Company Registration Number 09921306 Registered Charity Number 1188756 MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REPORT AND ACCOUNTS For the year ending 31 March 2025 MIDDLE CHIL 11111 "AE(B17KI 1611012025 COMPANIES HOUSE 111 175
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT For the year ended 31 PAarch 2025 The Trustees. who are also Directors for the purposes of company law. present their Annual Report. together with the finanaal statements of Middle Child Theatre Limited, for the year ended 31 March 2025. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered charity name Iliddle Child Theatre Limited Charity registration number 1188756 Company registration number 09921306 Registered office 69 Humber Street. Hull, HU1 1TU Trustees For the purposes of the Companies Act 2006. the Board of Trustees is the Board of Diredors of the charitable company and is referred to as the Trustee5 throughout this report. The Trustees of Middle Child Theatre Limited during the perTrod and to the date of signing this report are as follows: Bellaray Bertrand-INebb Harriet Callery Jack Heaton Rachel Hogg Rosalind Knox Charlotte Lines Harriet Linfoot Amanda Barker (Chair) Amanda Wiles John Wilkinson Appointed 14 June 2024 Appointed 14 June 2024 Appointed 14 June 2024 Appointed 13 Marth 2025 Appointed 14 June 2024 Appointed 14 June 2024 Tanya-Loretta Dee Cole Green Chris Tonge Magda Moses Appointed 14 June 2024.. ReSned 6 June 2025 Appointed 14 June 2024.. ReSned 6 June 2025 Resigned 28 January 2025 Resigned 6 June 2025 Company Secretary Emily Anderton Independent Examiner Pete O'Hara FCA. Chartered Accountant, 26 La Sagesse, Jesmond. Newcastle up)n Tyne NE2 3AF
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing Documents Middle Child Theatre Limited is a charitable company limrted by guarantee. set up by a Memorandum of Association and incorporaled on 17 December 2015 and registered as a charity on 25 March 2020. The Directors of the company are also Trustees of the chanty. Eligibility for membership of the charity. and membership of the Board of Truslees, is governed by the Articles of Association. There are no restrictions in the goveming document on the operation of the charity other than those imposed by general chartty law. Structure and Governance The charity currently has a trf)ard of ten norFexecLrtive Trustees. The Board meets a minimum of four times per year or more frequently, as required. Detailed written Board reports and an agenda are prepared by the Diredor and orculated in advance of meelings. The charity's Business Plan and annual budgets are subj'ect to Board approval. and the Board is also actively invofved in the recruitment of senior management and in supporting the recruitment processes for these two roles. Recruitinent and Appoinlment of Board of Trustses The management of the Charity is the responsibilty of the Trustees who are elected under the terms of the Memorandum of Assoaatson. A maximum of 14 Trustees may be elected to the Board at any one time", a number increased from 10 in early 2024. Any changes to the number of Trustees are approved by Ihe Board of Trustees in a General Meeting Board members are recruited for thwr skills, expertise and passion for the arts. It is essential that the individuals. values align with those of the company. We are committed to having a board that is diverse, balanced and representatr¥e of the communities we work within. Truslees are elected to the board following a fair and open recruitrnent process which is shared on a range of advertising channels. As set out in the Articles of Association. the Chair of the Board is elected by the Trustees and presides as Chair at ordinary and General Meetings of the charity. Trustee Induction and Training New Trustees are inducted and briefed by the Chair of the Board prior to attending their first Board meeting and are provided in advan with a range of resou$ to support their understanding of Middle Child Theatre Limited's activities, induding the charity's Memorandum & Articles of Association. the Business Plan, management accounts and copies of the minutes of rent meetings.
