive influence on those Sandgate students new to KCT.
KCT’s intentionally broad approach to inclusivity reflects what is becoming increasingly prevalent, visible and important in the professional theatre and media. Our funding meant we were also able, once again, to offer heavily subsidised tickets through a Pay What You Can Afford performance (PWYCA) for those suffering economic hardship. This produced some audiences for whom live theatre was a new, and exciting experience. The age-range was much wider than has often been the case. This trend built on last year’s PWYCA.
In line with past practice, we offered one off payments to young creatives – either at school or college. This year it was a local student from Cartmel School who was delighted by the opportunity to light the show and hopefully he will continue to work with the company in future projects.
We had local musicians on stage performing alongside the actors. KCT also partnered with Tethera Taiko, a local drumming group. This was a new and welcome addition, not only did they do one off musical pieces they were also involved in pieces enhancing the action of the play.
The production once again sold out before opening. Factors in the success of the production include:
-
choice of play
-
inclusion of a wide range of people and organisations in the conception, organisation, and performance of the play and the cooperative, supportive and enthusiastic nature of the teamwork
-
quality and consistency of performances over the duration of the run
-
Innovative set design and the inclusion of actors, musicians and singers and dancers and, for the first time for KTC, life-sized puppets and puppeteers as part of the performance
-
the generosity of statutory bodies and local businesses in grant support also shows the cultural value KCT provides for the community.
The Snow Queen in Kendal was an enormously exciting and rewarding project for all those involved. Audiences were enthusiastic with their appreciation and all the performers excelled their expectations. The play’s success was wholly deserved. Ginny Moss
Kendal Mayfest Saturday May 25th, 2024, Kendal
Mayfest was a straightforward spring festival. One song with mimed action and dancing. It followed the pattern adopted in many towns across England. It followed KCT’s pattern of ‘easy’ Street Theatre. One item easily learned and repeated over a 2- hour period around Kendal, involving as many people as possible. Rehearsals limited to 4 (+ an additional ‘dress’ rehearsal).
For this inaugural presentation we invited a wide range of groups to join in. We also invited teacher and violinist Carolyn Francis (Lakeland Fiddlers & Striding Edge Ceilidh Band) and a group of freelance musicians from London, all of whose extra contributions added enormously to the excitement and quality of the performances. They established Mayfest as a specifically Kendalian event.
The value of the event was also recognised in the level of funding given by Kendal Town Council and Kendal BID and we were able to pay professional rates to all our musicians.
We were lucky to get enough performers. The plan to mount Mayfest was very well received across KCT membership following the production of The Snow Queen in December 2023. However, initial rehearsals drew small numbers (4 or 5) and we had to decide whether to proceed. We were getting a lot of financial support and much interest from the town traders so wanted to continue. It seems that KCT’s very intentional inclusivity means that members can too easily make ‘commitments’ to a show which are then forgotten. This may be to do with the semi-improvised Street Theatre/ ‘conventional’ rehearsed theatre divide, but Mayfest could easily have failed but for extra involvement from family, friends and contracted professional artists, pushing the number of participants to around 30.
The six performances were enormous fun and of a very good standard. Singing, miming, costumes, improvised scenes and dances made for a very successful event. We have been asked to repeat Mayfest – especially by traders, and the outside professionals are keen to return. For Mayfest to become an annual event we will
-
need to consider its place in our overall programming
-
provide at least 30 performers
-
urgently seek partner groups –
Mayfest is not a difficult event to do, but may take significant time and resources. But it is an event which KCT can do extremely well with somewhat depleted (we hope
temporarily) directing resources. Indeed, it is the type of show which can significantly help people develop creative and directing skills.
