## STAMFORD PANTOMIME PLAYERS ANNUAL CHARITY’S REPORT Chairman’s Report Page 2 Trustees Report Page 4 NODA Review of Aladdin Page 5 NODA Review of High School Musical Jr Page 7 Independent Examiner’s Report Page 9-10 Finance Sheets 2023 – 2024 Page 11-15 1 ## **Stamford Pantomime Players** ## **Chairmans Report 2023/24** Firstly, we remember and respect a much loved long term past member of SPP in Mr Paul Burton, there wasn’t a job Paul couldn’t do both on or off the stage. We also remember and hold in our thoughts all our members past and present who are struggling with their health at this time. I would like to thank all the members, the Corn Exchange theatre and all of our extended families for all their support during what has been another outstanding year for SPP. As always when thinking about my report I am immensely proud of what we achieved year on year which attracts many new members to our society. This cannot be done without the help of volunteers and the support of the committee which keeps us moving the society forward. I would like to say a massive congratulations to the society for being nominated for two NODA awards. The NODA awards ceremony was held in Ipswich, where 10 members of the society represented SPP, this year was a wonderful occasion as we won Best Pantomime for our Christmas production of Aladdin. What a massive achievement, especially as it seemed to be one of the toughest Panto’s I can remember. High School Musical Jr was also nominated for Best Youth Production but came up against some stiff opposition and was in the top 3 for our region, so massive congratulations to all involved in both shows. The start of our successful year saw our younger members of the society take on High School Musical Jr, which was directed by Poppy Brewster and Charlotte McAllister. We started off the year with yet another record ticket sales with excellent audience numbers exceeding 600 seats, which continued our improvement for audiences to our summer shows. Congratulations to Poppy and Charlotte for directing their first summer show and for making it another a great success, our society continues to be in great hands with the amount of new talent that comes to be a part of our shows. We presented the Roger Sismey memorial trophy following High School Musical Jr production to Ivy Freeman Hall for her involvement. We now look forward to welcoming the Little Mermaid Jr to the stage for this year’s summer show in 2024, with our directors once again being Poppy Brewster and Charlotte McAllister. Rehearsal are going well and I can already see great potential and some great new people stand up once again to take the lead roles. Auditions are always well attended, and we enjoy a great following from the local community. In our Christmas production of Aladdin 2023/24 we saw Lisa Holmes direct with Kevin Paige co-directing with their choice of Aladdin. And wow, what another massive success it was, with SPP yet again breaking all previous records at the box office, we welcomed audience members from far and wide to watch our fabulous shows. Lisa and Kevin directed with the support of their team; Emily Hales assistant, Jazz Macrorie and Zoe Leeton as Dance choreographers and all the committee and wider helpers. Aladdin was a resounding success being well choreographed by first time choreographers Jazz and Zoe who did a wonderful job. Nicola Sandall our wardrobe member continued to use our range of costumes and they were all well received. My thanks also to Hannah Stewart who joined us this year to help with the music and MD her first show, Hannah’s input was especially exceptional given her circumstances this year. We truly hope she remains a big part of our panto family. Our Christmas pantomime saw merchandise being sold again which added to the enjoyment for our audiences and 2 extra income to support SPP. Thank you to all who helped sell programmes and merchandise. The Christmas Panto of 8 shows saw 3129 tickets sold against last years 3104 a great outcome given the current financial climate. Continuing with thanks, I must thank Sue and Julie who have assisted us for a number of years now with their tireless support doing the refreshments during rehearsals and for show week. They produced hot food and sandwiches which not only keeps us all going but provides much needed financial support for the society I would like to thank them both as they step down from these roles this year – they will be sorely missed. Over the whole year’s shows, we collected