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEME[ ICONTINUED) Organisational Structure Day-to-day management of the charity is delegated lo the senior management team (who are also defined as the 'Key Management Personnel, of the charity). comprising.. Artistic Director & Chief Executive - Paul Smith Executive Director- Emily Anderton Reserves Policy Trustees have reviewed the charivs needs for reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission. Middle Child's reseprfes policy is to- Ensure financial sustainability and resilience for the organisation in line with operational guidance CC19 (Charities & Reserves) issued by the Chanty Commission, Build adequate reserves to the equivalent of at least 3-months wind down costs Create and maintain a 'Dynamism Fund. general reserve whith can support ambitious artistic projects and provide security for the organisation against annual fundraising targets. Have a designated fund to account for unexpected staff costs. such as maternity leave, sick leave and other HR related spends in 2025126 and beyond We have calculated that £85,000 is sufficient to wver a combination of 3 months running costs and meeting all our liabilities should a wind-up need to occur. The charity's total Unrestncted Resep4es at 31 March 2025 are £290.349 (2024". £255.228). Designated Funds of £139.216 have been set aside as follows.. Dynamism Fund of £44,216 (available to support key artistic activity and safeguard the future of the organisation) nd-Down Fund of £85.000 (in line with three-month wind down costs) Employment Fund of £10.000 (to be used for sickness, maternity leave and other staff- related costs) Free Resenrfes. defined as non4esignated Unrestricted Reserves minus the value of Tangible Fixed Assets (£8. 169). are therefore £142,964, which exceeds our reserves targets. However. this includes funds set aside for specrfic strategic and development purposes, including the development and delivery of new projects in both 2025126 and 2026127. This policy will be reviewed by the Trustees on an annual basis as part of the charity's budgeting prosses. Grant Making Policy The charity does not ojrrently engage in grant-rnaking activity.
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT For the year ended31 Alarch 2025 STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) The Contribution of Volunteers The charity makes extensrve use of volunteers wrthin rts productions, projects and to support its activities and would like to thank all volunteers, particularfy the Hull and East Yorkshire Volunteers {HEY volunteering) and our founding Company Members. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Charitsble Purpose Middle Child Theatre Limited's charrtable obj'ects are to advance the arts for the public benefit through the promotion of, in particular, but not exclusively. the art of drama. The activrties and objectives that the charity sets annually rrtre on this charitable purpose and are guided further by Middle Child's vision. mission. strategy. values and artistic style_ Vision A vision for a fair and equitable world where anyone's story can be told and heard. Mission To tell untold stories which capture the electrrfying moment when the beat drops. mixing original live music with told new writing. Middle Child events are live and loud, making sense of the modem world. The company is commffted to breaking down barriers and ensuring that theatre is affordable and accessible to all. Middle Child will set fire to what your imagination of what a night at the theatre can be. Strategy Audiences- Middle Chikl creates theatre which brings people together for a good nigm out wrth big ideas Artists - Middle Child invest time. rnoney and resources in new and under-represented voices to contribute to the creation of a more equrtable industry Values A Hull-based company, which is vital to the work. stories and entire ethos Put Hull artists at the heart of the creative prosS, growth and successes Prioritise the well-being of the people the company works with and challenge damaging behaviours and habits within the industry Endeavour for the work to be affordable and accessible for all Lead with authenticity, transparency and openness at every level of the organisation Committed to creating greater equity in who makes and enjoys theatre Determined to increase the diversity of artists and aUdIenS in Hull Artistic Style Blurs the lines between gs. stand-up. theatre and a night oul, with a focus on breaking down barriers Tells stories that are new. Northem and refled the diversty of the United Kingdom Prioritises 'liveness', remaining responsive and reactive to each audience Believes theatre works best as a social event. wrth a reason to come early or stay late
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) Publlc Benefft In setting obj-ectives and planning for activities. the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relaling to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefft.. running a charity {P82)'. The Trustees understaThY 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 benefrt and have had due regard to the public benefft guidance issued by Ihe Charity Commission. The Trustees believe that the chanty meets both of the key pnnciples. Principle 1- There must be an identifiable tenefrt. or beneffts Principle 2 - Benefit must be to the public. or a section of the public Each element of our work provides benefft to one or more clearly identified sections of the public. Middle Child Theatre Limited's beneficiaries are entilY appropriate to its aims and the public as a whole benefit from rts work. Ail of these benefits are clear. eVIdend and relate directly to Middle Child Theatre Limited's aims. In addition. the Trustees do not consider that any significant detriment or harm flows from Middle Child Theatre Limited's work. Risk Management Each quarter, the Tntstees of the charity review the major govemance, operational and financial risks which the charity faces as part of tts annual business planning process and confirm that systems have