Review against Charitable Objects and Plans / Strategies
(10.12.25)
In 2024/5 fieldwork began to make the transition to being led by Christian Roe, with the objective of developing the charity into an actor-led touring company performing repertoire across the UK.
The final project led by Purni Morell took place in October 2024 and was a collaboration with Manchester International Festival. fieldwork received £10k from MIF to support development of a new opera called 57 Hours of Culture by Pete Wyer. A three-day workshop at the Jerwood (London) went well and Purni then entered discussion with English National Opera about a possible production in 2027. This is not expected to be a fieldwork project long-term, but we were instrumental in processing the payment and disbursing payments to other artists. The net effect on the accounts was a credit of £7.27.
Looking ahead to 2025/26:
In May ’25 Christian met with Neil Darlison, Director of Theatre at Arts Council England to share the charity’s plans for the future. ACE expressed interest and offered to connect us with potential funders; however, the only funding ACE itself can offer will be through making a successful application for a National Lottery Project Grant.
Christian has meanwhile secured a £6000 pledge from the Elizabeth and Prince Zaiger Trust which we can draw down in April 2026. He is continuing to focus on fundraising with the help of Anneliese Davidsen (Chair) and on drawing up a work plan for 2026.
Since May, Christian has been approaching actors with a view to recruiting company members. He first approached Rhys Rubatch, with whom initial conversations were positive and Rhys visited Christian in Antwerp in June ’25. However, after deeper engagement Rhys decided not to join, citing other work commitments. In Autumn, Christian approached Phil Arditti and Sarah Slimani, and has at time of writing (Dec ’25) met both several times: both are interested in committing to becoming founding members. The trio plan to approach Sarah Amankwah next.
The focus for 2026 is to raise enough money for a practical workshop with interested members, and to build on this to submit an ACE application for production.
Finally, Christian will be meeting Sir Ian McKellen in January 2026, to discuss his experiences with The Actors’ Company in the 1970s. He also has had positive initial conversations with Robert Palmer, former Director of the Scottish Arts Council and now independent consultant with the Onassis Foundation, and will take these further in February 2026.
| fieldwork management accounts 2024-25 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| actual | projected | budget | |||
| Starting balance (per statement) 1/4/24 | £ | 1,684.72 |
£ | 1,684.72 |
|
| INCOME March 2024 - April 2025 | |||||
| MIF second instalment | £ | 3,000.00 |
£ | 5,000.00 |
|
| MIF third instalment | £ | 2,000.00 |
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| EXPENDITURE March 2024 - April 2025 | |||||
| 57 Hours, Jerwood workshop Oct'24 | |||||
| Travel expenses - initial visits 57 Hours | £ | 268.70 |
£ | 6,000.00 |
|
| Travel expenses - Jerwood workshop | £ | 412.03 |
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| Artist fees | £ | 4,200.00 |
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| Librettist fee | £ | 400.00 |
|||
| Producer fee | £ | 200.00 |
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| Fixer fee | £ | 100.00 |
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| Jerwood Space fee | £ | 360.00 |
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| Printing | £ | 52.00 |
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| General expenses | |||||
| return travel to ACE meeting (C. Roe) | £ | 84.75 |
PROJECTED END OF YEAR POSITION (Apr 2025) £ 607.24