THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
Report of the Trustees and
Audited Financial Statements
THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST ALBANS) LIMITED
For the year ended 31[st] August 2025
(1[st] September 2024 to 31[st] August 2025)
A Charity registered under number 247839
A Company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 877400
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
CONTENTS
Legal and Administrative Information Chairman’s Report Trustees’ Report Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities 11 Statement of Financial Activities 12 Balance Sheet 13 Notes to the Financial Statements 14
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
LEGAL and ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
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Company 00877400 (England and Wales)
Number
Charity Number 247839
Principal Westminster Lodge
Address Holywell Hill
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 2DL
Independent Bowdon Accounting Services Ltd
Examiners Bartle House
Oxford Court
Manchester
M2 3WQ
Bankers Barclays Bank PLC
16-18 St Peter’s Street
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 3NA
Company Ian Barrett (retired 31 May 2025)
Secretary Amy Wedgwood (appointed 1 June 2025)
Officers Paul Davidson
Tim Hoyle
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Trustees Paul Davidson Chairman
Tim Hoyle Treasurer
Ian Barrett (retired 31 May Secretary
2025)
Amy Wedgwood (appointed Secretary
1 June 2025)
Susannah Evershed Marketing
Maureen Bukht Membership
Angela Stone (retired 31 Production
May 2025)
Tanishia Gearing (appointed Production
1 June 2025)
Terry Prince (retired 31 May Production
2025)
Karen Thomas (appointed 1 Production
June 2025)
Ian Crawford Technical
Elena Markham Youth Groups, Training
& Development
Carol Rose Premises
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
| GuyConroy-Smith | Without Portfolio | |
|---|---|---|
| Anne Frizell (retired 31 May 2025) |
Without Portfolio | |
| Russell Vincent (appointed 1 June 2025) |
Without Portfolio |
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
During its 90[th] Anniversary Season, 2024-25, the Company of Ten staged a total of ten plays on the main stage and in the Studio - covering a wide range of genres from comedy to high drama - plus a further four productions by young people. Two of the Studio productions - Ladies Day and The Cripple of Inishmaan – sold out completely, prompting the Management Committee to add a second matinee to Studio productions in the following season. Two of the youth shows also sold out – the Company of Teens’ Girls Like That and St Albans Youth Music Theatre’s Made in Dagenham.
As well as a very successful CoT season, the theatre also played host as usual to a large number of visiting shows and day-time hirers, with content ranging from opera and jazz through Sondheim to showcases for local theatre schools.
The combination of excellent ticket income from CoT productions with revenue from visiting hirers led to a useful operating surplus over the season, for the first time in several years. To mark 90 years since the first CoT play was staged in 1934, a celebratory gathering was held in the theatre in November and was attended by over 140 old and new members; prompting the theatre’s patron, Mike Newell, to congratulate the Company and the theatre on its longevity and to predict a bright future ahead.
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] AUGUST 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing Document
Abbey Theatre Trust (St. Albans) Limited is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 25[th] June 2004. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. Every member of the charity undertakes to contribute such amounts as may be required (not exceeding £10) to the charity’s assets if it should be wound up.
Organisation and structure
The Charity is administered by a Board of Trustees/Management Committee, which commonly meets on the first Tuesday of each month. The board has appointed a Theatre Manager who acts as the licensee and manages day-to-day administration.
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
Trustees are elected as the holders of designated offices at the Annual General Meeting for an initial period of two years (three years in the case of Officers) and then may stand for a further two years (three years in the case of Officers). After serving for four consecutive years (six consecutive years for Officers), Trustees must retire. Trustees “without portfolio” are elected for two years.
The Board of Trustees may also appoint a trustee to fill a vacancy or as an additional Trustee to serve until the next annual general meeting.
Induction and training of new Trustees
Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role. Relevant articles and publications are also circulated.
Risk Management
The Trust is faced with several on-going risks, both financial and other, including:
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Ensuring that the Charity continues to be sustainable in the medium to long term.
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Maintaining a position within the St Albans community.
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Audience and membership demographics.
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Marketing to and attracting new audiences.
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Marketing to and attracting new members.
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Maintaining current membership.
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Accommodating outside lets required for the generation of additional revenue.
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Staffing outside lets.
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The requirement for a front of house service staffed by volunteers.
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The age of the building and the increasing complexity and cost of the property management, including ongoing maintenance and the rising cost of repairs.
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Potential conflicts between artistic objectives and commercial requirements.
