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2021-03-31-accounts

Company Registration Number 06764666 Registered Charity Number 1165182

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

REPORT AND ACCOUNTS For the year ending 31 March 2021

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2021

The Trustees, who are also Directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2021.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered charity name Unfolding Theatre Charity registration number 1165182 Company registration number 06764666 Registered office Arch 6, Stepney Bank, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2NP

Trustees

For the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, the Board of Trustees is the Board of Directors of the charitable company and is referred to as the Trustees throughout this report.

The Trustees of Unfolding Theatre during the period and to the date of signing this report are as follows:

Mrs A V Disley (Chair) Mr T G Bailey Ms R H Bowsher Ms M Kambo Appointed 2 December 2020 Mr A M Robinson Mr K R Wilson Company Secretary Ms A R Rigby Bankers TSB, 217 Chillingham Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5LJ Independent Examiner Mr P O’Hara FCA , 4 Stoneyhurst Road West, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1PG

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing Documents

Unfolding Theatre is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 3 December 2008 and registered as a charity on 15 January 2016.

The charity is controlled by its governing document, its Memorandum & Articles of Association, as amended by Special Resolution on 15 May 2015, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act.

The Directors of the company are also Trustees of the charity.

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UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2021

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (Continued)

Governing Documents (Cont.)

Eligibility for membership of the charity, and membership of the Board of Trustees, is governed by the Articles of Association. There are no restrictions in the governing document on the operation of the charity other than those imposed by general charity law.

Charitable Purpose

Unfolding Theatre’s charitable objects are to advance the arts fo r the public benefit through the promotion of, in particular, but not exclusively, the art of drama.

Structure and Governance

The charity currently has a board of 6 non-executive Trustees.

The Board meets a minimum of five times per year. Detailed written Board reports and an agenda are prepared by the Director and circulated in advance of meetings.

Recruitment and Appointment of Board of Trustees

Trustees are elected to the Board based on discussions and recommendations offered by Trustees and outside advisors to the organisation, as well as through a range of advertising channels.

Trustee Induction and Training

New Trustees are inducted by the Chair of the Board and Director and are provided with a range of resources to support their understanding of Unfolding Theatre activities.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have reviewed the charity's needs for reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission.

The Trustees aim to firstly hold a level of unrestricted Reserves which enables the charity to have sufficient financial resources to meet various liabilities which would crystallise if Unfolding Theatre’s funding were to be with drawn and/or it were unable to continue operating.

At present, the Trustees estimate that the Unrestricted Reserves required for such purposes amount to approximately £15,000. The Trustees then aspire to retain an additional allowance of £15,000 to enable the charity to respond flexibly to issues or appropriate initiatives which might be identified outside of its annual budgeting process. The optimum level of Reserves held is therefore £30,000.

The charity’s Unrestricted Reserves at 31 March 2021 are £52,450, thereby providing a modest degree of additional flexibility over the optimum level identified.

This policy will be reviewed by the Trustees on an annual basis as part of the charity’s budgeting processes.

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UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2021

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (Continued)

Grant Making Policy

The charity does not currently engage in grant-making activity.

The Contribution of Volunteers

The charity makes extensive use of volunteers within its productions and to support its activities.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Aims & Objectives

The charity's main current aims, and the changes or differences it seeks to make through its activities, are to:

Ensuring our Work delivers our Aims

We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This review looks at what we achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the success of each key activity and the benefits they have brought to those groups of people we are set up to help. The review also helps us ensure our aims, objectives and activities remained focused on our stated purposes.

Public Benefit

The Trustees understand and have discussed the implications of the provisions of the Charities Act 2006, which state that all charities must demonstrate that they are established for public benefit, and have had due regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission. The Trustees believe that the charity meets both of the key principles.

– Principle 1 There must be an identifiable benefit, or benefits

In a time of social division, Unfolding Theatre brings people together to co-create and experience remarkable theatre that builds connections.

Unfolding Theatre works to achieve its vision by co-creating big-hearted theatre with surprising combinations of people. We bring people together around theatre, music, food, laughter, good stories or all of those things at once. Our work has a positive, sometimes profound impact on the artists, audiences and community co-creators we work with.

“[I] felt like an active participant in a group of mostly strangers. A community bu ilt in no time whatsoever.” Audience member

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UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2021

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (Continued)

Public Benefit (Cont.)

