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2024-08-31-accounts

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees/ ' ' ·" ' •,,,,.,, I On accounts for the year 31[st ] August 2024 Charity no 1182798 ended (if any) PROGRESS THEATRE members of

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 31/08 /2024.

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understa�ding of the accounts to be reached.

' .

Signed: L .::__---'>4 = -----' Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): ' -- -------- ----------' Address:

IER

October 2018

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Section B

Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose.

October 2018

IER

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PROGRESS THEATRE ACCOUNTS PROGRESS THEATRE ACCOUNTS Page 1
~~For theperiod 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024~~
**01.09.23- ** 31.08.24 _01.09.22- _ 31.08.23
Nom Ledgr £ £ £ £
RECEIPTS
Charitable activities
Seat sales Box Office(Cash) 4302 1,259.00 1,519.83
(Card) 4304 3,514.32 4,017.68
(Online) 4305 99,035.41 68,365.67
Seasonspasses 4303 410.00 104,218.73 1,903.00 75,806.18
Fees charged Adult workshops 4403 - -
Youth Theatre fees 4406 11,928.00 11,928.00 12,779.00 12,779.00
Front of House Bar & confectionery (Sales) 4201 21,487.61 16,310.45
Tea & coffee(net) 4202 523.13 427.11
Ice cream(net) 4203 1,417.72 547.99
Programmes(net) 4204 1,736.14 515.08
Merchandising (net) 4205 444.00 25,608.60 200.00 18,000.63
Hiring charges Costumes 4101 130.00 175.00
Props 4900 - -
Equipment inc chairs 4102 - -
Jazz at Progress 4909 2,091.73 2,358.16
Premises 4103 2,080.00 4,301.73 60.00 2,593.16
Donations & Legacies
Membership subscriptions
Members		 4401 5,180.00 4,502.50
Friends 4402 80.00 5,260.00
 110.00 4,612.50
Donations Donations 4902 6,994.72 6,544.31
Fund Raising 4904 - 25.11
Legacies 4911 5,000.00 11,994.72 5,000.00 11,569.42
Other Grants 4903 2,000.00 2,000.00
Sponsorship 4905 - -
Gift Aid 4906 4,062.02 6,062.02 - 2,000.00
Investments
Bank interest 4901 2,463.66 2,463.66 1,172.24 1,172.24
Other trading activities
Advertising 4000 95.00 -
Commission & Referral 4910 30.29 166.23
Art sales commission 4907 284.80 267.40
Equipment sales 4908 - 410.09 - 433.63
Total Receipts 172,247.55 128,966.76
PAYMENTS
Productions
Audition notices 7601 - -
Royalties 7602 5,660.00 4,210.80
Scripts 7603 598.36 754.28
Rehearsal space 7604 3,448.73 2,975.08
Costumes,wigs & make-up 7605 952.96 2,756.33
Equipment & special effects 7606 - -
Furniture &props 7607 1,625.17 2,760.47
Lighting& sound 7608 - -
Set buildingmaterials &paint 7609 2,154.65 2,595.38
Special expertise 7610 3,805.00 -
Cast & crew food 7611 - 18,244.87 - 16,052.34
Front of House
Bar & confectionery (Purchases) 7007 9,457.40 9,457.40 7,766.93 7,766.93
Other
PPCproductionplanning 7701 - -
Special Projects 7801 - -
Training 8041 - 0.00 - -
c/fwd 27,702.27 23,819.27