‘ ’ The Hound of the Baskervilles. A barking spoof . Conan Doyle/Nicholson/Canny December 2024, Castle Street Centre
The response to a COVID zoom reading of ‘Hound’ 5 years ago led to the choice of show for December 2024. Ther script was absolutely not that used in the first reading. The adaptation chosen is written for 3 actors and undermines every idea of ‘4th wall’/Proscenium theatre. Actors swap roles; leap in and out of character; interrupt the action; throw tantrums at critical Tweets; react with the audience and improvise their way through whole scenes. All of this is scripted and fully rehearsed. We added live sound effects, music and singing. We cut several scenes, rewrote others and created several new scenes and effects and added a Music Hall finale to suit a cast of 20+. Each of the three principal parts was played by 3 actors. We increased the involvement of several of our differing-ability actors and incorporated a BSL interpreted performance.
The play was one of the most exciting KCT has yet undertaken. The cast were consistently outstanding in their work and commitment (and laughter). The nature of the script presented constant challenges to familiar ways of working and the large cast required many hours of Sunday rehearsals to learn music, sound effects and massively supportive ensemble techniques. Mid-week smaller rehearsals developed skill levels to as high a degree as KCT has yet achieved. Costumes were outstanding and a simple set emphasised the acting and movement skills of the cast.
There were some early issues with drop-outs and re-casting. For any theatre company, intention to commit followed by dropping out is unfair to those who do make a full commitment. As the cast finally swelled to over 20strong performers, unreliability may have repercussions in future shows.
In the event, the show was a virtual sell-out (over 90% sales) and received an overwhelmingly positive response. A number of people thought it was a better production than the same show in Keswick in August. It was as ‘professional’ as anything KCT has done and ranks alongside ‘Lady Anne Clifford…’, and ‘Oh What a Lovely War’ as one of our most outstanding productions. The ensemble playing was superb and meant that the very strong principals (all 9 of them) were matched by characters with one line – or less. In providing sound or music for almost every scene, the musicians were more integrated than ever before and became an essential extension of the cast.
In spite of some early reservations, KCT was vindicated by this choice. As a number of audience members observed in roughly the same words ‘what a great show and the ad-libs were brilliant. ’ Of course, there were no ad-libs. There could be no higher praise. To create the illusion – magic even – of so much spontaneity takes real skill. It was sheer delight to make this ‘Hound’ my final production for KCT.