Long-term, we aim that:

Principle 2 - Benefit must be to the public, or a section of the public

Each element of our work provides benefit to one or more clearly-identified sections of the public, as follows:

Doorstep Stories & Co-Creating with Families

Throughout lockdown, Unfolding Theatre has visited doorsteps to offer uplifting, creative experiences to families. Doorstep Stories engaged 28 families in Byker, Walker and Blakelaw. These are all areas facing significant socio-economic disadvantage (in the lowest 10% indices of multiple deprivation). Across a total of 54 visits, performers brought stories to life on families’ doorsteps before inventing brand new stories with the children.

"After a really rubbish year of having things cancelled, the usual Christmassy treats not going ahead, disappointment and uncertainty, this performance from Unfolding Theatre was an absolute breath of fresh air. Thank you so much, the children thought it was amazing. My mother-in-law called all her friends in Romania afterwards to tell them what wonderful things they are doing for children in the UK! Thanks so much." Byker resident

Unfolding Theatre created family story trails in Byker and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea. The original stories were inspired by the ideas of 120 children and parents in Byker and 127 children in Newbiggin-by-the- Sea. The stories were inspired by the question, “What do children see that adults are too busy to notice.” The children imagined the adventures of all kinds of magical creatures from salty sea dogs to lonely giants to astronaut bunnies.

Audiences discovered the audio stories through QR codes on signage in their neighbourhoods. Also shared on social media, the children’s stories reached 1,644 audiences.

“Outstanding! Thank you so much! I will be telling everybo dy I know about this fantastic activity, fun outdoors!” Audience member feedback via online survey

We also worked with families on creative projects that captured their experiences during lockdown. The Story of You, Me & Us , delivered in partnership with Barnardo’s Family Hub East engaged 9 new mums through phone calls and creative packs sent in the post. Over 3 months, the mums worked with writer, Luca Rutherford and illustrator, Josie Brookes, to create memory books for them and their new babies. The books captured their experiences in the early days of motherhood and also navigating the challenges of lockdown.

“I would personally like to thank Luca for the amazing work and amazing packages she has sent out. She deserves a holiday for the hard work she has done. She has kept smiles on many faces including mine and my daughter, Silvana!” New mum & participant in Byker

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UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2021

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (Continued)

Public Benefit (Cont.)

We collaborated with Young Mums Support Network in Wandsworth to create the short film Lockdown Stories . The project engaged 30 mums from diverse communities in the North East and London. It created a platform for parents, including young mums, to tell their stories. They reflected on their toughest challenges and proudest moments.The film they helped create reached 928 digital audiences in March 2021.

“ I need to remember that I’m much stronger than I think I am .” Participant

“ A positive and supportive project I was invited to participate in telling the stories of Mums across the UK. Thank Unfolding Theatre. It was a pleasure ” Participant

Right Now People: Young People’s Creative Collective

Before the pande mic our young people’s group, Right Now People , met once a month. Early in lockdown the group expressed how much they valued online sessions to be creative, share ideas and discuss mental health. The group includes neuro-diverse young people and those with learning disabilities, and the impact on lockdown was significant for their own wellbeing. In response, we increased the frequency to meeting every week throughout the year. During that time the group created an original audio drama, created resources for supporting mental health and planned making their own podcasts.

"If you don’t feel like you fit the puzzle that life has given you, there is a place in Right Now People to fit you in." Young person, Right Now People

- “I’m not really an out going person, I get along with people but I don’t usually introduce myself to people but after right now people I feel like I can” Young person, Right Now People

“ We celebrate that each of us are unique and special in our own way .” Young person, Right Now People

Multiverse Lab

After the success of our young people’s installation, Multiverse Arcade , we were delighted to be commissioned by health research partners including Newcastle University, National Institute of Health Research Newcastle and VOICE to create Multiverse Lab . Originally planned as a pop-up touring installation, we instead delivered the project as an interactive website. This digital experience has engaged 1,378 audiences and enabled over 200 to add their voice to influence health research in the North East. So far, the most talked about issues have been dementia, cancer, mental health and equality.

We brought together a creative team for Multiverse Lab that reflects the diversity of the communities we want to reach with the project. This included performers EJ Raymond, offering a performance in British Sign Language, Kay Greyson, Tony Neilson and Umar Butt, who performed in both English and Urdu. Hosts of online Zoom events included Maria Crocker, Hattie Eason, Alex Elliott, Luce Rutherford and Wambui Hardcastle.

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UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2021

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (Continued)

Public Benefit (Cont.)

Supporting the North East Cultural Sector

In April 2020 we collaborated with North East theatre organisations to create North East Culture Social . This programme of online events was aimed at creating space for cultural sector workers, freelancers and furloughed workers to connect, share experiences and discuss challenges faced during the pandemic.

