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2021-08-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 00469253 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 207516

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

FOR

THE QUESTORS LIMITED

Johnsons, Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor 1-2 Craven Road Ealing London W5 2UA

THE QUESTORS LIMITED

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Page
Report of the trustees 1 to 9
Report of the independent auditors 10 to 13
Statement of financial activities 14
Balance sheet 15
Cash flow statement 16
Notes to the cash flow statement 17
Notes to the financial statements 18 to 26

THE QUESTORS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 00469253)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims

The objectives of the Charity are:

To encourage the study and practice of Dramatic Art amongst the inhabitants of London and elsewhere and to promote and conduct such theatrical and musical performances, lectures, concerts and other educational enterprises as may tend to the attainment of this object.

These fall into three main areas of activity - our own season of plays, the hiring of the theatres to other amateur and professional visiting companies and our range of educational activities.

The Questors' own season typically comprises 16 to 18 productions plus additional one-off performances, staged readings focused on new writing, and late evening shows. One of the challenges of being a public theatre is to balance the need to attract wider audiences with the continued aim of presenting a balanced programme of plays and productions which covers the broad spectrum of all that is best in theatre in terms of style, period, culture and country of origin, but with a particular emphasis on "The Classic, The Rare and The New".

The Questors operates two theatre spaces: the Judi Dench Playhouse and the Stanislavsky Studio. These two theatres are available for hire to other amateur and professional companies, many of whom are long-standing visitors.

Educational activities undertaken by The Questors focus on: training for young people aged 5 to 18; outreach language support for refugees aged 16 to 18; adult acting training for those aged 18+; mentoring in all aspects of theatre performance and production for members aged 18+.

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THE QUESTORS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 00469253)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Significant activities

In common with the rest of the UK, The Questors endured further severe restrictions on our normal activities as we responded to Government regulations and advice to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

While we were able to run more of our activities than in the previous year, this was sporadic as, at times we were not able to conduct any activity as we had to temporarily close the theatre in accordance with orders from Government. When we were allowed to be open we worked to restart activities and the following paragraphs describe what we were able to achieve. The impact of the pandemic will extend beyond the year ended 31 August 2021 and we will have legacy effects in the 2021/22 season and possibly beyond, depending on the status of the pandemic at that stage.

Usually, educational activities throughout the organisation incorporate the Student Group, Young Studio, the Questors Youth Theatre, Acting for All, Acting for All Encore, Platform, Literature Classes and Outreach.

The Questors Youth Theatre (QYT) provides classes for children from age rising 6 to 18. The programme imbues children with an ethos of exploring an individual's creativity and enhancing their powers of self-expression but activity for the QYT was substantially reduced. Classes were run on-line for a small number of participants but face to face classes did not resume until October 2020, and these classes ran sporadically over the 2020-21 season dependant on whatever restrictions were in place at the time. Over this period there were no end of term, or end of year, drama showcases and no Questors Youth Theatre productions. Even when we were running groups in a manner similar to the way used to in the summer term, the numbers of attendees were far smaller than normal.

The Questors Student Group (the Acting: Foundation and Performance Course) was able to continue, though with interruptions. Group 73, who should have finished their course in July 2020 were in partial suspension until May 2021, when they were able to rehearse and perform their production of Quietus - The Extra Ordinary Tale of Hamlet. Their second production of Strange Orchestra, originally due to be performed in March 2020, was rehearsed and ready to perform in August 2021 when Covid-19 forced its cancellation at the last minute, at this stage in the year it was not possible to re-schedule the show. Group 74, who should have finished the first year of the course in July 2020, managed a few classes in the autumn of 2020, before they also had to lock down. Classes were able to resume in April and Group 74 completed the first year in early September 2021, ready to start their second year almost immediately. Throughout the periods of lockdown voice classes continued online for both groups.