In addition to productions, KCT was nominated for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. W we unsuccessful at the national level, but to be recognised locally reflects the values and qualities we espouse and that these are also valued across the community.
Chris Taylor, PhD, February 2025 Hon President & Trustee
KENDAL COMMNITY THEATRE FINAL ACCOUNTS 01/10/23 - 31/01/25
KENDAL COMMUNITY THEATRE - FINAL ACCOUNTS 1 OCTOBER 2023 to 31 JANUARY 2025
INCOME
EXPENSES
| Membership subs 23/24 | 120.00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Memberhip subs 24/25 | 845.00 | |
| Donations | 227.70 | |
| HMRC Gift Aid refund | 400.44 | |
| Cashback (2/1/24) | 1.05 | |
| 1,594.19 | ||
| SNOW QUEEN since 1/10/23 | ||
| Ticket sales (onliine) | 3,198.10 | |
| Ticket sales (door) | 83.00 | |
| Ticket sales (bank) | 102.00 | |
| Donations PWYCA | 422.46 | |
| Donations (online) | 220.00 | |
| Script income | 32.02 | |
| Sale refreshments (cash) | 814.50 | |
| Sale refreshments (bank) | 113.00 | |
| Sale of Programmes | 117.00 |
Storage Insurance 23/24 Insurance 24/25 IONOS webmail AGM room hire 24 Cards (Anne B) Technical equipment Clothes rail Costume store boxes SumUp card machines
rehearsl hall hire - Cstl St rehearsl hall hire - RSPCA performance venue hire Printing & publicity Directors expenses Lighting technician Technical support Graphic design Set, costumes & props Ginny Moss Refreshments Gifts & cards
KENDAL COMMNITY THEATRE FINAL ACCOUNTS 01/10/23 - 31/01/25
| Justgiving | 30.26 | Temp licence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DBS | |||
| 5,132.34 | |||
| MAYFEST | |||
| Grants | 1,250.00 | Expenses | |
| Workshop subs | 65.00 | ||
| Street collection | 113.21 | Donation Mayor's charity | |
| 1,428.21 | |||
| HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES | |||
| Ticket sales | 3,118.60 | Hall hire | |
| PWYCA | 537.40 | Box ofce split | |
| Donations | 176.20 | Royalties | |
| Sale of refreshments | 550.80 | Ticketing costs | |
| Party refreshments | 33.90 | Set, costumes & props | |
| Subsequent sales | 50.00 | Scripts | |
| Script purchases | 120.50 | ||
| Sale of programmes | 79.80 | Printing (incl programme) | |
| Workshop fees | 80.00 | Refreshments | |
| 4,747.20 | Temp licence | ||
| Grants | 2,820.00 | Admin/parking/van hire | |
| 7,567.20 | |||
| TOTALS | 20469.14 | ||
| 12872.35 | |||
| INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE | 7596.79* |
KENDAL COMMNITY THEATRE FINAL ACCOUNTS 01/10/23 - 31/01/25
BANK RECONCILIATION
| Closing Balances 31.01.25 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Account 1 | 2449.99 | |
| Account 2 | 13000 | 15449.99 |
| Opening balances 01.10.23 | ||
| Account 1 | 660.4 | |
| Account 2 | 11920 | 12580.4 |
| INCREASE | 2869.59* |
*NEEDS RECONCILING
KENDAL COMMNITY THEATRE FINAL ACCOUNTS 01/10/23 - 31/01/25