The event created platforms for artists from diverse experiences to share provocations and creative responses. This included non-binary theatre-maker Melody Sproates, who talked about their lockdown ‘zine for LGBTQ+ young people #StayHomeStayQueer, Vici Wr eford-Sinnott who talked about the impact of the pandemic on disabled people and artists, Hannabiell Sanders who performed a Black Lives Matter protest song, Natalie Ibu and Anand Bhatt who talked about starting new roles as Artistic Directors and Chief Executives of Newcastle cultural venues in the midst of the pandemic and EJ Raymond who talked about moving to Newcastle as a deaf artist and her ambitions for new creative projects.

3 events over the year attracted 353 online audiences.

“ Lovely to see so many creative people from the North East gathering to share their experiences and responses to Covid-19. #NECultureSocial ” Audience member via Twitter

“ Massive thanks to the orgs & artists who have reached out to Little Cog this week since our director Vici Wreford-Sinnott spoke at the #NECultureSocial. Thank you to the organisers who took on access recommendations. Some great conversations .” LittleCog via Twitter

We launched Unfolding Conversations . This new podcast brought together artists, our community co-creators and production staff to discuss social division and less heard stories. It has reached 109 digital audiences. Annie also appeared on Curiosity Creative’s podcast The Geordie Guide to Happiness reaching a further 81 digital audiences.

We continued to mentor artists, including offering artistic support to choreographer Jennifer Essex. We delivered 8 one-to-one mentoring sessions to support North East artists and companies with their bids to Arts Council England’s Emergency Response Fund and Cul tural Recovery Fund. We also co-sponsored Liv Hunt to join the Freelancers Taskforce, an initiative set up to support freelance theatre-makers to make their voices heard during the pandemic.

Reaching Audiences during Lockdown

With touring postponed, we were excited to work with East Durham Creates to present Best in the World online. The creative team delivered a series of online creative challenges before audiences in East Durham were invited to watch a filmed version of the show. This programme of online engagement reached 741 digital audiences. Working with East Durham Creates enabled us to reach audiences in areas of low arts engagement and socio-economic disadvantage. We were also commissioned by Active Newcastle to create online content around the themes of Best in the World and wellbeing. This reached 2,184 online audiences.

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UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2021

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (Continued)

Public Benefit (Cont.)

“ My enjoyment of this production was greatly enhanced by the fact that I was a keen darts player myself, played in local teams for over 30 years and even scored the magic 180 a few times! Apart from that I enjoyed the unpredictability of the performance and the mixture of triumph and tragedy. I even made a paper dart !” Feedback from East Durham audience member unable to attend live events due to Parkinson’s.

We were delighted to be commissioned by Museums Northumberland to create Quest of Missing Questions for Woodhorn Museum. This audio and visual installation engaged 2,963 visitors at Woodhorn returning to the museum after lockdown. Through the quest they explored the magic that the public brings to cultural spaces.

“ Loved it. The questions quest was a brilliant new way to see the site .” Visitor feedback

Our project with 5 Gosforth schools, No Voice Too Small , was paused for much of the year. However, we were pleased to offer a video creative mission for pupils in the second lockdown. The children created their own ideas for characters to develop as the project recommences in 2021-22.

Our Artistic Director, Annie Rigby, was invited to direct The Soldier’s Return with Opera Sunderland. Originally conceived as a live performance, the production was reworked as a film during lockdown. Annie worked with a community chorus who recorded their vocal tracks at home, and professional opera singers to film this production. It reached 500 audiences and received critical acclaim and positive feedback.

“ Annie Rigby’s direction is complex , detailed and always accurate and nuanced, making the performance of this new opera emotionally and, with her film and design collaborators, visually powerful .” British Theatre Guide review

Our Associate Artist, Luca Rutherford also created a Queer Creative Challenge for young LGBTQ+ people as part of Curious Festival.

Unfolding Theatre’s beneficiaries are therefore entirely appropriate to its aims and the public as a whole benefits from its work. All of these benefits are clear, evidenced and relate directly to Unfolding Theatre’s aims. In addition, the Trustees do not consider that any significant detriment or harm flows from Unfolding Theatre’s work.

Risk Management

The Trustees of the charity regularly review the major governance, operational and financial risks which the charity faces as part of its annual business planning process and confirm that systems have been established to mitigate these risks.

Unfolding Theatre has a risk management strategy in place which comprises:

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UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2021

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (Continued)

Risk Management (Cont.)

The Trustees are satisfied that appropriate financial systems and controls and employment policies and practices are in place.