a massive £2549.75 for Dementia UK, a charity close to our hearts for sufferers from the society. I look forward to continuing our working relationship with the Corn Exchange Theatre for our future productions in 2024/25 and beyond. Our annual presentation of the Roger Sismey Memorial Cup for Aladdin was presented to Kacey Chen for just being a great support throughout rehearsal and during show week looking after those around her and making sure the younger members were all OK. We continue to present certificates each year to those cast members who shine that little bit extra, and these are always well received by all. Well done to all this year’s winners. We have now introduced a keepsake pin badge which will also be presented to the Roger Sismey Cup winner of each performance. We hosted two After Show parties at Ketton Sports and Community Club which were highly successful evenings with special thanks going to Brendan, Justine, Julie, Sue and Kevin for preparing and cooking the food. As I bring my report to a close, I would personally like to thank the tireless hard work of the committee who have been fully committed to helping the society and all involved in it. We truly are a fantastic family in Stamford Pantomime Players. Malcolm Holmes Chairman Stamford Pantomime Players 3 **Trustees Report to 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Stamford Pantomime Players Charity number 1184171** ## **Public Benefit, Main Activities & Purpose of the Charity** Our activities are to promote the art of Drama for the public benefit by the delivery of development workshops and engagements sessions to produce and present live shows. ## **Application of Income & Property** The income and property of the charity shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects. ## **Trustees** Trustees are required as a result of Stamford Pantomime Players being a Registered Charity. The Trustees are responsible for the general overview, management and compliance of the administration of the Charity status, not the management of the Society and the Committee. ## **The Trustees of the Charity are:** Mr Malcolm Holmes Mrs Justine McGarrity Mr Brendan McGarrity ## **Independent Examiner** Mr Andrew Constable Having considered the operation of the Charity, it is the opinion of the Trustees that the Charity is being properly administered and that the audited accounts are in order. Stamford Pantomime Players remains strongly supported by its members and was nominated and awarded ‘Best Pantomime’ in our region for Aladdin 2023/2024 and nominated for ‘Best Youth Production’ for High School Musical Jr in 2023 by NODA. The Trustees remain mindful of the increasing cost of productions and associated cost of living challenges which may in turn impact future revenue, in addition to having other Musical Theatre Companies in the district vying for the public’s attention at the theatre. The Trustees ask the Committee to consider this when choosing shows and to perhaps look at alternative ways of increasing Charity revenue over the next year for example, through social events and other alternative activities. We, as Trustees, would like to recognise the significant commitment and continued hard work of the Committee, President and Vice Presidents over the last year and would like to thank all those who have been involved in ensuring that Stamford Pantomime Players has met its charitable aims. Malcolm Holmes Chairman and Trustee Justine McGarrity Treasurer and Trustee Brendan McGarrity Vice Chairman and Trustee 4 ## **NODA REVIEW** |Production|: Aladdin| |---|---| |Society|: Stamford Pantomime Players| |Director|: Lisa Holmes and Kevin Paige| |Musical Director|: Hannah Stewart| |Choreographer|: Jazz Macrorie and Zoe Leeton| |Date|: 30thDecember 2023| |Venue|: Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre| This pantomime had a capacity audience, loud and expectant, they were not to be disappointed, and great to see so many children in the audience. Pantomime is often the first experience of the theatre for children, whether in the audience or in the cast, a good Panto captures them for life and this show was going to do that from the start. The opening with Abanazar asking for information made good use of a gauze and with good lighting design was very imaginative and gave us a foretaste of what was to come set wise and lighting. Although the cloths were hired in, they were appropriate for each scene and there were some great props especially the mangle and the tumble