800.00 301.04 312.96 57.60 32.00 5.75 403.26 79.20 20.00 39.98 2,051.79 640.20 225.00 1,392.40 389.03 250.00 100.00 250.00 50.00 239.20 44.85 573.41 46.11
KENDAL COMMNITY THEATRE FINAL ACCOUNTS 01/10/23 - 31/01/25
21.00 12.00 4,233.20 1,694.06 113.21 1,807.27 1,332.00 1,096.80 510.00 181.64 516.70 163.98 450.29 457.38 21.00 50.30 4,780.09 12872.35
GENERAL - BANK ENTRIES MEMBER SUBS DONATIONS 2023/24 2024/25
| 02.10.23 | PARISH HALL | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.10.23 | IONOS | |||
| 25.10.23 | JUSTGIVING | |||
| 31.10.23 | JUSTGIVING | |||
| 01.11.23 | BANK | 20 | ||
| 01.11.23 | PARISH HALL | |||
| 07.11.23 | CASH | 60 | ||
| 08.11.23 | IONOS | |||
| 13.11.23 | HMRC | |||
| 15.11.23 | CASH | 20 | ||
| 21.11.23 | BANK | 20 | ||
| 30.11.23 | G SYKES | |||
| 01.12.23 | PARISH HALL | |||
| 11.12.23 | IONOS | |||
| 02.01.24 | CASHBACK | |||
| 02.01.24 | PARISH HALL | |||
| 10.01.24 | IONOS | |||
| 01.02.24 | PARISH HALL | |||
| 02.02.24 | CASTLE ST | |||
| 08.02.24 | IONOS | |||
| 12.02.24 | BANK | 30 | ||
| 12.02.24 | CASH | 70 | 20 | |
| 22.02.24 | CASH | 62.7 | ||
| 23.02.24 | BANK | 60 | ||
| 27.02.24 | BANK | 40 | ||
| 01.03.24 | PARISH HALL | |||
| 04.03.24 | BANK | 40 | ||
| 06.03.24 | BANK | 20 | ||
| 07.03.24 | BANK | 40 | ||
| 12.03.24 | IONOS | |||
| 18.03.24 | BANK | 20 | ||
| 19.03.24 | BANK | 20 | ||
| 25.03.24 | BANK | 40 | 10 | |
| 27.03.24 | BANK | 10 | ||
| 02.04.24 | BANK | 140 | 30 | |
| 02.04.24 | PARISH HALL | |||
| 03.04.24 | BANK | 20 |
| 04.04.24 | BANK | 35 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08.04.24 | BANK | 15 | |
| 10.04.24 | IONOS | ||
| 15.04.24 | BANK XFER | 20 | |
| 16.04.24 | CASH | 80 | |
| 19.04.24 | BANK XFER | 10 | |
| 22.04.24 | BANK XFER | 10 | |
| 23.04.24 | CASH | 20 | 20 |
| 01.05.24 | PARISH HALL | ||
| 08.05.24 | CARDS (AB) | ||
| 09.05.24 | IONOS | ||
| 15.05.24 | CASH | 20 | |
| 10.06.24 | IONOS | ||
| 11.06.24 | PARISH HALL | ||
| 10.07.24 | IONOS | ||
| 11.07.24 | PARISH HALL | ||
| 15.07.24 | BANK XFER | 20 | |
| 08.08.24 | IONOS | ||
| 12.08.24 | PARISH HALL | ||
| 19.08.24 | CASH | 20 | |
| 10.09.24 | IONOS | ||
| 11.09.24 | PARISH HALL | ||
| 30.09.24 | BANK XFER | 20 | 10 |
| 07.10.24 | BANK XFER | 15 | 40 |
| 07.10.24 | CT | ||
| 09.10.24 | IONOS | ||
| 11.10.24 | PARISH HALL | ||
| 14.10.24 | CASH | 10 | |
| 21.10.24 | CM | ||
| 08.11.24 | IONOS | ||
| 11.11.24 | PARISH HALL | ||
| 27.11.24 | G SYKES | ||
| 09.12.24 | JH | ||
| 09.12.24 | CASH | 10 | |
| 10.12.24 | BANK XFER | 10 | |
| 11.12.24 | IONOS | ||
| 11.12.24 | PARISH HALL | ||
| 13.12.24 | CT |
| 16.12.24 | BANK XFER | 10 |
|---|---|---|
| 08.01.25 | IONOS | |
| 13.01.25 | PARISH HALL |
TOTALS
120
845
227.7
| OTHER INCOME | STORAGE | WEBMAIL | OTHER EXPEN | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | |||||
| 3.6 | |||||
| 5.94 | |||||
| 24.32 | |||||
| 50 | |||||
| 3.6 | |||||
| 400.44 | |||||
| 301.04 | |||||
| 50 | |||||
| 3.6 | |||||