been established to mitigate these risks. Middle Child Theatre Limited has a risk management strategy in placE which comprises: an annual review of the strategic risks the charity may face via the business plan the establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified the implementation of Procedures deSned to minimise any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise. The Trustees are satisfied that appropriate financial systems and controls and empk)yment policies and practices are in place. The Trusteès consider the key risks facirKJ the charty at this time and the mrtigating actions taken to be as follows- Not achieving income targets {trusts arKI foundatKJns. eamed income. individual giving) - Projected income is realistic. based on data gathered and analysed year-on-year. Focus on producing work locally unless 1 OOYO of the Gosts can be Covered by partners or additional funding sources such as touring grants. Building relationships with trusts and foundations. focusing on multi-year grants. Launching a new venue is an opportunrty to explore increasing individual giving
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) Risk Management (Cont Not achieving audience targets". Present dynamic ticket sales strategy in order to make the work more assIble Working with partners that are rooted wrthin the communities that are being targeted Developing a robust marketing plan for the organisats.on and for every project Not delivering artistic eXllen.. Ensuring the values of the company are reflected wrthin the work presented Collaborating vth exceptional artists, including artists from diverse backgrounds and communities Sharing work-in-progress with audiences and peers to gain critical feedback Evaluating projects from rnuttiple perspectives and implementing learnings Leaming from key partners such as the National Theatre to upskill our core staff and collaborators The Trustees also manage the general financial risks arising by ensuring that.. Prudent budgets have been set for the next financial year Regular management accounts are provided. showing the perfomiance against budget Contingency plans are in place for the actions which would be taken if incorne appears unlikely to reach its larget ReseNes policies have been adopted which provide an appropriate amount of uncommitted reserves which will ahvays enable the charrty to meet all its liabilities even rf income targets are not achieved
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Summary of the maln achievements of tho charity during the year Our most amlytious year to date: 2024125 marked Middle Child's seventh year as an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and thirteenth year in total. It was a year that pushed the scale, ambition and Greativity of our programme further than ever, as we continued to refine our SponSive producing model. while deepening our impact on local communities and maintaining our commitrnent to acSsibl11ty. equity and inclusion. This year saw us refine our overall mission, responding to the growing crisis around new writing by deepening our commitment to being a new vKiting company. This aligns with our existing remrt of creating theatre that brings people together for unforgettable expenences full of big ideas, while putting plays and playwnghts at the heart of everything we do. 2024125 was a year of signifunt progress- both arb"stically and organisationally. We delivered our flagship production. Maureen Lennon's Baby. He Loves You in a p)P-up wedding marquee at Stage @ The Dock. The production combined bold new writsng, original music from Yssi Wombwell and aerial work frorn Danielle Clernents to powerful effect. The cast and creative team was predominantly comprised of local artists. including our young cast who leamt their craft locally. It was a major step forward in our utilisation of attemative spaces in our home city of Hull, with ticket sales exceeding our 2023124 show in Hull Truck's tradrtional theatre space. Alongside this, we saw cr altemative rock'n'roll pantomime Treasure IslarKI achieve a record 98Vo capacity at Social while also hitting record numbers for our community lour of venues across Hull in partnership with Back to Ours. building further on our growing audience base. In a significant development we launched a major new playwrrting fests'val. Fresh Ink. in partnership with keland arKI the J F Brignall Charitable Trust. Fresh Ink had an immediate impact with 130 applications for 6 commissions. and over 900 aLMJience rnemrs attending our programme of earfy script sharing's and masterclasses across the weekend. A partnership with the l Am Fund ensured festival tickets were free to anyone under 25. Fresh Ink proved an appetite for more communty-led development of new work in our region and forms a comerstone of our plans for coming years. The festival has already gone on to have palpable impact, with two of the six commissions already moved to full commission at the time of wnting. In parallel, our artist development programme continued to provide year-round support to local artists, with our Theatre Library. Book Club and Library Talks all seeing their busiest year to date, while remaining free-to-access for all. Our rehearsal room was in constant dernand, supporting the crealive ecology in the city, while our Acting Gym returned with a focus on audition technique. This. in combination with our Script Support sessions and infomial mentoring, saw us offer bespoke support to over So local artists. We also continued to address rising food poverty in Hull through our Play and a Plate partnership wrth the Two Ridings Community Fund - offering play readings and free food to people affected by food insecunty. Key partnerships and growng national recognition helped amplify the year's work. Our next production, Biting Point by Sid Sagar. was developed with the support of the National Theatre Studio - a relats'onship that will be fomalised in the coming year, leading to greater resource for the development of new plays - as y11 as the Without Walls Blueprint programme.