dryer and I loved Widow Twankey’s entrance on a hoverboard. Also, the clever use of representing the colours of precious stones in the colours of the dancer’s costumes (Emerald Green, Sapphire Blue, Ruby Red etc.) in the Magic Cave. The lighting throughout was colourful and well designed with a well-lit stage and sound was generally good, dialogue throughout was good and clear. As always, as the show comes towards the end of its run, lines tend to swap around between characters but this only adds to the fun for the audience. Another great treat is to await the appearance of the Dame in all her various costumes and these were really great. The costumes for all throughout the show looked really good, colourful and well fitted. A thankyou to the stage crew member who had the task of crawling around pushing the flying carpet which looked really impressive. The Principals were all well cast and gave great performances. Justine McGarrity as Abanazar was suitably booed and hissed and carried off the role well, I do hope the voice survives to the end of the run, leading a great opening number ‘Highway to Hell’, Poppy Brewster was a good Aladdin and worked well with Jessie Auciello’s Princess Jasmine giving us some sweet duets ‘Love at First Sight’ ‘I’ll be There’ and then with Emily Hales’ Slave of the Ring singing ‘A Whole New World’. We had a delightfully blue Charlotte McAllister as the Genie of the Lamp who together with the Adult Chorus and Senior Dancers gave a great ‘You’re Welcome’. We had the inevitable pair of dim-witted characters, PC Ping and PC Pong, respectively Hannah Collins and Nieve Dawson who we first met haplessly trying to clear the streets, they worked well together throughout the show. Princess Jasmine always has to have a father trying to find the best suitor for her and here we had Andrew Downing as the Emperor of China trying his best to dissuade her from falling for Aladdin but failing despite giving us an imperial performance. Despite the show being all about Aladdin, we’ve all really come to see and laugh at Wishee Washee and his mother Widow Twankee, here we were not disappointed by respectively Niall McGarrity and Bobby Herman. These two were a great double act, energetic and loud, not only in costume but in encouraging the audience. Bobby gave us a great Dame with a good stage presence, strutting his 5 various costumes around the stage. Niall gets more comfortable each time he appears in Panto, so confident and a good voice, this time he was trying to outdo the Dame costume wise, the two of them together with Aladdin gave an entertaining ‘Sand Dance’. The choreography throughout the show was well designed and gave some new ideas, the three different dance groups all gave good performances, the Junior dancers were drilled as well as that age group could be. I enjoyed the senior dancers Swan Lake’s Pas de Trois. Together with the Adult Chorus this was a good company show, entertaining and fun. Even with the large cast the stage never looked crowded, everyone performed in time and gave good vocals. For director Lisa and team, you should be pleased with this show and thanks to all who worked backstage and front of house. NODA owns the intellectual Property Rights to the content of all show reports written by NODA Councilors, Reps and Assistant Reps. ## Lesley Judd Region 4N Rep Eastern Area NODA 6 ## **NODA REVIEW** Production : High School Musical Jr Society : Stamford Pantomime Players Directors : Charlotte McAllister, Poppy Brewster assisted by Emily Hales Date : 9[th] July 2023 I said to myself as I walked through a busy town towards the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre that I must remember that the carparks are free of charge in town on a Sunday! Another hot day in town, I was glad that I was sat lower down this steeply raked auditorium, I remembered my physics that hot air rises, but I’m not sure that applied to the stage, it looked all hot. The lights dimmed, the audience quietened, and the curtains opened to a full stage. Yes, it was a full stage, a very large cast list, but strangely even when the whole company was on stage it never looked crowded. Making good use of the raised platform at the rear of the stage and the stairs meant that spacing was always good although there was one sequence with the Cheerleaders with some quite acrobatic moves (Breaking Free) where there was a bit of masking and from where I was sat I couldn’t clearly see some of the moves, the only other comment re staging was