The Young Studio, a one-year course intended for young people aged 17-20 with a passion for learning acting but not yet able, or just below the minimum age, to take on the commitment of the Foundation Course, did not run over the 2020-21 season

Our Acting for All (AfA) course, intended for adults looking for a friendly and relaxed beginners' class in acting, did not run over the 2020-21 period.

The Literature Classes did not run over part of this period and when it did commence it was run from a different venue.

The theatre usually runs an Outreach programme, funded by an anonymous member donation, which works with U18 ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) refugees. These workshops, culminating in a Studio performance at The Questors, are run in conjunction with Ealing Green College and Southall Community College. Due to Covid-19 restrictions we did not run any of these initiatives over the 2020-21 period.

Volunteers

The Questors cannot operate without the valuable assistance and phenomenal expertise of its membership. The enthusiastic, untiring, positive nature of our contributors is indicative of the organisation and what it stands for. The Trustees would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional work of the members and thank them for everything they do within the creative world of The Questors.

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THE QUESTORS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 00469253)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

For the 2020/21 Season we did not have an overall artistic season plan as we had no concrete expectation of mounting a set number of productions. The events that we did stage were opportunistic in nature and tailored around the restrictions and Government guidelines in place at that time.

Our attempts to re-launch live productions in the September of 2020 were curtailed as was our second attempt to mount some kind of programming over the Christmas period of that year. It was only by May of 2021 that there was any realistic chance of producing a sustained series of productions. At this point we produced a summer season which played to reduced, distanced, audiences as follows:

Aug 2020 - Bard in the Yard, Courtyard production, by David Hovatter and the company Sept-Oct 2020 - Six Bad Poets by Christopher Reid

Oct & Dec 2020 - Ghost Stories for Halloween and Ghost Stories for Christmas 2 performances May 2021 - What the Dickens, Courtyard production, by David Hovatter and the company June 2021 - The Letter of Last Resort by David Grieg

June 2021 - Quietus - The Extra Ordinary Tale of Hamlet (Student Group Production) by Jonne Wilson June 2021 - Q-Extra Staged readings: Hemmingway in Barcelona and Dimbola July 2021 - The Slack Captains - No Script! No Problem! Live Improvisation. July 2021 - India Gate A collaboration with the Punjabi Theatre Company July 2021 - The Children by Lucy Kirkwood July2021 - How to Spot an Alien by Georgia Christou August 2021 - God of Carnage by Yazmeena Reza August 2021 - The Overnight Plays

The Borough of Ealing Art Trail did not run in 2020, although we did run our own Questors Art Trail to coincide with one of the weekends that the BEAT would have run. This comprised part of our soft opening strategy, as we used the art trail round the front of house part of the building to 'road test' our new one way system.

None of the other festivals and external events that we would usually turn up to ran in 2020, but we did have an on-line presence at the Brentford (Virtual) Festival and for the Open House event.

In a bid to maintain momentum and interest from within the membership, several projects were devised including 'Scenes in Solitude' (Sort films made in isolation), Bridging the Gap (Activities and Instagram live workshops for members and beyond) and experiments in to whether it was possible to record a radio drama using remote contributions. These experiments resulted in the Questors Audio Drama Department. This initiative created original content across the pandemic period and continues to do so.

The organisation has maintained relationships with our regular hirers over the lockdown period and has engaged both with amateur and professional groups with regard to possible opportunities for the future.

The organisation continued to operate with limited staff homeworking, continuing the pattern started in April 2020. A skeleton staff team was on site with the start of the new season whilst the theatre was able to operate during restrictive mandatory periods. We continued to claim grants under the government's Coronavirus Job Retention Flexible Scheme for office staff, tutors and teaching assistants who were part furloughed due to reduced activity.

Investment performance

The Trustees are currently satisfied with the investment performance of the assets and at present do not have any plans to expand its portfolio or feel it necessary to dispose of those currently held.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Transactions and financial position

A deficit of £81,759 was recorded in the year, after a depreciation charge of £32,520, compared to a deficit of £20,291 in 2020. The net current assets have decreased to £395,968 at 31 August 2021 compared to £454,283 at the end of the previous year.

Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity

Details of movements in fixed assets are set out in Note 12 to the accounts.

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THE QUESTORS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 00469253)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

The reserves policy of the Charity, as set and reviewed by the Trustees, is that unrestricted net current assets should be maintained above £100,000. This is so that overheads can be covered for a reasonable period should income levels fall significantly, and also to act as a contingency against unexpected major expenditure. This is under ongoing review in light of our experience through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unrestricted net current assets at 31 August 2021 were £335,077.

Financial performance

Income for the year decreased by 32% to £432,910 over the previous year.

Expenditure for the year decreased by 22%, to £514,497 over the previous year.

STATEMENT ON PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Trustees have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to guidance published by The Charity Commission, including public benefit guidance.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The Questors Limited ('The Questors') is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 2 June 1949. These have been amended from time to time, most recently at a general meeting on 6 February 2005 when the Committee of Management with a membership of 15 was replaced by a Board of Trustees with a membership of 10. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. The charitable company is controlled by a Board of Trustees all of whom are Directors and Trustees of the Charity.

Anyone over the age of 18 can become a full member of the Company and acquire all the legal rights and obligations of membership including the right to vote at General Meetings. The Questors also offers Associate Membership of which there are currently two categories. Student Membership is open to a person who is a member of The Questors Youth Theatre, The Questors Student Group or Young Studio, or who is a student at a College/University receiving tuition at The Questors Theatre. Partner Membership is open to any group, organisation or company which The Questors has helped to found or supports (for example The Questors Choir and Pitshanger Poets) or with which The Questors has entered into a partnership agreement.

Details relating to membership are set out in the Bye-Laws, the current version being those approved by the Annual General Meeting on 16th March 2015.

The liability of the members is limited to a guarantee of 5 pence per member in the event of an insolvent winding-up.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

There is a maximum of 10 Trustees who are elected by the full members at the Annual General Meeting. No outside body has nomination rights. Three Trustees, being the longest serving but chosen by lot if more than three have served for the same length of time, retire by rotation and are eligible for re-election. In addition any Trustee who has served more than two and a half consecutive years since election must retire and is eligible for re-election. The Trustees have the power to co-opt members to fill casual vacancies, but co-opted members are required to retire at the next Annual General Meeting and are eligible for re-election.

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THE QUESTORS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 00469253)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Organisational structure

The Board of Trustees administers the Charity. The Board meets ten times a year. There are a number of sub-committees created by the Board to examine issues in more detail than the full Board is able to do. The Finance Sub-committee meets at least quarterly to scrutinise the accounts, budget and financial matters. The Facilities Sub-committee is charged with preparing and keeping under review a facilities plan that captures all the non-routine repair needs and development opportunities on the site, and making expenditure recommendations to the Board. The Learning and Participation Sub-committee looks at all matters relating to education. The Diversity and Inclusion Sub-committee is charged with providing consultative support to the executive officers and the Board with respect to matters relating to demographic, cultural and social differences within The Questors membership and audiences, and providing support on developing opportunities to be involved in The Questors activities. The Board itself may meet outside the regular cycle for special purposes and may appoint task forces, usually led by a Trustee but involving other active members as well, to examine particular issues in depth.

From 2017 we have two senior executive officers of The Questors - the Executive Director, which remains a paid role, and the Artistic Director, which remains a volunteer member role. All other member and staff management roles take their day-to-day leadership from these two senior executive officers who attend all board meetings. Within this structure the trustees have taken on the following portfolios, to ensure good communication within the organisation for: Diversity and Inclusion; Education; Facilities; Finance; Front of House; Health & Safety; Marketing; Membership & Communications; Production and Strategy.

Broadly speaking, the Board of Trustees concerns itself with longer term strategic issues and the Executive with operational issues within policies and resources determined by the Board.

Day-to-day operations are managed by the Executive Director and there are other paid staff, plus tutors on the educational courses.