The Trustees consider the key risks facing the charity at this time and the mitigating actions taken to be as follows:

Ongoing Covid-19 situation affects operations of company:

Long-term absence of Artistic Director, Company Producer or Trustees due to resignation or illness:

Not achieving income targets (trusts and foundations, earned income, individual giving):

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UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2021

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (Continued)

Risk Management (Cont.)

Workload of core staff and freelance team becomes unmanageable:

Not achieving audience targets:

Not delivering artistic excellence:

Uncertainty regarding future relationship with Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation due to upcoming 2022-23 extension and 2023 onwards application process:

The Trustees also manage the general financial risks arising by ensuring that:

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UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2021

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year

In 2020-21 the world changed. Some change was sudden. The pandemic caused trauma, isolation & fear. It exposed inequality. Yet it also revealed new ways for communities to live alongside each other. Some change grew steadily. Climate change became a crisis. Social division grew through social media echo chambers & divisive press.

Unfolding Theatre’s main achievement this year has been re -shaping the way we work to reach, inspire and connect people during lockdown. We have deepened community partnerships, engaged diverse communities in creative processes, innovated our live and digital practice, offered sector support, achieved critical acclaim and received an award for our work with young people.

Unfolding Theatre is grateful for funding from Arts Council England and Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund which has been fundamental to its ability to operate throughout this time.

In 2020/21 we reached 3,583 live audiences. This is an incredible achievement in the context of 2020- 21’s lockdowns and uncertainty. This reach means we have now reached 9 0% of our 4-year target to reach 31,200 live audiences (2018-22). We also reached 11,016 digital audiences with interactive online experiences, pre-recorded shows and Zoom events. We engaged 255 people who took part in projects as co-creators, generating insightful theatre that reflects our diverse society.

We were delighted win the Tyne & Wear High Sheriff’s Top Award 2021 for our work with children and young people. The award especially recognised our young people’s collective Right Now People. This neuro-diverse inclusive group uses creativity to express individuality and support mental health.

We delivered 54 doorstep visits across Newcastle engaging 28 families with young children during lockdown. Through co-creating with children, we made family story trails that brought children’s original ideas to public audiences in Byker and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea. We worked with new mums with Barnardo’s Family Hub (Byker) and Young Mums Support Network (Wandsworth) on projects that told their stories through lockdown.

We were commissioned by Museums Northumberland to create The Quest for Missing Questions . This installation, that welcomed 2,963 visitors back to Woodhorn Museum after lockdown, celebrated the role they play in bringing museums to life. A commission from health research partners including National Institute of Health Research Newcastle, VOICE, ARC and Newcastle University enabled us to create Multiverse Lab . Originally conceived as a touring event, we reimagined the project as an online experience. This playful, interactive website is enabling diverse communities to make their voices heard and influence the future of North East health and social care research.

We also looked to the future in 2020-21. We brought artists together for research and development on 2 new productions.

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UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2021

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED)

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year (Cont.)

One production deepens our relationships with our Sunde rland ‘house band’ – a community group we have worked with since 2015. The other production, made in response to the inadequate food parcels distributed during lockdown, will bring together a cast of children to co-create a show about food poverty, inequality and power.

We reached audiences online with filmed shows. This included presenting Best in the World with East Durham Creates to reach audiences in areas of low arts engagement and socio-economic disadvantage. We also collaborated with Opera Sunderland to create the filmed production, The Soldier’s Tale . This new community opera was inspired by local veterans’ experiences.

As the performing arts sector faced crisis, we were proud to offer sector support in 2020-21. We co-led the creation of North East Culture Social , an online gathering for cultural workers to share experiences and connect during lockdown. We delivered one-to-one mentoring to 8 North East artists and companies to support their applications to Arts Council’s Emergency Response Fund and the Cultural Recovery Fund. We co-sponsored a freelancer to be part of the Freelancer Taskforce which lobbied for support for freelancers impacted by the pandemic. Perhaps most importantly, we stayed open, employing 37 freelancers and 3 staff during a year that saw so many cultural projects cancelled.

Thank you to everyone who engaged with Unfolding Theatre’s work in 2020 -21. A massive thank you to the 37 artists and production staff, funders, venues, community partners and commissioners who made our projects possible. 2020-21 has been the most challenging year we have faced. We are proud of the positive impact we have had on the wellbeing of children, young people and adults in our communities.

Company Development

Unfolding Theatre has continued to develop and diversify its team, strengthen its community partnerships and build deeper relationships with audience and participants.

Workforce

We feel proud and grateful to our funders that we were able to operate throughout the lockdowns of 2020-21. We employed 3 salaried staff and 39 freelance artists and production staff in 2020-21.