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED) Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year (ConL) Our blogpost about ongoing ticket thallenges in the theat world sparked industry-wide conversation and national media coverage, while the generosty of supporters enabled us to offer addrtional free tickets and strengthen our communty ties. Our Artistic Director and Lrterary Manager were both recognised nationally, reIvIng the 0tr4ven Wymark Award for 'exceptional encouragement of British playwriting.. while Middle Child were also nominated for the Community Arts Award in the Yorkshire Choice Awards. as well as our artistic director being nominated for Inspirational IrKlividual of the Year. Middle Child played a more prominent role in civic duties too, wrth our Artistic Director becoming the Chair of regional advocacy group. Cultural Collisions, feeding into the development of a new Culture & Heritage Strategy for Hull, while also leading on advocating for greater support for the arts on a national level. While a¢kn0ed91ng the aLM)ve success, it is also important to note the ongoing challenges our company and sector face. Fundraising targets are increasing year-on-year in light of rising costs and standstill funding, while ongoing political and economic uncertainty make planning for the future increasingly difficult. Uncertainty around the timeline for reapplying to the Arts Council's National Portfolio is also having a knoth-on effect. particularly in light of hoping to secure a funding uplift in acknovledgment of our growing impact and profile. While our fundraising success has been nothing short of exceptional in 2024125, it is important to register Ihat national success rates from trusts and foundatiorts have dropped to a reported 5%, and that this level of fundraising may not aayS be realistic. We remain engaged in national conversations around sector recovery and hope to see meaningful increase in inveslrnent in the coming years. Wtth these challenges in mind, we have continued to improve and strengthen our govemance and financial processes - namely by promoting key employee Emily Anderton to the role of Executive D1ctOr (while supporting her to successfully complete A4T accountancy training) and recruiting further financial experience to strengthen our Board of Trustees. The future remains bright for Middle Child. but we remain vulnerable to ongoing challenges for the UK. and the arts and culture sector. We would like to place on record our thanks to the funders. stakeholders. staff. company members, Middle Child Mates, audience members. participants and trustees who made 2024125 such a positive year for the company, and we look forward to continue changing the fa of new writing in the UK in the coming years.
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 Financial Review Overview The charity's total income for the year ended 31 March 2025 was £630,79412024 £515,845>. Total expenditure amounted to £500,037 {2024 £546.587). This resulted in an overall surplus of £130,757 {2024. deficit £30,742). However, once the posrtive net rnovement on Restricted Funds of £95.636 is disregarded, the OLrt- tum on Unrestricted Funds is a surplus of £35.121 (2024: deficrt of £30,742). Anatysls It was previously planned that the year would erKI on a deficil of £10k, leading to the planned release of the Dynamism Fund to support the creative ambition of The Big Gig - Baby He Loves You., however, due to a successful year of fundraising this was not necessary. Rising inflation. including National Insurance. and difficulty in the UK theatre touring model continues to create a challenging landscape moving into the next financial years. Long-term stability is a key focus for the organisation. and we are delighted that we have been able to maintain the equivalent of three months of tumover in separate designated funds. At year end. the charty holds: General Funds of £151,133 Dynamism Fund of £44,216 (available to support key artistic activty and safeguard the future of the organisation) Wind-Down Reserves Fund of £85.000 (in line witt) three-month wind down costs) Employment Fund of £10.000 (to be used for sickness, matemity leave and other staff- related costs) Total Unrestricted Funds of £290,349 The company is confident that the at)ove reserves are of a sensible level whth safeguard the fvture of the organisation. The Trustees consider the finanal perfomiance of the charity to be satisfactory. 10
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS Looking ahead, Middle Child will produce a major new mid-scale produclion, Brting Point by Sid Sagar. in spring 2025, foll(wiing our first successful Arts Council England Touring application (for £92k). We will also be announced as the new Resident Company of the National Theatre. increasing our aknlity to develop world-class new writing. In the summer of 2025. Middle Child will deliver our second Fresh Ink.. Hull Playwriting Festival in partnership with co-founders Wykeland, and wrth the support of the J F Brignall Trust. Later in the year, Middle Child will retum with our latest pantomime offenng, The Wizard of Oz, written by Artistic Director Paul Smith arKI as voted for by our 2024125 panto aUdienS. We have already secured significant investment for the year ahead and are continuing to fundraise to match our ambition. Thank you to the team for another successful year arKI working so hard to create spaS for anyone's story to be told and heard. 11