Induction and training of new trustees

New Trustees receive an information pack comprising the Memorandum and Articles of Association and other key documents and are invited to discuss their role with the Chairman and Company Secretary. There is a formal Trustee Role Description that embraces both their duties under company and charity law and what The Questors itself expects of a Trustee.

Trustees are currently drawn only from the active membership. As such, they will be familiar with The Questors and are likely to have been involved in the theatre for many years. There is, therefore, no formal process of inducting new Trustees into the work and aims of the Company, as would be necessary were Trustees appointed from outside. Having said that, the Board actively encourages Trustees to familiarise themselves with aspects of the organisation they may not know so well, in particular the various roles of the permanent staff and those non-theatre activities that are increasingly important to the financial viability of the Company.

The Board has considered the possibility of inviting people from outside to be Trustees and the issue will be kept under review.

Wider network

At present The Questors Limited does not consider itself part of a wider network.

Partnerships

The Charity's long-standing relationship with Kingston College continues with the provision of training in technical theatre skills towards the college's BTEC Extended Diploma in Production Arts/Technical Theatre.

Related party

The theatre's bar is run by a separate body, the Grapevine Club, with its own constitution and accounts, which occupies its premises under a licence from The Questors. It also donates its surplus income to the theatre. In the year ended 31 August 2021 the licence fee was £nil (2020: £22,500) with a donation of £6,000 (2020: £8,000).

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THE QUESTORS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 00469253)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Risk management

In terms of physical risks, we have not been inspected by the Fire Safety Peak Activity Team, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We have however maintained the site with independent professional checks on fire extinguishers, genie equipment, the lift, workshop saws, wardrobe sewing machines and cleaning equipment as well as the alarm system as required by our insurers who remain satisfied that our infrastructure and procedures meet current best practice.

We used the opportunity of the lower levels of activity on site to re-organise storage in various areas of the theatre including the wardrobe rooms. We updated the facilities in the office and redecorated the room, and we cleaned and redecorated the dressing rooms in the Playhouse and the Studio.

The Trustees discussed the Covid-19 safety procedures at each board meeting, and we continued to ensure awareness of the maintenance of standards and the enforcement of health and safety rules across the site. Whenever there was change in government regulations and/or guidance about Covid-19 safety we re-assessed our policies and procedures and made adjustments to follow best practice. Compliance with Covid regulations continues to shape our policies and procedures.

In terms of financial risks, the Finance Group reported on the forecast outturn against budget regularly, and the Board received advice on the impact on the reserves as well as cash flow. While focus on the in-year position was the immediate priority, we also addressed the impact on future capital spend and set up a fund raising group to attract more donations to the theatre and to pursue grant applications in support of our plans for important capital expenditure which we are aiming to carry out in 2021/22.

The infrastructure and facilities owned by The Questors are considerable in size and complexity and just to keep the site safely operational requires considerable maintenance work within the limited funding available. A serious concern is that, as the site ages, more major maintenance work will be required. A master list of works that would improve the facilities for all users is maintained and regularly reviewed and updated. Projects from the list are activated as and when funding can be allocated.

The Trustees have a reserves policy designed to keep liquid funds sufficient to cover an unexpected repair or a sudden downturn in income. This has been evidenced by the global pandemic.

The Questors receives independent advice on working with young people via the ITC (Independent Theatre Council), LTG (Little Theatre Guild) and ACE (Arts Council England). The Questors Youth Theatre (QYT) has a Child Protection Policy Statement, Child Protection Procedures and a written code of behaviour for all staff. All tutors and teaching assistants working with our young people are nowadays checked through the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) via the LTG

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

00469253 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

207516

Registered office

The Questors Theatre 12 Mattock Lane Ealing London W5 5BQ

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THE QUESTORS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 00469253)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Trustees

D Emmet A J Arnold-Forster R Mead M Weaver D King R E Hobson R W Eagle S A J Higginson P R Sheahan J T Welch

Company Secretary

D Emmet

Auditors

Johnsons, Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor 1-2 Craven Road Ealing London W5 2UA

Executive Director

Andrea Bath

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THE QUESTORS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 00469253)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE

In the light of the continuing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, The Questors continued our strategy and operating approach from 2019/20 into 2020/21, maintaining a Covid-19 secure environment, supporting our staff, and our members by staying connected and ensuring that we took the opportunity of drawing on such government and local authority support as we could.