that particularly in the final scene with the Braniacs and the Jocks spread right across the stage those extreme stage left and extreme stage right were not well lit. Apart from a few technical issues with Troy’s mic in the first half, sound was generally good although a bit of the dialogue spoken by those not mic’d up would have been difficult to hear from the rear of the auditorium. These were only minor gripes amongst what was a fast paced and well performed show. I imagine that the really good singing was down to Cassie drilling the youngsters with their songs, and I don’t mean just the principals, the company singing with so many youngsters was really good, nice and clear and everyone singing in unison. The Choreography too was well drilled, to have all the youngsters in step and in time together deserves much credit and made for a well drilled and performed show. Of course, there may always be one or two out of step, but if there were I didn’t notice them and some of the younger children showed great enthusiasm. The principals were all well cast, I was most impressed with some of the minor principals and enjoyed the performances of Otto Forkin as Jack Scott, Barney Cooper as Coach Bolton and Isla Joyce as Kelsi the pianist, good characterisation, they made these roles their own. I was not disappointed with the performances of Niall McGarrity as Troy, as good as always, and Carmen Baum as Gabriella, these two worked well together and had the right chemistry for teenage sweet hearts with great singing and performances, clear dialogue and clearly held the stage when together. Ivy Freeman Hall gave a great characterisation of the egocentric Sharpay and clearly revelled in her role with great stage presence and singing. These three were competently supported by members of their ‘gangs’ – Jorja Long as Sharpay’s brother Ryan, these two were a great double act defining the sibling’s different characters. Jess Godding gave a good portrayal of Ms. Darbus the School’s drama teacher. The other principal roles were well performed by Jazz Macrorie, Samantha Cash, Millie Jackson and Eliza Short. 7 This was a well performed production which the directors should be proud of, a large company, well costumed, straightforward set and slick scene changes gave a professional performance to a receptive audience ## Lesley Judd Region 4N Rep Eastern Area NODA 8 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Soctltsn A Ind•pondent Examlner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of On account$ for tha year ended Charlty no Ilf any) Set out on pages report tD the Iruslees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I'the Trust } for the year ended 29 0 Z 204. Re$ponsibilitie$ and As the charity trustees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparation ba$ls of report of the a￿OLInIS in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 1.the Act°i- 5 report in respect ol my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under sè¢tion 145 01 the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examinatlDn, I havè followed the applicable Dire¢tions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. I have completed my Èxamination. I confirm that no material matters have comè lo my attention lother than that disclosed below") in connection wlh the examination which gives me cause lo believe that in, any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examiner's statement have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper u ta ding of the accounts to b& rèachèd. Ple e words in the b￿CketS if they do not 8ppIy. Slgned: Data: IL Name: Relevant professlonal quallflcatlonlsl or body Ilf any): Address.. IER October 2018 Sèctlon B Disc105ure Only complele il the examiner needs lo highlight matters ol concern (see CC32, Indopendenl examSnallon of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Glve here brlèf d•talls of any items that the examiner wlshes to disclose. IER October 2018 Stamlord Pantomime Players. Income & Expenses of Accounts from 1 March 2023 - 29 February 2024 rting Balance £63,479.28 EXPENSES INCOME Inleresl £256.68 Auditor Gifts 202212023 Bamack EON Elec Bamack Insurance NODA Subs Lloyd & White Ins Refreshment Expenses SKDC Lottery Licence sumup Charges Wardrobe Hire Website uniform￿-Shirt Purchases BJS Newsletters Printing Printer Ink Treasurer Xmas Tree in Church PCC Bus Rates NODA Vehicle Fuel ID Card Wallets HSM Expenditure Panto Expenditure Meeting Room Hire Return of Receipt errors Rice