| 1.05 | |||||
| 50 | |||||
| 3.6 | |||||
| 50 | |||||
| 32 | |||||
| 3.6 | |||||
| 50 | |||||
| 3.6 | |||||
| 50 |
3.6 50 5.75 3.6 3.6 50 3.6 50 3.6 50 3.6 50 79.2 3.6 50 20 3.6 50 312.96 139.31 3.6 50 263.95
50 800 57.6
ISES Insurance Hall hire for AGM
part of £100 cash deposit
clothes rail
costume store boxes
insurance premium 24/25
transmitter receiver
lighting rig
SNOW QUEEN - EXPENSES
SET/PROPS/COSTUMES
| 13.10.23 | CT MASKS | 6 |
|---|---|---|
| 16.10.23 | GM | |
| 16.10.23 | GM | |
| 17.10.23 | HELEN WALKER | 16.2 |
| 17.10.23 | AB LICENCE | |
| 18.10.23 | DBS | |
| 18.10.23 | RSPCA | |
| 18.10.23 | CASTLE ST | |
| 19.10.23 | GM PIUPPETS | 15.35 |
| 19.10.23 | GM COSTUMES | 21 |
| 01.11.23 | AC PUBLICITY | |
| 03.11.23 | RSPCA | |
| 03.11.23 | CASTLE ST | |
| 06.11.23 | GM PUPPETS | 18.9 |
| 10.11.23 | ENGLISH LAKES ICE | |
| 13.11.23 | GM COSTUMES | 1.13 |
| 13.11.23 | CT PRINTING | |
| 13.11.23 | GM SET | 33.94 |
| 28.11.23 | CT COSTUME | 7.25 |
| 29.11.23 | CT WINE | |
| 06.12.23 | GM XMAS CARDS | |
| 06.12.23 | CASTLE ST | |
| 06.12.23 | CASTLE ST | |
| 08.12.23 | ENGLISH LAKES ICE | |
| 11.12.23 | AB SOFT DRINKS | |
| 11.12.23 | GM GIFTS | |
| 20.12.23 | H & S LAWLER | 107.47 |
| 03.01.24 | M WARD TECH SUPPORT | |
| 09.01.24 | E SAUNDERS | 11.96 |
| 09.01.24 | GM DIRECTORS Xs | |
| 09.02.24 | WESTM & FURNESS | |
| 28.02.24 | WESTM & FURNESS | |
| 239.2 |
REHEARSAL HALL HIRE PRINTING & PUBLICITY REFRESHMENT
| 125 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 291 | ||
| 183.53 | ||
| 100 | ||
| 232.8 | ||
| 187.2 | ||
| 7.5 | ||
| 287.52 | ||
| 58.2 | ||
| 58.2 | ||
| 70.2 | ||
| 28.49 | ||
| 198 | ||
| 865.2 | 389.03 | 573.41 |
TS
OTHER
12 32.85 21 12 15.96 30.15 250 250 1392.4 (venue hall hire)
MAYFEST - EXPENSES
| 04.04.24 | GF FACE PAINT | 12.57 |
|---|---|---|
| 29.04.24 | CASTLE ST HALL HIRE | 49.5 |
| 29.05.24 | C FRANCIS MUSICIAN | 300 |
| 03.06.24 | CASTLE ST HALL HIRE | 59.4 |
| 03.06.24 | NR LUCK MUSICIAN | 300 |
| 10.06.24 | A DE LA COUR MUSICIAN | 300 |
| 12.06.24 | B TAYLOR MUSICIAN | 300 |
| 12.06.24 | MUSICIANS' EXPENSES | 354.2 |
| 05.07.24 | P MOBBS FIRST AID KIT | 18.39 |
| 1694.06 |
HALL HIRE
HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES - BANK TRANSACTIONSEXPENSES
| 13.08.24 | Castle St venue hire (workshop) | 118.80 |
|---|---|---|
| 19.08.24 | ATM DEPOSIT (workshop fees) | |
| 01.09.24 | CT scripts | |
| 06.09.24 | GRANT CHEQUE (STEVENSONS) | |
| 11.09.24 | (SC script purchase) | |
| 20.09.24 | Castle St hall hire | 151.80 |
| 07.10.24 | (Pat B script purchase) | |
| 07.10.24 | CT smoke machine | |
| 07.10.24 | CT parking fees | |
| 10.10.24 | CT wooden crates | |
| 14.10.24 | (CM 4 scripts purchased) | |
| 14.10.24 | GF spring clamps set | |
| 14.10.24 | GF fake moustaches | |
| 15.10.24 | RSCPA hall hire | 45.00 |
| 15.10.24 | Scarecrow for printing | |
| 18.10.24 | (CM purchase 2 scripts) | |