We have continued to be a viable business due to the strength of our reserves, and we were able to respond to opportunities to re-open when allowed to do so by Government, including by producing shows and opening our bar. In planning for such activities, we kept safely of our members, volunteers, staff, visitors, contractors and hirers at the heart of our operations in line with official Covid-19 precautions as directed by the government.

The Board of Trustees updated the strategy for the future, including opportunities for increasing collaboration with other theatres and across the community in anticipation of the time when we would be able to fully re-open.

We continued hiring out parts of the venue as and when we had to staffing (to open, lock, supervise and clean the building) to facilitate this strand of our income. The nature of hirer changed as a consequence and, rather than having regular sustained hire income, we had sporadic short term hires. They were, in the main, film and television companies using parts of our site for filming, green room and over-spill production office requirements.

At the point that colleges and universities could, once more, operate the MET film school hired The Studio, for several filming projects.

We were very pleased to see how much local people valued the theatre, through surveys of our members, our youth theatre and from response to our crowdfunding scheme. The Questors continued to be regarded by the local and national arts community as an exciting company that other organisations want to work with and learn from. We are involved in the plans for enhancing the cultural opportunities in the Borough of Ealing through our links to the Ealing Council Cultural Task Group.

In addition, The Questors is a member of the Society of Independent Theatres which includes Canal Café, Charing Cross Theatre, The Courtyard, Finborough Theatre, Hoxton Hall, Jermyn Street Theatre, King's Head Theatre, Landor Theatre, Lion & Unicorn, Park Theatre, Pleasance Theatre and Theatre 503. The objectives of this group include raising the profile of independent venues within the theatre industry and with the general public; encouraging the development of the performing arts; exchanging information on theatre companies and suppliers; exchanging ideas and proposals for marketing, promotion and audience development. It has been a good sounding board and advice forum during the crisis.

Within the immediate area of the theatre there are a number of new developments which will benefit from having a renowned high quality theatre in the neighbourhood. We are pursuing discussions with these organisations with a view to identifying ways in which we can enhance the opportunities for people working and living in Ealing to enjoy seeing and participating in the creation of live theatre. We are also ramping up our outreach connections to organisations in the wider Borough, for example we collaborated with the Punjabi Theatre Academy in Southall to support them present a show at Questors which will be staged in May 2022.

Prior to the pandemic, a long-term programme of renovation and refurbishment was being prepared in order for The Questors site to be fit for purpose for its 100th birthday in 2029 and beyond. We have investigated the options for replacing the roof of the Judi Dench Playhouse and have a recommended solution using the Icopal layered roofing system. We see this as the main target for capital works in 2021/22.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also the directors of The Questors Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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THE QUESTORS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 00469253)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES - continued

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 resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

AUDITORS

The auditors, Johnsons, Chartered Accountants, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:

........................................................................

D Emmet - Secretary

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE QUESTORS LIMITED

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Questors Limited (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 August 2021 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Cash flow statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the independent auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE QUESTORS LIMITED

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the trustees.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE QUESTORS LIMITED

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the independent auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Identification and assessment of potential risks

In identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities in identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we conducted:

Risks arising from legal and regulatory frameworks

We are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks in which the charitable company operates, focusing on provisions of those areas that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.

We did not identify any material audit matters related to the potential risk of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations from our work:

(i) Reviewing management override of controls;

(ii) Testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other accounting adjustments;

(iii) Assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and

(iv) Evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

We also communicated our assessment of the relevant laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE QUESTORS LIMITED

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Edmund Cartwright (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Johnsons, Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor 1-2 Craven Road Ealing London W5 2UA Date: .............................................