The Board conducts regular reviews of the risks the Charity may face, with a view to
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
ensuring:
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the creation of a strategies for mitigating risks, including, medium to long term strategies to ensure the sustainability of the theatre. In particular, this year the Board held a Strategy Day on 27 July 2025.
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the establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate identified risks.
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the implementation of strategies and procedures to minimise any potential adverse impact should any risks materialise.
Objectives and Activities
To promote, maintain, improve, and advance education in and appreciation of the arts, including the production of plays and the encouragement of dramatic arts, to formulate, prepare and establish schemes thereof provided that all objectives of the Trust shall be of a charitable nature.
There have been no changes to the Charity’s principal objectives since the last report. The Trustees have given regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
The main activity in the period has been the presentation of theatrical productions for public performance by the members of the Company of Ten and its youth branches, the Company of Teens, St Albans Youth Music Theatre and Company of Ten Youth Music. The Charity provides a vibrant, artistic hub for the community, offering opportunities to enjoy and participate in a wide range of performance-related activities. The Charity offers opportunities to a broad base of the community.
Other activities included the provision of performance facilities to other organisations and facilities for training in drama and related skills.
Strategies
The strategies employed to achieve the Charity’s objectives are:
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Artistic - to present a varied programme of main productions, attractive to substantial audiences, at approximately one per month from September to July. This is the largest single income stream.
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Training - to provide a training and development programme for members, both technical and performance based, and plan for the provision of training opportunities for the broader community.
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Youth Development - to support and provide facilities for youth groups and youth activities within the Company.
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New Writing - to support and provide a pathway for the development and performance of new writing, through rehearsed readings, “New Views”, and second stage performances.
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Involvement in the Community - to make theatrical presentation and training facilities available to a wide range of outside organisations, including other theatre and performance companies and schools.
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External Awareness - to engage with the community and promote greater awareness of the theatre and its activities in the community.
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Future Development - to determine the feasibility of developing the theatre building to ensure the future viability of the Charity.
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Technical - to maintain, renew and update equipment on an ongoing basis.
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
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Buildings - to maintain the infrastructure on a continuous basis, including substantial renewals as required. To budget for ongoing significant spending in this area and to maintain a reserve in hand for any unexpectedly large building repairs required to be done at short notice.
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Generation of Additional Income - to hire out the theatre and training facilities to relevant external organisations to maximise earnings, as far as is consistent with the Charity’s objectives and with members’ interests. Identify opportunities for generating additional revenue including commercial advertisements in programmes and sponsoring performances.
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Fundraising - to develop opportunities for fundraising both from within the Trust’s membership and the wider community.
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Staffing - to recognise the importance of significant developments in front of house and backstage staffing requirements and in facilitating outside lets.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
Activities during the period being reported on included:
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14 productions of good artistic and technical quality.
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Four of those productions were provided by the Company’s two active and successful groups – St Albans Youth Music Theatre and the Company of Teens and a third youth group was established “Company of Ten Youth Music” offering theatrical performance opportunities to those up to the age of 25.
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Maintaining two active and successful groups for young people for participation and training; including each undertaking public performances.
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Supporting new writing including a rehearsed reading performance of “Becoming Us” in the Studio.
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Outside lets and hires that provide a valuable contribution towards running costs as well as providing our regular audience with additional opportunities to visit the theatre and attracting people who might not otherwise have visited.
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Income, expenditure, and outturn for the year
The theatre operated a full season throughout the year ended 31 August 2025, with audience attendance remaining strong and community engagement continuing to recover following the pandemic. Income from charitable activities increased to £227,695 (2024: £211,429), reflecting higher ticket and programme sales, increased bar and refreshment income, and steady levels of income from visiting companies, hires and other theatrical activities. Ticket sales remain the charity’s principal source of income.
Voluntary income from donations totalled £10,591 (2024: £8,839). Unlike the previous year, there were no legacy receipts in 2025 (2024: £152,500), which resulted in a significant reduction in total income compared with the prior year. Investment income increased modestly to £756 (2024: £41) due to improved interest returns on deposits.
Total income for the year amounted to £239,042 (2024: £372,809).
Expenditure increased in line with the scale of operations and ongoing investment in the theatre’s infrastructure. Total expenditure for the year was £246,973 (2024: £222,525). This included higher costs for repairs and maintenance, utilities, insurance, and technical and IT support, reflecting both inflationary pressures and the trustees’ continued commitment to maintaining and improving the theatre’s facilities. Depreciation of £33,489 was charged in the year in respect of tangible fixed assets.