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES The Trustees (who are also the Directors of Middle Chikl Theatre Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees. Annual Report and the financial statements in accordan with applicable law and Uniied Kingdom Accountin9 Standards {United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of res¢)Ur. including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for th* period. In preparing these financial statements. the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and principles in the Chanties SORP., make judgments and esb"mates 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 statements on the going conrn basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitabte Company wll continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the tharitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statemenls comply wrth 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 arKI other irregularities. Signed on behalf of the Trustees Amanda Barker (Chairrrrustee) Company Registration Number 09921306 11 September 202S 12
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS ON THE UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS OF MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED LIMITEDFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 I hereby report to the Trustees of Middle Child Theatre Limited (Charity Registration Number 1188756) on my examination of the accounts the year ended 31 March 2025 set out on pages 14to 26. Responsibilities and Basis of Report As the charity's Trustees (and also rts directors for the wrposes of fflpanY law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in acCOrdar with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 {'the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied mysew that the aOunt$ of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act.). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5) (b) of the 2011 Act. Independent ExaMineS Statement I have completed my examination. I confinn that no matters have come to my attention in connection wrth the examinats'on giving me cause to believe: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by secti¢)n 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 requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true 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 Prathce for accounting and reporting by charities {applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan wrth the Financial Rep)rting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102)). I have no COnrn$ and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attenlion should be drawn in th report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Pete O'Hara, FCA. Chartered Accountant Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants In England & Wales 26 La Sagesse. Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3AF 11 September 2025 13
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Note Unrestri¢ted Restrlcted Funds Funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Incom• Income from Investments 91 Income from Donations & Legacies 6.789 6.789 5,810 Income from Charitable Activrties 301.005 206.967 507,972 420.457 other Income 116,033 116,033 89.487 Total Income 423,827 206,967 630.794 515,845 Expènditure Expenditure on Charitable Activities 388,706 111.331 500,037 546.587 Total Expenditure 388.706 111,331 500.037 546,587 Net Incomel(Expenditure) 35,121 95,636 130,757 (30,742) Balance brought fopward at 1 April 255.228 255,228 285.970 Balance carried forward at 31 March 14 £290.349 £95.636 £385.986 £255.228 The notes on pages 16 to 26 fomi part of the financial statements. All of the adivrties of the company are classed as continuing. The Statement of Finanaal Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and thefOre a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared. 14
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONIBALANCE SHEET AS A T31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Fixed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets 10 8.169 14,117 Current Assets Debtors Cash At Bank & In Hand 11 188.546 229118 417,664 139,477 158.597 298,074 Creditors- Amounts Falling Due Within 1 Year 12 (39,848) (56,963) Net Current Assetsl(LiatMltties) 377.816 241,111 Totsl Net Assets 13 £385 985 £255,228 Represented by: Unrestricted Reserves Designated Funds General Funds 14 139,216 151.133 290,349 139,216 116012 255,228 Restricted Reseples 14 95.636 £385 985 £255 228 The notes on pages 16 to 26 fom part of the finala1 statements. The Trustees are salisfEd that for the year ended 31 March 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption undef sectK*n 477{2} of the Companies Act 20(. The Trustees also confim that the Members have not required the charity to obtain an audit in accordan¢e with section 476 of the COMPanS Act 20C6 The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilit for_ (il ensuring that the charty keeps adequate accounting records whh comply vrith section 386 of the Act. and {iil preparing financial statements whith gNe a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financral year and of its profit or kjss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sedion 393, and which otherwise Comp wth the requireffents of the Act relating to financial statements, $0 far as applicable to the charity. These financial statements were approved and slgned by a Member of the Board of Trustees on 11 September 2025. Amanda Barker {Chairrrrustee) Company Registration Number 09921306 15
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting Policies Basis of Accounling These financial StateentS have been prepared in accordance wlth appli¢abte United Kingdom accounting standards. ircluding Financial Reporting Standard 102 -'The Financial Reporting Standard appIlb in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland {'FRS 102.). and with the Companies Act 2006 aTrd the Statement of ReC(Ynnded Pract (Charities SORP FRS 1021 -Accounts'ng and Rertg by Charits'es" and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, rrth)dffied to include certain financial instruments at fair value. Advantage has been taken of the provis&?ns in the SORP for Charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a statenEnt of cashfkjws. The financial statements are prepwed in sterfing. whth is the functional currency ofthe charity. Taxatioll Status Middle Child Theatre Limited is a Charity registered under the 1960 Charities Act and is ac¢orded exemption from liabilty to Laxation on rts income under S505 Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. Going Concem There are no material uncertainties abc4rt the charty's abilty to conb'nue. Income Al income is included in the statement of finan¢ial 2ctNittes when the chanty is entitled to the income. any perf0rrnan related cOnd[tnS affached have been met or are fully within the control of the charity. the incowe is coNdered probable and the arrthnt be quantffid with reasonable accuracy. The following specific polties are appl to particular categories of inconE: DonatnS and legacy COrne 1$ received by way of donations, acies, grants and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Aclivrties when re1Vable. Grants, where enIrtIeEnI is not conditional on the delNery of a specific perfomiance by the chanty. are reccwjnised Ythen the charity tcomes unwnditionalty entitled lo the granL Investment income is induded vthen receNable. Income from charitable Iraling activity is accounted f(Y when earned. Other incory* is accounted for wn 1vable. 16
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED {A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AIARCH 2025 A¢counting Policies (Continued) Operating Leases The charity ¢lassffies the lease of certain tyres of equipment as operating leases as the title to the equiprrEnl remain5 with the lessor. Rentsl charges are charged wJainst income on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation Depreciation is prOVed on any fixed assets at rales calculaled to write off the assets over their remaining useful lives as follows: Fumilure. Fixtures & Fittings. IT & Stage Equipment- 33% per annum stravJht line A fvll yearfs depreci*ion charge is aled intheyear ofwuisitM)n and no charge is made in the year of disposal. Impainnent of Fixed Assets A review for indicators of Impaint is caTrEd out at e&h rertIng date, with the recoverable arTh)unt being eslimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable arwunt, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviebved for possible reversal al each reFQrting date. Financial Instruments A financial asset or a financial Ikgbilty is recogni5ed only when the charity becomes a paty to the contfaciual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the anxiunl receivable or payable including any Teiated transaction costs. Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or receNed and not discounted. Debt instruments afe subsequently nwsured a a)rtised cost where there is a material adjustment. Fund Accounting UnrestrKted funds are availab for use at the dis¢relion of the trustees in furtherance of the wrposes of the chanty. Designated funds e unrestricted funds earmarked by the truslees for spe¢ifi¢ purp)ses. Restricted funds are sutyecled to restricnS on thwr expendilure MnFosed by the donor. 17