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THE QUESTORS LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations, grants and legacies
2
181,301
Charitable activities
5
Theatrical activities
240,523
Other trading activities
3
439
Investment income
4
4,950
Total
427,213
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
6
Theatrical activities
507,676
Net gains/(losses) on investments
-
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(80,463)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
634,993
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
554,530		 Restricted
funds
£
5,442
-
-
255
5,697
6,821
(172)
(1,296)
106,341
105,045		 2021
Total
funds
£
186,743
240,523
439
5,205
432,910
514,497
(172)
(81,759)
741,334
659,575		 2020
Total
funds
£
122,300
483,240
24,893
6,767
637,200
657,479
(12)
(20,291)
761,625
741,334

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 14

THE QUESTORS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 00469253)

BALANCE SHEET 31 AUGUST 2021

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
11
Investments
12
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
14
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
16
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Unrestricted
fund
£
219,453
-
219,453
96,323
360,105
456,428
(121,351)
335,077
554,530
554,530		 Restricted
funds
£
33,141
11,013
44,154
-
60,893
60,893
(2)
60,891
105,045
105,045		 2021
Total
funds
£
252,594
11,013
263,607
96,323
420,998
517,321
(121,353)
395,968
659,575
659,575
554,530
105,045
659,575		 2020
Total
funds
£
275,867
11,184
287,051
24,118
506,637
530,755
(76,472)
454,283
741,334
741,334
634,993
106,341
741,334

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:

............................................. D King - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 15

THE QUESTORS LIMITED

CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Interest received
Dividends received
Net cash used in investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in
the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of
the reporting period		 2021
£
(81,597)
(81,597)
(9,247)
4,950
255
(4,042)
(85,639)
506,637
420,998		 2020
£
(48,998)
(48,998)
(83,488)
6,516
251
(76,721)
(125,719)
632,356
506,637

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 16

THE QUESTORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET EXPENDITURE TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

RECONCILIATION OF NET EXPENDITURE TO NET CASH FLOW FROM
ACTIVITIES		 OPERATING
Net expenditure for the reporting period (as per the Statement of
financial activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Losses on investments
Interest received
Dividends received
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Net cash used in operations		 2021
£
(81,759)
32,519
172
(4,950)
(255)
(72,205)
44,881
(81,597)		 2020
£
(20,291)
37,048
12
(6,516)
(251)
8,819
(67,819)
(48,998)
  1. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS
At 1/9/20 Cash flow At 31/8/21
£ £ £
Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand 506,637 (85,639) 420,998
506,637 (85,639) 420,998
Total 506,637 (85,639) 420,998

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 17

THE QUESTORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PREPARING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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 Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

Since the year-end COVID-19, a global pandemic, has forced the government to put the country into lockdown. The directors continue to monitor the ongoing impact this will have on the Charitable Company in these uncertain times.

INCOMING RESOURCES

Income comprises the value of goods and services supplied by the charity and subscriptions, exclusive of value added tax. Subscriptions received for membership extending into the next accounting year are accounted for on a pro rata basis by way of deferred income. Voluntary income and donations are accounted for on an accruals basis. Any income from fund-raising is shown gross. Where goods and services have been donated, no income is recognised where there is no financial cost borne by a third party. Legacies are accounted for as incoming resources either upon receipt or where the receipt of the legacy is known. This will be once confirmation has been received from the representatives of the estate that payment of the legacy will be made or property transferred once all conditions attached to the legacy have been fulfilled.

RESOURCES EXPENDED

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to each category. Expenditure is stated excluding value added tax. As the charity makes value added tax exempt supplies, there is an element of the VAT in expenditure, which is irrecoverable and this is shown within the expenditure for charitable activities. Fund-raising expenditure comprises costs incurred in the process of obtaining financial contributions towards the charity's work from people and organisations. This includes the cost of advertising for donations and the staging of special fund-raising events.