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Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Page 2
**01.09.23- ** 31.08.24 _01.09.22- _ 31.08.23
Payments contd. Nom Ledgr £ £ £ £
B/fwd 27,702.27 23,819.27
Maintenance
Buildings
Inspections & surveys 7501 - -
Maintenance,repairs & wages 7502 391.46 678.50
Improvements 7505 3,537.56 3,456.71
Planningfees & expenses 7503 - 3,929.02 - 4,135.21
Cleaning
Wages 7521 3,545.69 2,761.87
Janitorial supplies 7522 178.69 150.27
Rubbish disposal 7523 1,104.22 999.43
General expenses 7524 13.50 4,842.10 - 3,911.57
Tools & equip Purchase,repair & hire 7531 220.75 220.75 219.98 219.98
Fire
Maintenance & testing 7541 204.00 204.00
Repairs & replacements 7542 78.24 282.24 414.19 618.19
Insurance
Open Air Shakespeare 7551 224.00 -
Theatre includingOpen Air 7552 4,595.55 4,819.55 4,567.41 4,567.41
Kitchen
Equip.purchase & repair 7561 - 26.98
Consumables - not F o H 7562 71.69 71.69 4.50 31.48
Security
Maintenance & call-outs 7571 1,350.17 1,275.00
Telephone monitoring 7572 396.00 396.00
Repairs & replacements 7573 - 1,746.17 - 1,671.00
Storage Calcot Court 7581 687.50 687.50 500.00 500.00
Utilities
Electricity 7591 4,070.54 2,517.04
Gas 7592 2,273.76 4,773.71
Water 7593 341.18 248.95
Telephone & Internet 7594 1,046.08 902.42
Non-domestic rates 7595 99.80 7,831.36 102.40 8,544.52
Maintenance sub-total 24,430.38 24,199.36
Venue costs - Open Air 6000 27,779.93 27,779.93 28,146.84 28,146.84
Associations
LTG & NODA subscriptions 6031 315.00 300.00
Conference & delegate fees 6032 - 55.40
Publications etc. 6033 135.00 450.00
 135.00 490.40
Front of House
Box office costs 7004 89.60 -
Displays 7005 180.13 189.50
Clothingand other expenses 7006 - 269.73 - 189.50
Licensing
Bar & theatre 7101 245.00 376.00
PerformingRight Society 7102 442.63 228.73
Phonographic Performance 7103 315.54 1,003.17 284.02 888.75
Lighting & sound
Maintenance & repairs 7151 - 17.81
Equipmentpurchase 7152 183.58 183.58 371.21 389.02
Marketing
Mail-outs & show advertising 7201 1,702.54 2,107.95
General season'spublicity 7202 - -
Flyers &posters,design &print 7203 1,178.20 2,095.37
Banners,displays & T shirts 7204 915.63 1,186.45
Leaflet distribution 7205 417.60 360.00
Web site costs 7206 - -
Other marketinginc Library 7207 951.90 5,165.87 1,609.43 7,359.20
Employment
Wages(PAYE) 7520 8,770.00 4,790.00
Employment overheads 7504 480.00 9,250.00 360.28 5,150.28
c/fwd 96,234.93 90,632.62

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Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Progress Theatre accounts(1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024) Page 3
**01.09.23- ** 31.08.24 _01.09.22- _ 31.08.23
Payments contd. Nom Ledgr £ £ £ £
B/fwd 96,234.93 90,632.62
Membership
Curtain Up& Newsletters 7301 - -
General expenses 7303 14.00 14.00 - -
Office costs
Web site expenditure 7306 - -
Loan interest 7350 2,024.69 2,592.51
Bank charges & interest 7351 641.59 493.64
Gifts & donations 7352 - -
Equipmentpurchase & repair 7353 1,200.15 362.96
Computer supplies & software 7354 - -
Postage & carriage 7355 - 13.57
-
Travel,mileage &parking 7356 174.50 249.71
Stationery 7357 38.24 9.24
Legal fees 7358 - -
General expenses 7359 35.00 109.60
Computer software & subs 7360 1,423.06 1,385.24
Hire ofpremises(not rehearsals) 7613 119.00 5,656.23 222.59 5,411.92
Progress Youth Theatre
Leaders & assistants fees 8061 19,286.26 17,405.70
Incidental expenses 8063 - 19,286.26 243.74 17,649.44
Wardrobe
Costumes(non-specific) 8051 50.00 9.99
Drycleaningand washing 8052 - -
General expenses 8053 303.30 79.90
Facilities improvement 8054 - 353.30 - 89.89
Accounting Written-off 8100 - - - -
Total Payments 121,544.72 113,783.87
Excess of receipts overpayments 50,702.83 15,182.89
BALANCE SHEET @ 31st August 2024
BANK **01.09.23- ** 31.08.24 _01.09.22- _ 31.08.23
CAF Bank Current a/c 16,012.87 29,314.90
CAF Bank Deposit a/c 41,008.34 10,086.74
BigIssue Loan 0.00 37,128.51
Cambs. & Counties Bank 120 daynotice 33,415.32 40,472.41
Monmouthshire BuildingSoc Deposit 11,326.60 11,060.43
Paypal account 431.00 -
CURRENT ASSETS
PettyCash in bar and box office 477.83 512.36
Bar stock at cost 1,171.61 1,003.77
LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable 3,527.46 4,204.97
DEBTORS
Accounts Receivable 1,503.85 -
105,347.42 3,527.46 92,450.61 41,333.48
NET ASSETS £101,819.96 +£50,702.83 £51,117.13
BANK RECONCILIATION SUMMARY
31/08/2024 CAF Bankcurrenta/c £16,012.87
Plus Outstanding Payments none £0.00
TotalOutstandingPayments £0.00
Less Outstanding Receipts none £0.00
TotalOutstandingPayments £0.00
31/08/2024 Statement Balance £16,012.87
EQUITY **01.09.23- ** 31.08.24 _01.09.22- _ 31.08.23
Current Year Earnings £50,702.83 +£35,519.94 £15,182.89
Retained Earnings £51,117.13 £35,934.24
TOTAL £101,819.96 +£50,702.83 £51,117.13
Carole Brown & Tony Wernham March 2025