Our annual workforce survey received incredibly positive feedback on people's experiences of working with Unfolding Theatre. It also showed how we have continued to diversify our workforce. We worked with 5 disabled practitioners, 1 non-binary artist and 4 artists of colour and 1 creative from white backgrounds other than British. This means 28% of our workforce came from communities under-represented in the arts.

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UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2021

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED)

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year (Cont.)

Board

We welcomed Mani Kambo to Unfolding Theatre’s Board in December 2020. She joins Anna Disley, Tim Bailey, Bex Bowsher, Mark Robinson and Kevin Wilson. We plan to recruit 1 new Trustee in 2021-22 to increase diversity and skillset and bring the board to 7 Trustees.

Mentoring & Volunteering

We mentored dance artist, Jennifer Essex, on the making of How Long Is A Piece of String , a new production for children. We delivered one-to-one mentoring to 8 North East artists and companies to support their applications to Arts Council’s Emergency Response Fund and the Cultural Recovery Fund.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions we were unable to host volunteers on our projects this year.

Supporters and Partnerships

Thank you to the funders and commissioners who made our work possible in 2020/21.

Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation funding supported our artistic programme and core activity. Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund supported Right Now People and our projects with families in Byker (Doorstep Stories & the Story of You, Me & Us). Well Newcastle Gateshead supported Byker Storytime Exchange. Comic Relief supported Doorstep Stories: Winter Tales in Byker, Walker & Blakelaw. Tesco Bags of Help Covid-19 Community Fund supported Right Now People during lockdown.

Museums Northumberland commissioned Quest of Missing Questions at Woodhorn Museum. VOICE, The National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA), National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Newcastle University and The Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust commissioned Multiverse Lab . 2021-22 touring is also supported by NIHR ARC. We collaborated with Opera Sunderland on The Soldier’s Return , East Durham Creates and Active Newcastle on Best in the World activities and performance online and Young Mums Support Network on Lockdown Stories.

Unfolding Theatre contributed to strategic thinking and action in response to the Covid crisis in the North East’s cultural sector through co -leading North East Culture Social , offering one-to-one support to artists applying for Arts Council Emergency Response Funding and co-sponsoring an artist to join the Freelancers Task Force. We continued delivering pilot project #InspiredBy No Voice Too Small with Gosforth Schools Trust and Newcastle Local Cultural Education Partnership.

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UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2021

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED)

Financial Review

The out-turn for the year is an unrestricted surplus of £20,310 (2020: Deficit £7,611). The surplus will leave a balance on Unrestricted Funds at 31 March 2021 of £52,450.

The Trustees consider the financial performance of the charity to be satisfactory.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

Unfolding Theatre’s experiences during the pandemic have shaped its artistic plans for 2021 -22. The stories we have heard from local communities, and the fundamental need for connection we have seen, have inspired our programme.

The success of Doorstep Stories has led us to develop a pilot project, The Unfolding Theatre . Working with communities in Blakelaw (Newcastle) and Seacroft (Leeds), and community partners Projects4Change and LS14 Trust, we will work with communities to create and programme a popup performance space. This structure aims to support creative exchange in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage and support the co-creation of new theatre. This pilot is supported by Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund and Arts Council England.

We are proud to be co-producing a new show to re-open Northern Stage (Newcastle) in August 2021. The show Free School Meals will be made and performed with a company of children alongside a professional creative team. The show invites audiences into a restaurant run by children. It explores food poverty, inequality and what children need to thrive. This project is supported by a Cultural Recovery Fund grant from DCMS and Arts Council England.

Multiverse Lab will continue to engage audiences online, and will also be toured as a pop-up installation, reaching audiences across the North East and Cumbria. This project aims to enable 2,000 people from under-represented communities make their voices heard and influence health research priorities at Newcastle University’s Biomedical Research Teams.

Our young people’s collective Right Now People will continue to meet, with a return to in-person activity from the Summer. They are planning to create a series of podcasts.

We will return to touring, bringing Hold On Let Go to Streatham Space Project in Summer 2021.

Commissioned projects include High Street Duets , generating a song trail in North Shields and Lancaster with writer, Daniel Bye and songwriter, Beccy Owen. No Voice Too Small will also continue with Gosforth schools generating and recording their own original stories.

We will also invest in research and development on a new show with our Sunderland house band. Working with writer, Alison Carr and musician, Ross Millard, the piece explores the characters on a fictional street, living divided lives. When a sinkhole opens up it shakes up the community to forge new relationships and do things they never thought possible.

