2023-12-31-accounts

THE BOATY THEATRE COMPANY

ANNUAL REPORTED AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING NOVEMBER 2023

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1185724

THE BOATY THEATRE COMPANY

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Ms J Hamlet Ms E Devaney Ms C Graves Mr E Barton Ms L Barton Ms C H I Pedley Ms A Berwick

(Appointed 9 October 2020) (Appointed 9 October 2019) (Appointed 9 October 2020) (Appointed 1 July 2020) (Appointed 1 October 2020) (Appointed 9 October 2019) (Appointed 9 September 2022)

Charity number Principal address

1185724

℅ Chalice Media Studios 8 Cambridge Road Ellesmere Port Cheshire CH65 4AG

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REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1185724

THE BOATY THEATRE COMPANY

CONTENTS

	PAGE
Trustees’ Report	4
Aims and Objectives	5
Achievement & Performance	6
Community Impact & Beneft	7
Structure & Governance	7
Financial Review	8-9

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REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1185724

Trustees’ Report

The past year has been one of both significant achievements and profound challenges for The Boaty Theatre Company. While we celebrated exceptional accomplishments and recognition for our community impact, the unexpected loss of our venue, The Boat Shed, presented us with substantial obstacles, fundamentally reshaping our operations and services. The trustees are proud of the resilience shown by our Artistic Director, Creative Director, staff, and volunteers, whose dedication has allowed us to maintain our mission in difficult circumstances.

The Boaty Theatre Company has been a vibrant part of Ellesmere Port’s community for over a decade, fostering creative engagement and inclusivity. The Boat Shed, which served as our creative hub, was not only a rehearsal and performance space but also a central point for community connection, mental well-being, and artistic expression. Its closure in April 2023 left a significant gap, affecting both our company and the wider community. Trustees and staff alike have worked tirelessly since then to find a new permanent home, a mission that remains a top priority as we move forward.

This year, our company also celebrated remarkable achievements that underscore the quality and impact of our work. Both our Artistic Director, Laura Newton-Harris, and Creative Director, Terasa Newton Harris, were awarded British Empire Medals in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2023. Their recognition reflects our commitment to making theatre accessible, inspiring, and community-centred. Additionally, our youth theatre group was selected to perform Innocent Creatures by Leo Butler on the National Theatre’s prestigious Dorfman stage, a rare honour and testament to the dedication of our young participants, many of whom had limited prior travel experiences.

Despite our venue challenges, we continued to provide free weekly activities, particularly for young people from deprived backgrounds, thanks to innovative fundraising and the commitment of our team. Moving many of our community sessions to Bridge Wellness Gardens ensured continuity, though the limitations of the space have emphasised the necessity of a more permanent and accessible location in the heart of Ellesmere Port.

Looking ahead, the trustees remain focused on securing a sustainable venue and expanding our services to meet community needs. Despite our setbacks, this past year's achievements reinforce the resilience and dedication that define The Boaty Theatre Company. We are committed to rebuilding, reimagining our future, and ensuring that theatre and creative arts remain accessible to all.

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REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1185724

Aims and Objectives

The Boaty Theatre Company is driven by a mission to enhance community well-being, foster creative expression, and make theatre and the performing arts accessible to all. Our person-centred approach ensures that participants of all ages and backgrounds feel welcome, supported, and engaged. Our core aims include:

• Accessibility and Inclusion

• We believe that financial barriers should not prevent anyone from participating in the arts. To this end, we offer our youth theatre and community programs at no cost, making the transformative power of theatre available to young people from deprived backgrounds and underserved communities. By ensuring that no one is excluded due to their financial circumstances, we create a space where creativity, self-expression, and personal growth can flourish.

• Community Connection and Well-being

• Our programs are designed to foster a sense of belonging and community within Ellesmere Port. Whether through creative workshops, rehearsals, or social dropins, The Boaty Theatre Company creates environments where individuals feel safe, seen, and supported. We emphasise the importance of mental well-being, offering safe spaces that promote positive social interaction, creative exploration, and personal resilience.