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting Policies (Contlnued) Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty The preparatton of the financial slalements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reed. These estimates and judgements a continually revia¥ed and are based on experience and other factors. including exFectatKsns of future events that are bdieved to be reasonable under the circumstances. There are no snIficant judgernents or estifflatn uncertawity induded within the financial statements. Pensions Middle Child Theatre Limited ttrIbuteS to a defkned contributh)n pension scheme. Further details can be found in Note 9. For the defined contribution Sche*. the amount charged lo Ihe Slatement of Financial Activrties in Spect of Pen5ft ¢osts is the Contributions payable in the year. Differences befven contributions payab in the year and Contributions actualty paid are shown as either acclS or prepayments in the Balae Sheet. Legal Slatus The chanty is a company limited by guarantee arKI has no share capital. The liabilty of each member in the event ofwinding up is limrted to £1. The company law members oflhe charity a Ihe members of its Board of Trustees. Income from Investments Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 2025 2024 Interest on Cash Deposits 91 The 2024 total of £91 related wholty to Unrestricted Funds. Income fr(xn Donations & Legacies Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Funds Funds 2025 2024 Donations- General 6,789 £6.789 6.789 £6,789 £5.810 The 2024 total of É5.810 related wholty to Unrestnded Funds. 18
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Incorno from Charllable Activities Unrestricted Restricted 2025 Funds Funds 2024 Grant Income Arts Council EngLqnd (ACE) Portfolio Organisation ACE- Touring Grant Garfield Weston Foundats"on - Core Garrtck TTUSt - New Writing Festival Hull & East RKling Charitae Trust Hull City Council - New Wrtting Festival Hull City Council - Core Hull University JF Brignall Trust- New Writing FestNal RYTDS Smile Foundation - l Am Fund- Core Smile Foundation - l Am Fund - New Writing Festival Sylvia Waddilove Foundatn- Van Man The Sir James Re¢kitt Chanty The Warren- New Wrrting Festival Two Ridings Communrty Foundation {th) Two Ridings Communty Foundation Play and a Plate Wilhout Walls- Core Without Walls- Clean Sheets DevelO¥It keland - New Writing Festival Other Production Rdated Grants National 152.760 152,760 152.760 92.079 92.079 20.000 4,000 3.000 5.000 30.000 15.000 42,678 6,960 1.500 20.0(M) 20.000 4.000 3.000 5,000 30.000 30.000 15,1 42,678 42.680 S,0(M) 1.000 3.000 1,000 1.200 3.800 4.550 4.550 5,450 25,000 5.450 25.000 213,010 206,967 419.977 261,240 Earned Income Box Office Income Other Earned IncomelFees Miscellaneous Incoff 62.757 24.118 1.120 87,995 62,757 24.118 1.120 87,995 59,434 90,473 9,310 159.217 £301.IX15 £206.967 £507,972 £420,457 The 2024 total of £420,457 related wholty to Unreslricted FurMIs. 19
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income- Other Unrestrictod Restri¢tsd Funds Funds 2025 2024 Theatre Tax Rdi8f Theatre Tax Relief - Previous Years. Over-Provision 116,033 116.033 104.487 115.000) £116.033 £- £116.033 £89.487 The 2024 total of £89.487 related vtholty to Unrestricted Funds. Expenditure on Charitsble Activities Unrestrieted Reslricted Funds Fund$ Total 2025 Total 2024 ProductionlProject Costs Salaries & On Costs Production Costs Development Costs Development Fees 179.317 107,159 5,236 179.317 151,657 218,490 266,578 5,236 3.249 4,750 11.195 407,793 432,679 111.331 296.462 111.331 Support Costs Advertising & Marketing Depreciab'on Freelance Fees Rent Light, Heat & Cleaning Travel & Subsistence Other Administration & Running Costs 21.008 7.997 3.275 17.820 8.317 5.942 13.744 21.008 7,997 3.275 17.820 8,317 5.942 13.744 18.084 10.548 15.073 23.760 10.753 9.592 18,350 78.103 78,103 106,160 Governance Costs Accountancy & IndepeTh*nl ExamiDerfs Fees Insurance Board Costs 8.384 4.500 3.300 3.055 183 7.748 2,457 14.141 14141 £388.706 £111.331 £500,037 £546,587 The 2024 total of £546,587 lated vtholty to Unrestricled FurKIs. 20
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) IOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 IWARCH 2025 Net Incomel{Expenditur¢) 2025 2024 Net incornel(expenditurel is stated after chargIr1{Cred1Iingl'. Independent Examinerfs Fees- current year Independent Examiner- Other Seryices Depieciation of owned Fixed Asse15 Operating Leases- Land & Buildings 2.41J) 720 7,997 4,500 10.548 Staff Costs & Trustees, Rernuneration 2025 2024 Gross Salary Costs Employerfs National Insuran Employer's Pension COntrittnS 169,513 5.842 3.962 £179,317 135.954 12,543 £1S1,657 No employee received remuneration of rrK)re than £60.0(Kl dunng the year {2024 - Nil). The average number of staff employed during the year. ¢akulated as fvll-time equivalents. was as follows". 2025 2024 No. Artist ProdLE¢thM and Support Pension ttnefits are provided through a Group Personal PensK)n Scheme. which is a defined contribution scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separatety from those of the company in a separalety administered fund. In the year to 31 March 2025 Middle Child Theatre Limited made an employerfs contnbution of 3% of pensM)nable pay. provided that the empk)yee makes a minimum contribution of 5%. These amounts are paid over to the on a monthty basis. No contn"butions were c4Jtslanding at 31 March 202512024.. £Nil). The total paid to Key Management Personnel. dthed as the members of the Senior Managernent Team. was £70,356. No remuneralion has been paKJ to any TrusteeslDire¢tors in the year12024: £Nill. Reimbursement of Travel and Subsistence expenses of £1,265 was made lo 2 Trustees in respect of their work on behalf of the charity was made in the year {2024'. £328 to 2 Truslees}. 21