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UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2021 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES The Trustees Iwho are also the Directors of Unfolding Theatre for the purposes of ￿MpanY lawl are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial ststsmenls for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the charitsble company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitablè company for that peri¢)d. In preparing these financial statements, th8 Trustees are required lo.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., make judgments and eslimales that are reasonable and prudent., state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; prepare the financial slalemenls on the going con￿rn basis Ljnless it is inappropriate to presume that thè charitable company will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financtal position of the charitable company and enable them lo ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irtegularities. Signed on behalf of the Trustees Mrs A V Dlsley Trustde Company Reglstration Numbor 06764666 12 July 2021 15

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS ON THE UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS OF UNFOLDING THEATRE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 I hereby report lo the Trustees of Unfolding Theatre (Charity Registration Number 11651821 on my examinatk)n of the accoLFnts for the year ended 31 March 2021 set out on pages 17 to 28. Responslbllltles and basis of report As the charity's Truslees18nd also its directors for the PLfrposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Companies Act 20061'the 2006 ACYI. Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required lo be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examlnation of your charity's accounts as earried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 I'lhe 2011 Acl'l. In carrying out my examinalion I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145151 {bl of the 2011 Act. Independent Examiner's Statemont I have completed my examination. I confimi that no matters have come lo my attenb'on in connection with the examination giving me cause lo believe= accounting records were not kept In respect of Ihg Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act., or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records,. or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting ￿quIreMents of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination., or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods or principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities lapplicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS10211. I have no concerns and have com which attention should be drawn i accounts lo be reached. across no other matters In connedion with the examination to is report in order to enable a proper understandlng of the Pete O'Hara. CA. Chartered Accountant Fellow of the Instltute of Chartered Accountants In England & Wales 4 Stoneyhursl Road West, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1 PG 12 July 2021 16

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

Note
Income
Donations & Legacies
3
Income from Charitable Activities
4
Other Income
5
Total Income
Expenditure
Expenditure on Charitable Activities
6
Total Expenditure
Net Income/(Expenditure)
Balance brought forward at 1 April
Balance carried forward at 31
March
13		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
2021
Total
2020
£
£
£
£
1,167
-
1,167
800
140,983
20,630
161,613
169,052
12,500
-
12,500
-
154,650
20,630
175,280
169,852
134,340
21,030
155,370
186,213
134,340
21,030
155,370
186,213
20,310
(400)
19,910
(16,361)
32,140
1,250
33,390
49,751
£52,450
£850
£53,300
£33,390

The notes on pages 19 to 28 form part of the financial statements.

All of the activities of the company are classed as continuing.

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.

17

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONIBALANCE SHEET ASAT31 MARCH 2021 2021 2020 Notes Flxed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets 444 2,448 Current Assots Debtors Cash At Bank & In Hand 10 7.577 54,802 62,379 12.908 40.870 Creditors- Amounts Falling Due Wlthin 1 Ygar 19.5231 19,928) Net Current AssetsllLiabilities} 52,856 30,942 Total Net Assets 12 £53 300 £33 390 Representod by: Unrestricted Reserves RestriGled Reserves 13 13 52.450 850 32,140 1,250 £53 300 £33.390 The notes on pages 19 to 28 fomi part of the finanaal statements. The Trustees are satisfied th* for the year endèd 31 March 2021 the charity was entitled tr) extsmption under sèetion 477121 of the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees also confirm that the membe￿ have not required the charity to obtain an In accordance whh sèction 476 of the Compani8s Act 2006 The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for.. 111 ensuring th81 the charity keeps adequate a(Kounting records whlch compty wth section 386 of the Act. and lill preparing finan￿81 statsrnents which gfve a twg and fair view of the stato of affairs of the charity as al the end of the financTal year and of ts profit or loss for the ffnancial year in accordanee with the requirements of sectnn 393. and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial ststements, so far as applicablè to thg charity. These flnanclal statements were approved and signgd by a Member of the Board of Trustees on 12 July 2021. Mrs A V Disley Trustee Company Reglstratlon Numbgr 06704666 18

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of Accounting

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 – 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland' ('FRS 102'), and with the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP FRS 102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value.

Advantage has been taken of the provisions in the SORP for Charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a statement of cashflows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity.

Taxation Status

Unfolding Theatre is a Charity registered under the 1960 Charities Act and is accorded exemption from liability to taxation on its income under S505 Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

Going Concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Income

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income, any performance related conditions attached have been met or are fully within the control of the charity, the income is considered probable and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

19

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

1. Accounting Policies (Continued)

Operating Leases

The charity classifies the lease of certain types of equipment as operating leases as the title to the equipment remains with the lessor. Rental charges are charged against income on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Depreciation is provided on any fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the assets over their remaining useful lives as follows:

IT & Stage Equipment

A full year’s depreciation charge is applied in the year of acquisition and no charge is made in the year of disposal.