• Youth Development and Empowerment

The Boaty Theatre Company is dedicated to inspiring and supporting young people to reach their full potential through theatre. Our youth theatre program develops confidence, communication skills, and teamwork, equipping participants with lifelong skills. By involving young people in various aspects of theatre—from performance to production and fundraising—we provide them with leadership opportunities and a sense of ownership in their creative journey.

• Artistic Excellence and Innovation

• Committed to delivering high-quality theatre, we ensure our productions, workshops, and classes are led by skilled professionals who uphold our standards of creativity and artistry. Our partnerships with leading institutions, such as the National Theatre, underscore our dedication to providing exceptional learning experiences and inspiring the next generation of theatre-makers.

• Sustainable Growth and Community Impact

• We are dedicated to sustainable practices that allow The Boaty Theatre Company to grow responsibly while continuing to serve our community effectively. Through strategic planning, responsible financial management, and active fundraising, we seek to create a long-term impact, maintaining our role as a cultural cornerstone within Ellesmere Port.

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REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1185724

These core aims guide our decisions, inspire our actions, and define our vision for a community where theatre and the arts are accessible, transformative, and central to public life.

Achievements and Performance

• Recognition of Leadership

• This year, our Artistic Director, Laura Newton-Harris, and Creative Director, Terasa Newton-Harris, were honoured with British Empire Medals in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2023 for their unwavering dedication to Ellesmere Port. They were also invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party, a reflection of their commitment to community impact.

• Expansion and National Recognition in Youth Theatre

• Despite significant challenges, our youth theatre continued to grow and thrive. In a monumental achievement, our young theatre makers were selected to perform Innocent Creatures by Leo Butler on the Dorfman stage at the National Theatre on the Southbank. For some participants, this was their first time travelling beyond Cheshire, making the experience transformative.

The National Theatre recognised The Boaty Theatre Company as a leader in youth theatre delivery, praising Laura Harris for her leadership and continuous support of young people. We remain committed to providing these opportunities free of charge to ensure inclusivity for all, particularly for young people from deprived backgrounds. Fundraising efforts led by our enthusiastic youth participants help us maintain this accessibility.

• Limited Productions Due to Venue Loss

The closure of The Boat Shed, our community hub and rehearsal space, posed significant challenges. Nevertheless, we successfully staged several productions:

• Innocent Creatures was performed as part of the NT Connections Festival at The Boat Shed, Lyceum Theatre, and the National Theatre’s Dorfman stage.

• Macbeth , a contemporary adaptation, toured across open-air stages in the Northwest and Stratford-Upon-Avon at the invitation of the Royal Shakespeare Company. We also performed at Bridge Wellness Gardens in Ellesmere Port, strengthening our connection to the local community.

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REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1185724

Community Impact and Public Benefit

The loss of The Boat Shed has deeply affected not only The Boaty Theatre Company but the wider Ellesmere Port community. The venue served as a safe, inclusive space, offering creative and social engagement, supporting mental well-being, and providing a retreat for many community members. The trustees and artistic team have been working around the clock to secure a new building to restore this vital resource.

We continue to prioritise accessible, inclusive programs, welcoming participants regardless of ability, background, or financial situation. Our weekly offerings, such as the Boaty Youth Theatre, ensure that no young person is turned away due to cost, fostering a sense of belonging and creative freedom. Our community’s response to these programs demonstrates the profound need for safe, engaging spaces in Ellesmere Port.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation whose only voting members are its charity Trustees (“foundation” model). It was incorporated as a CIO in October 2019.

Signed ........................................

Ms A Berwick

Chair of Trustees

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REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1185724

Financial Review

The Boaty Theatre Company faced a financially challenging year following the closure of our community hub, The Boat Shed, in April 2023. The loss of this venue significantly impacted both our revenue and operational flexibility. With no income from external venue hires and the need to incur additional costs for alternate rehearsal and

performance spaces, we experienced reduced income alongside increased expenses.

Financial Highlights for 2022-2023

• Income Limitations

With The Boat Shed no longer available, we lost a primary source of income from venue hires, while also missing out on the opportunities to host our regular events and productions that had become reliable revenue streams. Ticket sales were lower than in previous years, reflecting the limited number of productions we were able to stage, primarily due to reduced rehearsal space access.