ALLOCATION AND APPORTIONMENT OF COSTS

Support costs are apportioned to support the income activities of the theatre based on time and occupancy. Following a review of the apportionment of costs during the year ended 31 August 2019 office staff costs directly relating to charitable activities were taken out of support costs and re-allocated to the direct cost of those charitable activities.

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Freehold land and buildings - 5% on reducing balance
Facilities for disabled - Straight line over 10 to 12 years
Fixtures fittings & equipment - 20% on reducing balance
Computer equipment - 20% on cost

The Renaissance Project was a major refurbishment and improvement of The Questors facilities. The cost of the Renaissance Project has been fully depreciated.

The fixed assets included in the Renaissance Project category were purchased out of a restricted grant. This allowed for the benefactor to claw back part of the grant on a reducing scale over a period of 20 years, should the Charity not comply with the terms of the grant. This period expired at 31 August 2017 and there is no longer any restriction to this asset.

TAXATION

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

continued...

Page 18

THE QUESTORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

FUND ACCOUNTING

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

PENSION COSTS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

LEASING COMMITMENTS

Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are included in the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred.

2. DONATIONS, GRANTS AND LEGACIES

Legacies
Government grant
Donation from Grapevine Club
Donations from individuals
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
Coronavirus job retention scheme grant
Ealing Council grants
3.
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Sundry and special events
Grapevine licence fee		 2021
£
512
99,261
6,000
80,970
186,743
2021
£
43,333
55,928
99,261
2021
£
439
-
439		 2020
£
46,681
40,013
8,000
27,606		 2020
£
46,681
40,013
8,000
27,606
122,300
2020
£
40,013
-
40,013
2020
£
2,393
22,500
24,893

continued...

Page 19

THE QUESTORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

4. INVESTMENT INCOME

Income on listed investment
Deposit account interest
5.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Membership subscriptions
Theatrical activities
Income from productions
Theatrical activities
Income from education
Theatrical activities
Hiring and letting
Theatrical activities
6.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Theatrical activities
7.
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
Auditors' remuneration
Depreciation - owned assets
Operating lease rentals
Pension costs		 Direct
Costs
£
422,626		 2021
£
255
4,950
5,205
2021
£
44,429
23,341
60,284
112,469
240,523
Support
costs
£
91,871
2021
£
10,700
32,520
1,868
10,632		 2020
£
251
6,516
6,767
2020
£
51,215
189,526
136,685
105,814
483,240
Totals
£
514,497
2020
£
10,850
37,048
1,473
9,976

8. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 August 2021 nor for the year ended 31 August 2020 .

TRUSTEES' EXPENSES

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 August 2021 nor for the year ended 31 August 2020.

continued...

Page 20

THE QUESTORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

9. STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

10.

Management & Administration
Teaching staff
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
fund
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations, grants and legacies
114,484
Charitable activities
Theatrical activities
483,240
Other trading activities
24,893
Investment income
6,514
Total
629,131
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Theatrical activities
648,601
Net gains/(losses) on investments
(12)
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(19,482)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
654,475
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
634,993		 2021
8
15
23
Restricted
funds
£
7,816
-
-
253
8,069
8,878
-
(809)
107,150
106,341		 2020
10
16
26
Total
funds
£
122,300
483,240
24,893
6,767
637,200
657,479
(12)
(20,291)
761,625
741,334

continued...