Impairment of Fixed Assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

Financial Instruments

A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs.

Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.

Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost where there is a material adjustment.

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the purposes of the charity.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for specific purposes.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor.

20

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

1. Accounting Policies (Continued)

Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

There are no significant judgements or estimation uncertainty included within the financial statements.

Pensions

Unfolding Theatre contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme. Further details can be found in Note 8.

For the defined contribution scheme, the amount charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in respect of pension costs is the contributions payable in the year. Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions actually paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the Balance Sheet.

2. Legal Status

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is limited to £1. The company law members of the charity are the members of its Board of Trustees.

3. Income – Donations & Legacies

Sponsorship
Donations - General		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
2021
£
2020
£
1,167
-
1,167
450
-
-
-
350
£1,167
£-
£1,167
£800

The 2020 total of £800 related wholly to Unrestricted Funds.

21

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

4. Income from Charitable Activities

come from Charitable Activities
Grant Income
Arts
Council
England
–
National
Portfolio Organisation
Blue Stone Consortium
Catherine Cookson Trust
Comic Relief via Groundwork Trust
Foyle Foundation
Newbiggin Town Council
Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund
Tesco Community Fund
Tyne & Wear High Sheriff Fund via the
Community Foundation
Virgin Money Foundation Big Lottery
Fund #iwill fund Grant
Total Grant Income
Other Income
Project Fees
Other Income
Total Other Income		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
2021
£
2020
£
106,932
-
106,932
105,000
-
4,980
4,980
-
-
100
100
250
-
4,000
4,000
-
-
-
-
7,500
-
300
300
-
-
10,000
10,000
10,000
-
500
500
-
-
750
750
-
-
-
-
18,000
106,932
20,630
127,562
140,750
34,051
-
34,051
27,997
-
-
-
305
34,051
-
34,051
28,302
£140,983
£20,630
£161,613
£169,052

Of the 2020 total of £169,052, £133,302 related to Unrestricted Funds and £35,750 to Restricted Funds.

5. Income – Other

Theatre Tax Relief Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
2021
£
2020
£
12,500
-
12,500
-
£12,500
£-
£12,500
£-

22

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

6. Expenditure on Charitable Activities

Production/Project Costs
Salaries & On Costs
Associate Artists
Core/Tour Producer Costs
Production/Project Costs
Production/Project Staffing
Marketing & Research
Project Travel & Subsistence
Other Project Costs
Support Costs
Rent & Storage
Depreciation
Insurance
Other Administration & Running Costs
Governance Costs
Independent Examiner’s Fees		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
2021
£
Total
2020
£
67,378
-
67,378
64,352
13,638
-
13,638
7,380
7,705
-
7,705
7,000
-
7,846
7,846
13,812
27,553
13,184
40,737
50,319
4,521
-
4,521
4,362
53
-
53
23,897
310
-
310
2,837
121,158
21,030
142,188
173,959
5,696
-
5,696
1,894
2,004
-
2,004
2,237
1,415
-
1,415
1,415
2,867
-
2,867
5,268
11,982
-
11,982
10,814
1,200
-
1,200
1,440
1,200
-
1,200
1,440
£134,340
£21,030
£155,370 £186,213

Of the 2020 total of £186,213, £141,713 related to Unrestricted Funds and £44,500 to Restricted Funds.

7. Net Income/(Expenditure)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
Independent Examiner’s Fees –current year
Independent Examiner–Other Services
Depreciation of owned Fixed Assets
Operating Leases–Land & Buildings		 2021
£
2020
£
1,440
1,440
-
420
2,004
2,237
2,100
2,100

23

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

8. Staff Costs & Trustees’ Remuneration

Gross Salary Costs
Employer’s National Insurance
Employer’s PensionContributions		 2021
£
2020
£
64,908
61,336
1,068
1,639
1,402
1,377
£67,378
£64,352

No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 during the year (2020 - Nil).

The average number of staff employed during the year, calculated as full-time equivalents, was as follows:

was as follows:
2021 2020
No No
Artistic Production and Support 2.3 2.3

Pension benefits are provided through a Group Personal Pension Scheme, which is a defined contribution scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in a separately administered fund. In the year to 31 March 2021 Unfolding Theatre made an employer's contribution of 3% of pensionable pay, provided that the employee makes a minimum contribution of 5%.