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 WIRCH 2025 10. Tangible Fixed Assets IT & Stage Equipment Total Cost Al 1 April 2024 Additions in year At 31 March 2025 40,691 2.049 42.740 40.691 2.049 42.740 Accumulated Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge f(ff year At 31 March 2025 26.574 26,574 34.571 34,571 Net Book Value At 31 March 2025 £8.169 £8.169 At 1 Aprd 2024 £14.117 £14.117 11. Debtors 2025 2024 Trade Deblors Other Debtors- Cycle To Work Schen Accrued Income- Theat Tax Relief Accrued Income. Other Prepayments 11,122 412 116.033 55.039 5.940 £188.546 200 400 89.487 10.767 38.623 £139,477 12. Creditors- Amounts Falllng Due Wrthin 1 Year 2025 2024 Trade Cred"rtors Deferred Incoff Other Creditors- Cultural Commissions Budget Other Creditors- ProvIsn for ThR RepanI Other Taxes & S¢xial Securty Costs Accruals 450 14.074 20.480 13.457 16.685 6.321 2.935 £39.848 22,409 £59.963 22
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 13. Analysis of Net Assets between Funds Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Fixed Assets Debtors Cash at Bank and In Hand Credrtors- Arunts Due Wrthin 1 Year 8,169 17.474 188.521 139.848) 8,169 188,546 229.118 {39.848} 14,117 139,477 158,597 156.963) 55.039 40.597 £290.349 £95,636 £385.985 £255.228 23
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 14. Analysis of Charilable Funds Fund at 1 Incoming Resources Fund at 31 April 2024 Resources Expended March 2025 in Year In Year Unrestricted Funds General Funds 116.012 423.827 1388,706) 151,133 Designated Fund$ Dynamism Fund vInddown FuTrY Employment Fund 44,216 85,000 10,10 139.216 44.216 85.000 10,000 139.216 Total Unrestricted Funds 255.228 423.827 (388,706) 290,349 Restricted Funds ACE - Touring Grant Garrick Trust- New writi.ng Festpial Hull Cty cour11 - Writsng Festival Hull Universrty JF Brignall Trust - New Writing Festival RYTDS Smile Foundation New Writing Festival Sylvia Waddilove Foundation The Warren- New Writing Festival Two Ridings- Play and a Plate Wrthout Walls- Development keland - New Wrf(ing Festival Total Reslri¢tsd Funds 92,079 92.079 2.000 (2,000) (5.000) 5,CKJO 15.000 42.678 (14.443) (42.678) 557 6.960 5.000 {6.9601 {5,0001 IArnFund- 1,000 1,000 3,800 5,450 25,000 206.967 1,000 {1.0001 13.800> 15,4501 {25,000) {111,331) 95,636 Totsl Funds £255.228 £630,794 £(500.037 £385.985 24
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED {A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 14. Analysis of Charitable Funds {ConL) Name of Designated Fund Descripti. Nature & Purpose of tho Designated Fund Dynamism Fund To enable meaningful inVeSnt into new productions on a cawby-case to achieve artistic ex¢dlen Winddi)wn Fund To cover the core operating costs of the charity in the event of a winding down of the charity Employment Fund To enab the ¢harity to prioritise people and to ensure rt can be responsive to providing enhan empk)yee benefrts as the need arises Narn• of Restricted Fund Description. Nature & Purp059 of the Restricted Fund ACE - Touring Grant Ttyvards the cost of touring Biting Point Garrick Trusl T(Miards the cost of Fresh Ink Hull Cty Council Tothyards the cost of Fresh Ink Hull Universty Tuwards the cost of Fresh Ink JF Brignall Trust T(yHards the cost of Fresh Ink Regional Theatre Young Dwector Funded a Young Director to be part of Baby He Scheme (RDS} Loves You Smile Foundalion - l Am Fund Tc•¥ards the cost of free tthts for Fresh Ink Sylvia Waddilove Foundatn Towards the cost of Biling Point The Warren Towards the cost of Fresh Ink Two Ridings Communty Foundion T(Mfards the cost of a Play and a Plale Without Walls- Blue Prinl Fund T(YardS the c05t of the developing Biting Point Vfykeland Towards the cost of Fresh Ink 25
MIDDLE CHILD THEATRE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AV4RCH 2025 15. Relatsd Party Transactions The charty has a dose workirvJ relatN)nship with Arts Council England vthich 1$ a registered charity and has provided significant woject furKlirb3 which enables the charty to carry out 11$ charrtable objectives In lotal, grant fvnding of £244,83912024". £152.760) was recognised from Arts Council England in the year. At 31 March 2025, £46,039 was thying to Middle Child Theatre Limited from Arts Council England {31 March 2024.. £Nil). 16. Taxation The company is a registered charity no provisi is considered necessary for Lqxation. 17. Flnancial C¢)mmitments No rnateri financial Commitr have been made in restEd of future financial periods. 18. Company Limited by Guarantso The charity is incorForated under the Companies Act 1985 and is limited by guarantee, each member hawng undertaken to contribute sh arTh)unls 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 currenty 10 rnber5 ofthe CnY (2024- 9 members).