OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-08-02-accounts

Charity registration number: 1190703

GOTHIC OPERA CIO TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 2 AUGUST 2025

Gothic Opera CIO Contents

Page
Trustees' Report 1—4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Statement of Financial Position 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8—11
The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts:
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 12

Gothic Opera CIO

Trustees' Report For The Year Ended 2 August 2025

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 2 August 2025.

Objectives and Activities

Aims and Objectives

Gothic Opera's objective as stated in the Charity's Governing Document is the advancement of the art of opera by the provision of artistic projects including performances of rare works related to 'supernatural and/or gothic subjects'.

In support of our aims and objectives, we have

The trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewing their aims and objectives and planning future activities.

Public Benefit

In all activities undertaken by the CIO, the trustees have taken into account The Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and, in our opinion, all of the activities have benefited the public.

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Achievements and Performance

Main Achievements

In the period between August 2024 and August 2025, the work of the Charity continued with two productions: a fully staged revival of Gothic Opera's sold out inaugural production of Der Vampyr and a fully staged production of Maria de Rudenz around Halloween in the Grand Hall at Battersea Art Centre in London.

In the trading year, the Charity achieved a range of successful activities: 1. A fully staged revival production over four performances of Der Vampyr by Heinrich Marschner at the Arcola Theatre, London, as part of the Grimeborn festival. Gothic Opera was invited to take part in the festival, which has become a staple in Fringe opera in the UK. This production was the opening show of the 2024 festival, enjoyed a sold out run and was very well received by critics - including national press and audiences.

  1. A fully staged production over four performances of Maria de Rudenz by Gaetano Donizetti at Battersea Arts Centre, London. This production was the Charity's best selling and most successful production to date, with critics praising Gothic Opera's bold vision, the value of the production and the quality of the performance. Our production of Maria de Rudenz was a finalist at the Off West End awards and lighting designer Luca Panetta won the prestigious Profile Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera for his work on this production.

  2. Secured funding and continued to build relationships with sponsoring Trusts and Foundations. These included the Fenton Arts Trust, the Golsoncott Foundation, the Fidelio Charitable Trust, and The Marchus Trust who were new funders in 2025.

  3. Delivery and growth of the Gothic Opera Friends scheme, which grew strongly after this year's two productions.

The Trustees are satisfied that the Charity worked towards and achieved its objectives - creating high quality events that attracted new audiences to opera.

Financial Review

Page 1

Gothic Opera CIO Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 2 August 2025

Financial Position

Attached is the statement of financial activities, which provides more details on the income and spend of the Charity.

The overall income in the reporting period is £97,480. This is constituted primarily of donations from private donors and Gothic Opera Friends, sponsorships from Trusts and Foundations, and ticket sales.

The overall spend in the reporting period is £99,204.

We currently do not have a policy on reserves.

At the time of reporting, there are no funds materially in deficit, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Charity. At present, there are no uncertainties regarding the charity continuing as a 'Going Concern'. Regular donations have been secured and plans for the 25/26 season are underway.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

Gothic Opera was established as a limited company in May 2019. The Company was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 3 August 2020. This is the fourth full trading year for the company as a charity.

The Charity is governed by a Constitution, as amended on 20 February 2021.

The Charity is required to have a minimum of three Trustees and a maximum of 12. The Constitution of the Charity establishes a quorum of three Trustees for meetings and for decision making.

During the reporting period, the Charity was run by four Trustees, all of whom were appointed when the Charity was first established. In August 2024, Edoardo Cesarino was reappointed as Chair of Trustees of Gothic Opera for his second term. The existing Trustees have been identified by invitation only based on knowledge, experience and ability to contribute to the needs and objectives of the Charity.

The Governing Document establishes that new Trustees can be appointed by the Board of Trustees. Upon appointment, new Trustees will be provided with a copy of the current version of the Constitution, a copy of the Charity's latest Trustees' Annual Report and the latest statement of accounts. Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the Charity Trustees. The composition of the Board of Trustees is reviewed annually to ensure Trustees are able to support the work of the Charity in the most effective way.

Three of Gothic Opera's Trustees have declared themselves as related to the Company Founders.

Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees

Mr Edoardo Cesarino Dr Linda Hirst Dr David Usher Mr Louis Charbonnieres

Charity Number

1190703

Principal Address

Unit F2 Beehive Yard Bath BA1 5BT

Page 2

Gothic Opera CIO Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 2 August 2025

Independent Examiner

R J Lewis ACA Frost Chartered Accountants Riversdale Ashburton Road Totnes Devon TQ9 5JU

Page 3

Gothic Opera CIO Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 2 August 2025

The trustees' report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:

Edoardo Cesarino

Mr Edoardo Cesarino Trustee Date

28 May 2026

Page 4

Gothic Opera CIO Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Gothic Opera CIO For The Year Ended 2 August 2025

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Gothic Opera CIO (the Trust) for the year ended 2 August 2025.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

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.

Independent Examiner's Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and contents of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

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

R J Lewis ACA

Date Riversdale Ashburton Road Totnes Devon TQ9 5JU

Page 5

Gothic Opera CIO Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 2 August 2025

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
3
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
5
NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
13		 2025
Unrestricted
funds
£
97,480		 2024
Unrestricted
funds
£
102,583
(99,210 ) (96,123 )
(1,730 ) 6,460
(1,730 )
13,799		 6,460
7,339
12,069 13,799

The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these financial statements.

Page 6

Gothic Opera CIO Statement of Financial Position As At 2 August 2025

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
10
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
12
NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES)
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Unrestricted Funds
TOTAL FUNDS
13
On behalf of the board
Dr David Usher
Trustee
Date
26 May 2026		 2025
Unrestricted
funds
£
5,221		 2024
Total
funds
£
3,351
5,221
2,202
5,510		 3,351
2,202
9,062
7,712
(864 )		 11,264
(816 )
6,848 10,448
12,069 13,799
12,069 13,799
12,069 13,799
12,069 13,799

The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these financial statements.

Page 7

Gothic Opera CIO Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 2 August 2025

1. General Information

Gothic Opera CIO is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission, registered charity number 1190703 . The principal address is Unit F2, Beehive Yard, Bath, BA1 5BT.

2. Accounting Policies

2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities Act 2011.

The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

2.2. Incoming Resources

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

2.3. Resources Expended

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

2.4. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Equipment 20% on Cost

2.5. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.

3. Income from Donations and Legacies

Donations and gifts
Gift aid
Grants		 2025
Unrestricted
funds
£
87,550
930
9,000		 2024
Unrestricted
funds
£
90,783
-
11,800
97,480 102,583

4. Net Income/(Expenditure)

The net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging/(crediting):

he net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging/(crediting):
2025 2024
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned 1,680 1,088

Page 8

Gothic Opera CIO Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 2 August 2025

5. Analysis of Expenditure

5.
Analysis of Expenditure
Raising funds
Raising funds
6.
Support Costs
General administration
General administration
7.
Independent Examiner's Remuneration
Independent examination of the financial statements
8.
Staff Costs
Staff costs were as follows:
Wages and salaries		 Activities
undertaken
directly
£
97,913		 Support
costs
(see note 6 )
£
1,297		 2025
Total
£
99,210
Activities
undertaken
directly
£
95,302		 Support
costs
(see note 6 )
£
821		 2024
Total
£
96,123
2025
£
290
2025
£
62,445		 2025
Raising
funds
£
1,297
2024
Raising
funds
£
821
2024
£
276
2024
£
53,112

No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000.

9. Average Number of Employees

Average number of employees during the year was: 4 (2024: 4)

Page 9

Gothic Opera CIO Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 2 August 2025

10.
Tangible Assets
Cost
As at 3 August 2024
Additions
As at 2 August 2025
Depreciation
As at 3 August 2024
Provided during the period
As at 2 August 2025
Net Book Value
As at 2 August 2025
As at 3 August 2024
11.
Debtors
Due within one year
Other debtors
12.
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
Other creditors
13.
Movement in Funds
Unrestricted funds
General:
General unrestricted fund
Total funds
Unrestricted funds
General:
General unrestricted fund
Total funds		 As at 3
August 2024
£
13,799		 Income
£
97,480		 2025
£
2,202
2025
£
864
Expenditure
£
(99,210 )		 Equipment
£
5,438
3,550
8,988
2,087
1,680
3,767
5,221
3,351
2024
£
2,202
2024
£
816
As at 2
August 2025
£
12,069
13,799 97,480 (99,210 ) 12,069
As at 3
August 2023
£
7,339		 Income
£
102,583		 Expenditure
£
(96,123 )		 As at 2
August 2024
£
13,799
7,339 102,583 (96,123 ) 13,799

Page 10

Gothic Opera CIO Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 2 August 2025

14. Transactions with Trustees

No trustee expenses have been incurred.

15. Related Party Disclosures

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 2 August 2025.