• Increased Outgoings

Without a permanent base, our expenses increased notably. Venue hire costs for external spaces were a necessary investment to maintain our activities. Although we were relieved from the regular rent for The Boat Shed, securing suitable spaces in alternative locations led to inconsistent access and additional expenses, especially impacting the frequency and quality of our community activities.

• Community Activity Costs

We prioritised continuing our community programs and relocating many activities to Bridge Wellness Gardens. However, the limited availability and less central location of this venue required additional travel and logistical arrangements, slightly increasing our costs to maintain community engagement.

• Reserve Policy and Future Focus

• Despite these challenges, we upheld our reserve policy, maintaining a cash balance sufficient to cover three to six months of operations. This reserve strategy has proven essential for continuity amid funding gaps. Moving forward, we will focus on identifying sustainable funding sources and partnerships to rebuild and expand our offerings in a new permanent location, restoring the central role we played in Ellesmere Port’s cultural and social fabric.

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REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1185724

							The Boaty Theatre Company CIO
								Charity Number: 11	85724
	Date Period: 2022/2023		November	December	January		February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October
	Operating Cash - Beginning		64674.63	61053.5	61307.55		43645.8	40904.26	24722.38	23201.62	18239.44	16947	14881.3	10704.9	9489.53
	Cash Brough Forward
	Bar Sales		46.27				23.99				106.58	15.10	258.24
	Cash Sales
	Ticket Sales		1027.45					131.18	90.60	30.20	240.00	362.00	226.17	108.83	123.00
	Standalone Classes/Workshops												22.29
	Donations		22.00	637.23				5.00	5.00	13.46	680.77	26	55.00	75.98
	Grants
	Restricted Funds
	Group/Class Payments		37.00	37.00	37.00		37.00	37.00	37.00	37.00	37.00	37.00	57.00	57.00	57.00
	Hire		40.00	1240.00					458.60	121	168	120	150	174.00
	Refunded payments				45.15					8.40	9.33
	Marketing/PR		123.97
	Othe	r
	Cash In		1296.69	1914.23	82.15		60.99	173.18	591.20	210.06	1241.68	560.1	768.7	415.81	180.00
	Expenditure
	Staf Costs (Inc Freelancers)		243.00		340.00		272.00	3245.00	512.00	300.00					354.00
	Rent Deposit
	Rent		2500.00
	Utilities/Service Charges		1049.50		776.24			2318.90	99.72	72.19	1071.22	76.12		63.59	979.24
	Broadband/Telecom		79.97	119.30	126.20		127.91	130.15	125.90	125.25	126.09	126.58	163.06	136.35	151.95
	Training		25.00		12000		83.50			192.60	58		36	80.00
	Travel		37.00	343.68	22.00		379.69		35.85	32.78		657.22	1512.6	42.00	168.22
	Equipment /Assets		79.00	358.08	1462.84		212.99	1803.16	228.01	670.86	267.92	74.96	258.95
	Software/App				124.62		206.93			10.00		154.70	998.42
	Purchases/Resources		510.49	195.10	372.10		697.31	864.34	233.00	189.34	134.46	620.00	93.48	128.32	34.19
	Expenses		368.86	75.63	56.14		221.42	206.52	692.55	82.06	157.47	144.14	73.48	289.98	190.12
	Subscriptions		24.34	194.64	83.80		24.09	34.99	34.93	557.16	9.99	131.43	53.32	63.76	291.87
	Maintainance				2000						171.99
	Insurance				379.96		576.69						78.99		392.20
	Venue Hire			270.00				7710.00	150.00	2940.00	500.00	500.00	626.80	790.00	1200.00
	Marketing/PR							42.00			36.98	140.65	1050	37.18
	Othe	r	0.66	103.75											0.24
	Cash Out		4917.82	1660.18	17743.9		2802.53	16355.06	2111.96	5172.24	2534.12	2625.8	4945.1	1631.18	3762.03
	Net Cash Flow		-3621.13	254.05	-17661.75		-2741.54	-16181.88	-1520.76	-4962.18	-1292.44	-2065.7	-4176.4	-1215.37	-3582.03
	Closing Cash Balance		61053.5	61307.55	43645.8		40904.26	24722.38	23201.62	18239.44	16947	14881.3	10704.9	9489.53	5907.5
	Average Monthly Cash Flow		-4897.2608333

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