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Progress Theatre Annual Report: 2023/24

The 2023/24 season has been a year of development, reflection, and growth at Progress Theatre. It has brought with it considerable learning, a number of strategic decisions, and a continued commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.

Artistic Programme

The in-house season opened with The Effect , followed by the 17th edition of WriteFest , which continued to showcase new writing with imagination and flair. Blood Wedding overcame directorial challenges through the dedication of the extended Progress Youth Theatre (PYT) community, resulting in a powerful final production.

Hogfather marked a return to the Discworld universe and was followed by Albion , set in a beautifully designed English garden. The immersive and interactive The Last Quiz Night on Earth introduced a new audience to Progress and was both humorous and heartfelt. Under Milk Wood followed, and was the theatre’s most accessible production to date, incorporating integrated BSL, performers of all abilities, and creative use of projection and audio. The season continued with Moles and Dirt , two original works staged as part of Progress Premieres , before closing with the annual PYT Presents... showcase and a large-scale outdoor production of The Importance of Being Earnest in the Abbey Ruins, which welcomed record audiences.

The 2023/24 season also saw the regular embedding of relaxed performances and “Come As You Are” nights into the theatre’s programme, continuing its commitment to accessibility and inclusive practice.

Youth and Community Engagement

Progress Youth Theatre continued to thrive, offering high-quality creative and performance opportunities for young people. Many current and former PYT members are now integrated into the theatre’s wider activity, reinforcing the value of Progress as a pipeline for developing the next generation of theatre makers.

The Open Progress initiative was launched this year, supported by grants from the John Sykes Foundation and Berkshire Community Foundation. This scheme enables individuals facing financial hardship to access free memberships and tickets, furthering the theatre’s mission to remove barriers to participation.

New Initiatives and Partnerships

This year marked the pilot of Comedy in Progress , which achieved an average 85% capacity and has now been confirmed for a second season. The theatre continued its partnership with Jazz in Reading and expanded its external hires, hosting events including the Whiteknights Studio Trail and Fourbears Fest, in partnership with Fourbears Books. These hires align with Progress’ strategic goal of building sustainable partnerships with shared values.

Capital and Maintenance Projects

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The final phase of the capital improvement project was completed this year, including new planters and external landscaping. Additionally, Progress has ring-fenced budget for annual maintenance and infrastructure purchases. A formal summer maintenance period has been introduced to ensure regular, strategic upkeep of the building and equipment. Planning is already underway for improvements in both the theatre building and the technical rig.

Governance and Management

This year saw a number of new appointments to the Management Committee, and strong collaboration across the team. Strategic decisions included the introduction of formal risk assessments and updated policy processes, the ring-fencing of maintenance funds, and the decision to pause open-air programming in 2024/25, with the intention to return in 2025/26 subject to robust planning and capacity assessments.

The organisation has also begun reviewing its membership structure, programming processes, and training offer for members. These will be developed further in the coming year.

Volunteers and Acknowledgements

Progress Theatre continues to be powered by the commitment of its volunteers. Across artistic programming, technical operation, youth theatre, front of house, bar, marketing, maintenance, safeguarding, governance, and countless unseen roles, the contribution of individual members has been critical to the theatre’s success. Special thanks are due to the Management Committee, Trustees, and all volunteers who have supported the theatre this year.

Looking Ahead

As Progress Theatre approaches its 80th anniversary in 2026/27, the organisation is committed to ensuring its continued sustainability and relevance. The past year has been spent understanding the theatre’s current position and preparing for future growth. Upcoming priorities include:

With the pandemic now largely behind us, Progress Theatre is embracing a forward-looking approach that honours its past while planning for a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future.

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