| 28.10.24 | (BID GRANT) | |
| 28.10.24 | AB licence fee | |
| 28.10.24 | Castle St hall hire | 389.40 |
| 30.10.24 | AC printing | |
| 30.10.24 | AC printing | |
| 01.11.24 | CT Holmes' pipes | |
| 11.11.24 | JC stethoscope | |
| 11.11.24 | CM photo paper | |
| 11.11.24 | JC scripts + postage | |
| 11.11.24 | CT plastic food | |
| 11.11.24 | JC for materials for costumes | |
| 11.11.24 | Nick Hearne royalties | |
| 13.11.24 | CT postage | |
| 18.11.24 | (CCF GRANT) | |
| 18.11.24 | Castle St hall hire | 448.80 |
| 26.11.24 | JC props | |
| 27.11.24 | JC wine glasses | |
| 01.12.24 | CM wine | |
| 03.12.24 | AC printing | |
| 03.12.24 | AC programme printing | |
| 05.12.24 | Castle St hall hire | 112.20 |
| 09.12.24 | cash for van driver | |
| 10.12.24 | JC soft drinks | |
| 10.12.24 | JC materials for costumes |
| 10.12.24 | (JC refunded overpayment) | |
|---|---|---|
| 11.12.24 | (Melissa script purchase) | |
| 12.12.24 | Steve R backdrop curtain | |
| 13.12.24 | CT parking | |
| 13.12.24 | CT Holmes' trousers | |
| 16.12.24 | (CM reimburse wine purchase) | |
| 16.12.24 | Grosvenor House paper | |
| 16.12.24 | CT parking fees | |
| 16.12.24 | CM refreshments | |
| 16.12.24 | JC refreshments | |
| 17.12.24 | (TRYBOOKING TICKETS comprising: | |
| TICKET SALES ONLINE | ||
| DONATIONS | ||
| less TICKETING COSTS) | ||
| 19.12.24 | (ATM DEPOSIT comprising: | |
| BOX OFFICE | ||
| REFRESHMENT SALES | ||
| PROGRAMME SALES | ||
| CASH DONATIONS) | ||
| 19.12.24 | AB soft drinks | |
| 30.12.24 | JC soft drinks | |
| 30.12.24 | GF paint for set | |
| 31.12.24 | (CM reimburse wine pch) | |
| 02.01.25 | CM cleaning costumes | |
| 13.01.25 | Castle St Box Ofce split | |
| 13.01.25 | (CM reimburse wine pch) | |
| 13.01.25 | Castle St venue hire for party | 66.00 |
| TBC | (Wine sold at party) | |
| TryBooking ticket cost @ 5% |
TOTAL EXPENSES AND RECEIPTS
TOTALS TO SHEET 1
1332.00
ROYALTIES COSTUMES
SET & PROPS SCRIPTS
PRINTING
135.90 39.98 65.00 9.99 5.99 123.00 28.80 120.00 10.58 5.99 10.99 28.08 42.71 83.05 510.00 28.03 107.50 60.00
124.70
| -32.00 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 67.68 | ||||
| 8.50 | ||||
| 7.50 | ||||
| 15.00 | ||||
| 34.00 | ||||
| 510.00 | 234.82 | 281.88 | 163.98 | 450.29 |
RECEIPTS
| RECEIPTS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **REFRESHMENTS ** | ADMIN | OTHER | |||
| 80.00 | |||||
| 500.00 | |||||
| 13.50 | |||||
| 13.50 | |||||
| 16.80 | |||||
| 54.00 | |||||
| 27.00 | |||||
| 1,000.00 | |||||
| 21.00 | |||||
| 9.30 | |||||
| 1,320.00 | |||||
| 12.45 | |||||
| 299.25 | |||||
| 20.00 | |||||
| 11.50 |
| 2.70 1.50 28.98 80.60 20.60 4.00 1096.8 181.64 457.38 30.30 1319.44 |
4780.09 | 12.50 30.00 3,451.06 830.10 10.00 10.00 33.90 7,385.56 181.64 7,567.20 |
|---|---|---|
(plus 20 members subs )
(shown in bank statement as 38.02 net of rows 15 and 16)
3478 154.7 -181.64 178 550.8 79.8 21.5
(ticketing costs)