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2025-07-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1178159 (England and Wales)

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Andrew Fox-Hutchings
Susan Elliott
Raymond Bengree
Margaret Bennett
Teresa Nunez
Peter Russell
Christopher Evans
Malcolm Gledhill
Alison Knott
Marian Lovell
Jane Barth
Patricia Cameron
Anthony Wheatcroft
Mark Newman
Lexie Fox-Hutchings
Jennifer Bazley (Appointed 16 July 2025)
Charity number (England and Wales) 1178159
Principal address The Little Theatre
Gloucester Street
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 3HR
Independent examiner Xeinadin North West Limited
First Floor, The Foundation
Herons Way
Chester Business Park
Chester
Cheshire
CH4 9GB

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the financial statements 7 - 14

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".

Objectives and activities

The Charity's objects are to develop public appreciation of the Arts of Drama and to promote the advancement and improvement of general education in relation to all aspects of such Arts.

Significant activities:

Volunteers

The Charity is run entirely by volunteers who are needed for each production not only for the acting, directing and back-stage activities but also to provide Front of House Management, serving refreshments, running the bar, and ensuring that we comply with health and safety regulations.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

CLT performed 6 full length plays in the auditorium which reflected a wide range of genres from Shakespeare to a contemporary take on on-line dating which was written by one of our members. We also performed three new plays, all written by members, in the studio.

Hiring/Visiting Group s: CLT hosted two visiting companies this season, Against The Grain and White Cobra

Development: Work on the new public entrance has been completed and has been well received by patrons. There are no major building developments planned for the near future.

Conclusion: While CLT's diverse programme of plays for the season is reflected in the reduction in income from charitable activities, the Trustees are committed to maintaining a variety of productions which will appeal to a broad audience.

Financial review

Reserves policy

All funds are unrestricted with net loss in the year of £13,222 (2024: net expenditure £76,101) and resulting total funds of £975,313 (2024: £988,535). At 31 July 2025 cash at bank and in hand totalled £166,838 (2024: £192,020) and tangible fixed assets had a carrying value of £801,613 (2024: £785,986).

The Treasurer has carried out a review of the Charity's finances has concluded that the Charity has the ability to continue to pay the maintenance bills this season (2025/2026) from reserves and there will be continuing regular reviews of the finances to ensure the Charity remains solvent.

The trustees has assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

Risk management

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. There is a safeguarding policy in place and DBS checks are carried out as appropriate. The Trustees have also drawn up and agreed Health & Safety policy. They are aware of and comply with local licensing requirements, and attend courses when relevant, e.g., on fundraising, improving publicity for the charity, etc. Trustees and Members give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits.

Plans for future periods

There are currently no plans for further building developments but should any further projects be identified they will be subject to review by the Trustees

Structure, governance and management

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered from 30 April 2018, being operational from 01 August 2018 with assets transferred from the previous charity Chester Theatre Club.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Andrew Fox-Hutchings Susan Elliott Raymond Bengree Margaret Bennett Teresa Nunez Peter Russell Christopher Evans Malcolm Gledhill Alison Knott Marian Lovell Jane Barth Patricia Cameron Anthony Wheatcroft Mark Newman Lexie Fox-Hutchings Jennifer Bazley (Appointed 16 July 2025)

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Members of the charity pay an annual subscription and elect the Committee of Trustees at the AGM.

Following the 2016 AGM the membership approved that though all Trustees should be re-elected annually, the positions of Chair and ordinary Trustee members may hold the same post for four consecutive years, (subject to reelection) rising to a maximum of five years for the Chair if no suitable replacement is available. The Treasurer, subject to annual re-election, may continue in office at the discretion of the Trustee Committee. All other officers, subject to annual re-election, may continue in office for ten consecutive years but shall then not be eligible to seek re-election to the same position until twelve months have elapsed.

At July 2025 Chester Little Theatre had 72 (2024: 75) Members and 43 (2024: 48) Supporters.