Page 21

THE QUESTORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Freehold
land and
buildings
£
COST
At 1 September 2020
619,595
Additions
4,950
At 31 August 2021
624,545
DEPRECIATION
At 1 September 2020
461,805
Charge for year
8,138
At 31 August 2021
469,943
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 August 2021
154,602
At 31 August 2020
157,790
Renaissance
Project
£
COST
At 1 September 2020
853,053
Additions
-
At 31 August 2021
853,053
DEPRECIATION
At 1 September 2020
853,053
Charge for year
-
At 31 August 2021
853,053
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 August 2021
-
At 31 August 2020
-
12.
FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
MARKET VALUE
At 1 September 2020
Listed Investments Revaluation
At 31 August 2021
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 August 2021
At 31 August 2020		 Facilities
Fixtures
for
fittings
disabled
& equipment
£
£
109,435
278,360
-
4,297
109,435
282,657
103,104
173,934
508
21,744
103,612
195,678
5,823
86,979
6,331
104,426
Computer
equipment
Totals
£
£
19,213
1,879,656
-
9,247
19,213
1,888,903
11,893
1,603,789
2,130
32,520
14,023
1,636,309
5,190
252,594
7,320
275,867
Listed
investments
£
11,184
(171)
11,013
11,013
11,184

continued...

Page 22

THE QUESTORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

12. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS - continued

There were no investment assets outside the UK.

Cost or valuation at 31 August 2021 is represented by:

Valuation in 2021
Cost
The historic cost of listed investments is £10,030.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Social security and other taxes
VAT
Other creditors
Accrued expenses
Deferred income

13. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

15. LEASING AGREEMENTS

The following operating lease payments are committed to be paid within one year:

2021 2020
£ £
Expiring:
Between one and five years - 1,473

continued...

Page 23

THE QUESTORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Renewal fund
Nevile and Julie Cruttenden fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Renewal fund
Nevile and Julie Cruttenden fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparatives for movement in funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Renewal fund
Nevile and Julie Cruttenden fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 follows:
Incoming
resources
£
427,213
4,442
1,255
5,697
432,910		 At 1/9/20
£
634,993
85,066
21,275
106,341
741,334
Resources
expended
£
(507,676)
(6,466)
(355)
(6,821)
(514,497)
At 1/9/19
£
654,475
86,040
21,110
107,150
761,625		 Net
movement
At
in funds
31/8/21
£
£
(80,463)
554,530
(2,024)
83,042
728
22,003
(1,296)
105,045
(81,759)
659,575
Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
-
(80,463)
-
(2,024)
(172)
728
(172)
(1,296)
(172)
(81,759)
Net
movement
At
in funds
31/8/20
£
£
(19,482)
634,993
(973)
85,067
164
21,274
(809)
106,341
(20,291)
741,334

continued...

Page 24

THE QUESTORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Renewal fund
Nevile and Julie Cruttenden fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
629,131
7,195
874
8,069
637,200		 Resources
expended
£
(648,601)
(8,168)
(710)
(8,878)
(657,479)		 Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
(12)
(19,482)
-
(973)
-
164
-
(809)
(12)
(20,291)

At the year end, there were two restricted funds:

a) The Renewal Fund represents funds raised towards the refurbishment of the Charity's premises and facilities. b) The Nevile and Julie Cruttenden Fund exists to support students on the two-year acting course;

17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The company operates a "Selective Pension Plan" whereby the company pays a defined contribution for eligible employees into the employee's own personal pension scheme. The company also provides a personal pension scheme facility entitled The Questors 2 Grouped Individual Retirement Plan no 70003-91R-GPP. The pension charge represents contributions payable by the company for the year. The company's liability is limited to the amount of the contribution. The liability for meeting future pension payments rests solely with the employee's pension plan provider. There was an amount of £1,667 unpaid at the year end.

18. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

2020 2019
£ £
Contracted but not provided for in the financial statements - 38,522

19. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

The Questors Grapevine Club is a separate entity which occupies part of the Theatre on the basis of a yearly licence fee. However, in this year the income generated from the licence fee is nil as the club was closed until re-opening in June 2021 due to covid (2020: £22,500). The Club donates its surplus income to The Questors Theatre amounting to £6,000 (2020: £8,000).

Page 25

continued...

THE QUESTORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

20. LEGAL STATUS OF THE CHARITY

The Charitable Company is controlled by a Board of Trustees all of whom are Directors and Trustees of the Charity.

The liability of the members is limited to a guarantee of 5p per member in the event of an insolvent winding up.

Page 26