These amounts are paid over to the scheme on a monthly basis. No contributions were outstanding at 31 March 2021 (2020: £Nil).

No remuneration has been paid to any Trustees/Directors in the year (2020: £Nil).

No reimbursement of Travel and Subsistence expenses in respect of their attendance at meetings of the charity was made in the year (2020: £Nil).

24

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

9.
Tangible Fixed Assets
Cost
At 1 April 2020
Additions in year
At 31 March 2021
Accumulated Depreciation
At 1 April 2020
Charge for year
At 31 March 2021
Net Book Value
At 31 March 2021
At 1 April 2020
10.
Debtors
Trade Debtors
Other Taxes & Social Security Costs
Prepayments
11.
Creditors– Amounts Falling Due Within 1 Year
Other Taxes & Social Security Costs
Trade Creditors
Other Creditors
Deferred Income
Accruals		 IT & Stage
Equipment
£
Total
£
7,301
7,301
-
-
7,301
7,301
4,853
4,853
2,004
2,004
6,857
6,857
£444
£444
£2,448
£2,448
2021
£
2020
£
1,557
10,314
2,232
387
3,788
2,207
£7,577
£12,908
2021
£
2020
£
-
1,586
-
-
9
65
8,300
6,477
1,214
1,800
£9,523
£9,928

25

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

12. Analysis of Net Assets between Funds

Fixed Assets
Debtors
Cash at Bank and In Hand
Creditors–Amounts Due Within 1 Year
13.
Analysis of Charitable Funds
Unrestricted Funds
Charity General Fund
Restricted Funds
Blue Stone Consortium
Catherine Cookson Trust
Comic Relief via Groundwork Trust
Foyle Foundation
Newbiggin Town Council
Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund
Tesco Community Fund
Tyne & Wear High Sheriff Fund via the
Community Foundation
Virgin Money Foundation Big Lottery
Fund #iwill fund Grant– Hold On Let’s
Go
Total Restricted Funds
Total Funds		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
2021
Total
2020
£
£
£
£
444
-
444
2,448
7,577
-
7,577
12,908
53,952
850
54,802
27,962

(9,523)
-
(9,523)
(9,928)
£52,450
£850
£53,300
£33,390
Fund at 1
April 2020
£
Incoming
Resources
in Year
£
Resources
Expended
in Year
£
Fund at 31
March 2021
£
32,140
154,650
(134,340)
52,450
-
4,980
(4,980)
-
-
100
-
100
-
4,000
(4,000)
-
500
-
(500)
-
-
300
(300)
-
-
10,000
(10,000)
-
-
500
(500)
-
-
750
-
750
750
-
(750)
-
1,250
20,630
(21,030)
850
£33,390
£175,280
£(155,370)
£53,300

26

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

13. Analysis of Charitable Funds (Cont.)

Name of Restricted Fund Description, Nature & Purpose of the Restricted Fund

Blue Stone Consortium Exchange Catherine Cookson Trust Towards the cost of Doorstep Stories

Towards the cost of the Byker Storytime Exchange

Comic Relief via Groundwork Trust Towards the cost of Doorstep Stories Foyle Foundation Towards the cost of Hold On Let’s Go Newbiggin Town Council Towards the cost of a Family Story Trail

Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund

Towards the cost of Hold On Let’s Go, Right Now People and core costs

Tesco Community Fund Towards the cost of Right Now People

Tyne & Wear High Sheriff Fund via the Towards the cost of Right Now People Community Foundation

Virgin Money Foundation Big Lottery Towards the cost of Hold On Let’s Go Fund #iwill fund Grant

14. Related Party Transactions

The charity has a close working relationship with Arts Council England which is a registered charity and has provided significant project funding which enables the charity to carry out its charitable objectives. In total, grant funding of £106,932 (2020: £105,000) was received from Arts Council England in the year.

At 31 March 2021, no sums were owing to Unfolding Theatre from Arts Council England (31 March 2020: £Nil).

In the year to 31 March 2021, sponsorship of £1,167 (2020: £450) was received from xsite Architecture, of which Tim Bailey, a Trustee of the charity, is a partner. The charity also rents office space from xsite.

27

UNFOLDING THEATRE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

15. Taxation

The company is a registered charity and no provision is considered necessary for taxation.

15. Financial Commitments

No material financial commitments have been made in respect of future financial periods.

16. Company Limited by Guarantee

The charity is incorporated under the Companies Act 1985 and is limited by guarantee, each member having undertaken to contribute such amounts not exceeding £1 as may be required in the event of the company being wound up whilst he or she is still a member or within one year thereafter.

There are currently 6 members of the company (2020 - 5 members).

28