Cooker Stamford Rugby Club New Mics Tubs for new Mics Enamel Badges Cttee Refreshments MD Flowers Card Summer Show 24 Rights Plasters £100.00 £306.56 £96.76 £230.00 £1,112.26 £2,483.03 £20.00 £30.39 £1,800.00 £266.27 £942.02 £86.00 £57.02 £21.00 £437.92 £37.51 £10.99 £6,735.98 £23,365.69 £228.00 £179.00 £153.99 £200.00 £15,868.80 £23.88 £251.99 £169.85 £26.75 £735.00 £3.11 Membership Hire of Mics £2,975.00 £140.00 Relreshmenls & Misc Income £3,313.13 Uniform Income £1,325.50 nto Income £37,287.37 HSM Income £6,680.47 Receipts in Emr £179.00 Total Income £52,357.15 Total Expenses £55,979.77 SPP Total ProfitlLo88 -£3,622.62 TOTAL REMAINING YEAR END £59,856.66 202312024 Pantomlme- Aladdln Accounts INCOME Sale of Tickets bt CETC Box Office Fees EXPENSES NODA Script Floyalli&s Rugby Club Hire Scenery Show Advertising MD Programme Printing Band Costumes Bam Hlll Flead Thro. & Audllion Barn Hill Rehearsal Rms Theatre Hire PRS (Perfoiming ￿19b￿ Socigty) Confetti Canon Theatrical Pyros elc Props Merchandise Novelties Audien￿ Partlcipation Sweets Batteries Barker Signs Banner Road SignslPosterslPull-up FIDwer51GillslStorage Gift Lighting Designer Xmas Tree Pics Song Bookslscripts Audition Printing Letterslstamps Niall Cut OUVS Book elc Posters Bar Tab £37,759.00 £2,643.13 £712.40 £300.00 £5,705.66 £951.60 £750.00 £950.00 £300.00 £2,059.28 £113.75 £1,100.00 £5,017.70 £377.59 £190.20 £857.58 £485.46 £964.95 £79.36 £76.97 £500.00 £138.00 £250.03 £500.00 £6.00 £114.00 £199.00 £147.66 £122.00 £227.00 £13.00 £52.00 £57.00 £15.00 £2.50 £30.00 Ticket Sales less B-O Fees £35,115.87 Programmes Sold1249} Adverts Invoiced x11 (£7151 Total re￿1v￿d to date Merchandise Salès (Card & Cashl £622.50 £715.00 £834.00 Printed Lis15, C6rts & TY Cards Newsletters Aftershow Printing Ghost Music Chows HIOS & Golden Tick81 Total Income E37.287.37 Total Expon5eg £23,365.69 Aladdin Profit 2023124 Cinderella Profit 2022123 Jack & The Beanstalk Prolit 2021122 Dick Whittington Profit 2019120 Sleeping Beauty Profit 2018119 Beauty & The Beasl Proflt 2017118 Snow White Profit 2016117 £13,921.68 £13.750.69 £2,941.10 £3,934.93 £3,186.64 £4,432.00 £6,615.83 2023 12024 Sumrner Show- Hlgh School Mu8ic•S Accountg INCOME Sale of Tickets by CETC (731 @£9) Less Box Office Fees EXPENSES £6,471.00 £517.68 Scenery Programme Printing Costumes Rehearsal Room- Bamhill Theatre Hir8 HSM Props HSM Rights Performing Royalties HSM Signage HSM Postels Ajshow Party Tickets HSM Song Words & Scripts HSM Audition Forms HSM Audition Pieces HSM Various Director's FlowerslGifts HSM Various Printing £917.55 £233.00 £605.87 £888.00 £1,956.48 £47.57 £5,953.32 Programmes Sold {147 @£2) Adverts Invoiced17@ £200} £294.00 £200.00 £84.00 £349.15 £735.00 l￿G￿￿d￿22Q¥ £1,143.04 £108.00 £222.00 £21.00 £203.00 £25.00 £30.00 £56.74 £104.73 £174.ao HSM DVD income Tombola Income- Morrisons Total Income £6,880.47 Total Expenses £7,470. Less £735 paid in ptewious year £6,735.98 HSM 2023 Annie Loss 2022 Through the Decade8 2021 Loss Treasure Island Loss 2019 Plnocchio Loss 2018 Joseph Loss 2017 Dracula Spectacular Loss 2016 Bugsy Malone £144.49 -£2237.02 333.90 -£2,017.62 -£489.37 -£2.077.33 -£3,360.57 -£1,844,27 2023 12024 Refreshments Accounts & Funclions Income REFRESHMENTS Ex enses REFRESHMENTS Total sale ol sweets, food, lea coll8e, durin rehearsals and show week £2,192.13 Total BookerlH BazBar sweets & relreshmenls urchased & show food £604.70 £1,587.43 Total Profit Income Miscellaneous Expenses Mis¢ellaneous Quiz Entry Charge £118.00 Quiz Nibbles £39.50 £0.00 Total Profit £78.50 ncome ERSHOW PARTY & RAFFLES Expense$ A￿ERSHow PARTY After Show Ticket Sales- HSM Aftershow Raffle - HSM Aftershow Ticket Sales- Aladdin Aftershow Raffl8 - Aladdin £318.00 Allershow Food HSM £132.00 Aftershow Dis¢o- HSM £363.00 Attershow Hire Charge - HSM £190.00 Aftershow Food- Aladdin Aftershow Disco- Aladdin 246.55 £100.00 £250.00 £159.55 £100.00 £1,003.00 £856.10 Total Prolit £146.90 Grand total ol Income £3,313.13 Grand total of Expenses £2,483.03 Total profit for the year = £830.10 2023 12024 Miscellaneous Accounts (Clolhing & Charity) In¢ome T-SHIRTS Expenses T-SHIRTS Sale of T-shirts to C8St £1,325.50 Purchase of cast & cornmittee T-shirts £942.02 PROFIT= £383.48 Income CHARITY FUND RAISING Ex enses CHARITY DONATIONS Charity Collection @ RBL event Charity Collection @ HSM Charity Collection @ Aladdin £52.00 £514.61 £1,982.64 Dementia UK Charty Donation Stamford Augby Club Donation £2,549.25 £200.00 Total Collected £2,549.25 E2,749.25 Difference £200.00