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

Committee

The current General Committee is made up of:

Chair: Teresa Nunez Treasurer: Marian Lovell Box Office: Jennifer Bazley Artistic Director: Andrew Fox-Hutchings Stage Director: Vacant Marketing Manager: Lexie Fox-Hutchings Membership Secretary: Teresa Nunez

Secretary: Susan Elliott House Manager: Malcolm Gledhill Bar Manager: Raymond Bengree Chief Stage Manager: Patricia Cameron Technical Director: Christopher Evans Wardrobe Supervisor: Peter Russell

General Committee Members: Margaret Bennett, Anthony Wheatcroft, Mark Newman, Jane Barth and Alison Knott

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Marian Lovell Trustees

23 March 2026

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Chester Little Theatre (the charity) for the year ended 31 July 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Caroline Blake FCCA

Xeinadin North West Limited

First Floor, The Foundation Herons Way Chester Business Park Chester Cheshire CH4 9GB 23 March 2026

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Notes £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 8,978 5,023
Charitable activities 4 43,553 55,008
Other trading activities 5 14,722 18,669
Investments 6 1,725 2,278
Total income 68,978 80,978
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 7 6,410 8,644
Charitable activities 8 75,790 67,457
Total expenditure 82,200 76,101
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds (13,222) 4,877
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 August 2024 988,535 983,658
Fund balances at 31 July 2025 975,313 988,535

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 JULY 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Current assets
Stocks
13
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
15
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
16		 2025
£
1,028
10,898
166,838
178,764
(5,062)		 £
801,611
173,702
975,313
975,313
975,313		 2024
£
1,185
13,201
205,299
219,685
(17,136)		 £
785,986
202,549
988,535
988,535
988,535

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 23 March 2026

Marian Lovell Trustees

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Chester Little Theatre is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered with the charity commission in England and Wales. The registered office is The Little Theatre, Gloucester Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 3HR.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

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

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Property Nil
Property improvements 15% reducing balance
Plant and equipment 15% reducing balance
Fixtures and fittings 15% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical judgements

Determining residual values and useful economic lives of plant and equipment

The charity depreciates tangible assets over their estimated useful lives based on historic performance. The actual lives can vary. Judgement is applied also in the residual values of assets. When determining the residual value the trustees aim to assess the amount that the asset would currently obtain if the asset were disposed using market prices where possible.

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Donations and gifts 4,157 1,480
Membership fees 4,821 3,543
8,978 5,023
4 Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Production and running costs
Box office 42,334 53,881
Programmes 624 751
Sundry income 595 376
43,553 55,008
5 Income from other trading activities
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Bar sales 13,471 16,975
Refreshments 1,251 1,694
Other trading activities 14,722 18,669
6 Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Interest receivable 1,725 2,278

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

7 Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Raffle expenses 88 174
Bar purchases 6,197 8,237
Refreshments 125 233
6,410 8,644

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

Production Production
and running and running
costs costs
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Depreciation and impairment 28,261 27,955
Insurance 5,996 5,492
Light, heat & water 5,513 10,208
Telephone 477 475
Post, stationary & admin 245 669
Print & publicity 5,231 3,884
Production expenses 9,855 9,395
Repairs & maintenance 17,299 7,003
Licences 514 204
Sundry expenses 855 700
Independent Examiner's fees 1,544 1,472
75,790 67,457
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 75,790 67,457

9 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
Total - -

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

Remuneration of key management personnel

Key management personnel are not remunerated.

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

12 Tangible fixed assets

12
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 August 2024
Additions
At 31 July 2025
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 August 2024
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 July 2025
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2025
At 31 July 2024
13
Stocks
Finished goods and goods for resale		 Property
Property
improvements
£
£
600,000
322,050
-
42,892
600,000
364,942
-
160,340
-
24,417
-
184,757
600,000
180,185
600,000
161,711		 Plant and
equipment
Fixtures and
fittings
£
£
1,067
41,890
-
995
1,067
42,885
665
18,017
60
3,784
725
21,801
342
21,084
402
23,873
2025
£
1,028		 Total
£
965,007
43,887
1,008,894
179,022
28,261
207,283
801,611
785,986
2024
£
1,185

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

14
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
2
10,896
10,898
2025
£
3,135
1,927
5,062		 2024
£
5,999
7,202
13,201
2024
£
3,325
13,811
17,136

Deferred income represents income received in advance of the forthcoming financial year for performance. All deferred income is expected to be recognised in the 2026 financial year and all deferred income at 31 July 2024 has been recognised in the 2025 financial year.

16 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 August Incoming Resources At 31 July
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £
General funds 988,535 68,978 (82,200) 975,313
Previous year: At 1 August Incoming Resources At 31 July
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 983,658 80,978 (76,101) 988,535

CHESTER LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

17 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
At 31 July 2025:
Tangible assets 801,611
Current assets/(liabilities) 173,702
975,313
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
At 31 July 2024:
Tangible assets 785,986
Current assets/(liabilities) 202,549
988,535

18 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).