Page 11

Gothic Opera CIO Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 2 August 2025

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
Donations and legacies
Admissions
Gift aid
Grants
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
Wages
Venue Hire
Equipment hire
Lighting/Technical Hires
Insurance
Advertising
Consumables
Specialist Services
Postage and stationery
Sundries
Depreciation of equipment
Computer Sundries
Independent examiner's fees
Accountancy fees
NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME		 2025
Total
funds
£
67,890
19,660
930
9,000		 2024
Total
funds
£
80,592
10,191
-
11,800
97,480 102,583
97,480
(62,445)
(22,083)
(2,025)
(2,565)
(629)
(4,908)
-
(655)
(765)
(158)
(1,680)
(427)
(290)
(580)		 102,583
(53,112)
(31,644)
(2,325)
(1,740)
(1,040)
(3,429)
(22)
(695)
(81)
(126)
(1,088)
-
(276)
(545)
(99,210) (96,123)
(99,210) (96,123)
(1,730) 6,460

Page 12

Issuer

Frost Chartered Accountants

Document generated Tue, 26th May 2026 14:46:04 BST Document fingerprint 49b176b5f26ad00183d7fda7e034f5f3

Parties involved with this document

Document processed

Party + Fingerprint

Tue, 26th May 2026 15:12:29 BST Thu, 28th May 2026 7:44:51 BST Thu, 28th May 2026 7:44:51 BST

Dr David Michael Usher - Signer (1d8089fa0a5b3960ef5a53f9e01e4321) Mr Edoardo Cesarino - Signer (fa77fab4c22cdd7c79ba0cb814c1d3c6) Sandra Knott - Copied In (95a81103eb8e88e4b067be000304a09c)

Audit history log

Date

Action

Tue, 26th May 2026 14:46:04 BST

Tue, 26th May 2026 14:46:04 BST Tue, 26th May 2026 14:46:04 BST Tue, 26th May 2026 14:46:04 BST Tue, 26th May 2026 14:46:04 BST Tue, 26th May 2026 14:46:10 BST Tue, 26th May 2026 14:46:10 BST Tue, 26th May 2026 14:46:11 BST Tue, 26th May 2026 15:09:01 BST Tue, 26th May 2026 15:12:29 BST Tue, 26th May 2026 15:12:30 BST Tue, 26th May 2026 15:12:30 BST Wed, 27th May 2026 18:42:14 BST Wed, 27th May 2026 18:42:24 BST Wed, 27th May 2026 18:43:24 BST Thu, 28th May 2026 7:44:11 BST Thu, 28th May 2026 7:44:51 BST Thu, 28th May 2026 7:44:51 BST

Envelope generated with fingerprint f5ba5dab3fe7ee955af1b220a6f189ce (18.133.63.166) Document generated with fingerprint 49b176b5f26ad00183d7fda7e034f5f3. (18.133.63.166) Dr David Michael Usher has been assigned to this envelope. (18.133.63.166) Mr Edoardo Cesarino has been assigned to this envelope. (18.133.63.166) Sandra Knott has been assigned to this envelope. (18.133.63.166) Envelope generated Sent the envelope to Dr David Michael Usher for signing Document emailed to party email Dr David Michael Usher viewed the envelope (80.43.148.99) Dr David Michael Usher signed the envelope (80.43.148.99) Sent the envelope to Mr Edoardo Cesarino for signing (80.43.148.99) Document emailed to party email Mr Edoardo Cesarino viewed the envelope (86.134.34.13) Mr Edoardo Cesarino viewed the envelope (172.253.15.226) Mr Edoardo Cesarino viewed the envelope (45.48.162.12) Mr Edoardo Cesarino viewed the envelope (86.134.34.13) Mr Edoardo Cesarino signed the envelope (86.134.34.13) Sent the envelope to Sandra Knott for signing (86.134.34.13)

Thu, 28th May 2026 7:44:51 BST This envelope has been signed by all parties (86.134.34.13) Thu, 28th May 2026 7:44:51 BST Signed document confirmation emailed to party email (86.134.34.13) Thu, 28th May 2026 7:44:51 BST Signed document confirmation emailed to party email (86.134.34.13) Thu, 28th May 2026 7:44:51 BST Signed document confirmation emailed to party email (86.134.34.13) Thu, 28th May 2026 7:44:51 BST Signed document confirmation emails have been sent to all parties. Document URL: https://api.signable.app/shareable/envelope?t=e1885eb4-5821-4056-8b45c855f9a59781 (86.134.34.13) Thu, 28th May 2026 7:44:52 BST Document emailed to party email