As a result, before investment gains, the charity recorded an operating deficit. After taking account of investment gains of £26,232, the overall net movement in funds for the year was a surplus of £18,302 (2024: £204,519). The comparative surplus in the prior year was largely attributable to the exceptional legacy income received in that year.
At the year end, total funds stood at £1,593,623 (2024: £1,602,229), with unrestricted funds of £224,435, designated funds of £554,275, and restricted funds of £814,913.
Reserves
The trustees continue to review the charity’s reserves policy to ensure financial sustainability while supporting the ongoing operation and development of the theatre. The operating reserve, held within unrestricted funds, remains at £62,947 and is intended to cover at least six months of operating costs should the theatre be unable to operate for any reason.
Designated funds of £554,275 are held within the Development Reserve, which the trustees have set aside to support major future developments to the theatre’s infrastructure. Restricted funds include the Tangible Fixed Asset Reserve, which reflects the net book value of the theatre’s fixed assets, and specific smaller funds held for building development and the St Albans Youth Music Theatre.
Although the year’s operating position was challenging in the absence of exceptional legacy income, the trustees consider the level and structure of reserves to be appropriate. The charity remains financially stable, with sufficient resources to meet its obligations
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
and to continue pursuing its charitable objectives while planning prudently for future years.
Outlook for the year 2025 - 26
We will continue with our usual full season of CoT productions (including Teens and SAYMT) for 2025-26 and continue to look to fill any remaining space with outside lets and opportunities for new writing. We are aware that our buildings still need further essential repairs and improvements and will continue our plan to do this work over the next few years. Some was completed in the 2024/25 season with more to be done in the 2025/26 season. The cost of these will be covered from our investment reserves.
Our plans to develop the theatre building have been re-visited and revised with a concept to undertake some work using the legacy donation previously mentioned.
Investment policy
Our investments continue to be managed by professional investment specialists who have been appointed and who manage our portfolio. These investments have much improved growth this year and have recovered from the market volatility which affected them in the previous year.
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees (who are also Directors of Abbey Theatre Trust (St. Albans) 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 Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
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 the period.
In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
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Observe the methods and principles of the Charity SORP.
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Make judgements that are reasonable and prudent.
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume the charitable company will continue in business.
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 and Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence to taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS
So far as the Trustees are aware, there is no relevant information (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006) of which the charitable company’s auditors are unaware, and each trustee has taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make them aware of any audit information and to establish that the charitable company’s auditors are aware of the information.
AUDITORS
The auditors, Bowden Accounting Services, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
..................................
Paul Davidson - Chairman and Trustee
28/04/2026
Date: ............................
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 4 Investments 3 Total Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 Raising funds 5 Total Net gain/(losses) on investments 8 Transfer between funds 13 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds £ 10,591 227,695 756 239,042 211,352 1,356 212,708 - (50,923) (24,588) 249,800 225,211 |
Designated funds £ - - - - - - - 26,232 - 26,232 528,043 554,275 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - 33,489 - 33,489 - 50,923 17,434 797,479 814,913 |
Total funds 2025 £ 10,591 227,695 756 239,042 244,841 1,356 246,197 26,232 - 19,078 1,575,322 1,594,399 |
Unrestricted funds £ 161,339 211,429 41 372,809 188,324 1,667 189,991 - - 182,819 93,888 276,707 |
Designated funds £ - - - - - - - 54,234 - 54,234 473,809 528,043 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - 32,534 - 32,534 - - (32,534) 830,013 797,479 |
Total funds 2024 £ 161,339 211,429 41 372,809 220,858 1,667 222,525 54,234 - 204,519 1,397,710 1,602,229 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year and all income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025
| Fixed assets Tangible assets 7 Investments 8 Current assets Stocks 9 Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets Total net assets Total funds of the charity Unrestricted funds 13 Designated funds 13 Restricted funds 13 Total funds Note |
2025 £ 809,163 562,861 1,372,024 2,794 14,899 265,161 282,854 60,479 222,375 1,594,399 225,211 554,275 814,913 1,594,399 |
2024 £ 833,659 536,629 1,370,288 2,018 35,518 250,350 287,886 55,945 231,941 1,602,229 276,707 528,043 797,479 1,602,229 |
|---|---|---|
For the financial year in question the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by:
….............................. ….............................. P Davidson - Chairman and Trustee A Wedgwood - Trustee Date …...............28/04/202628/04/2026 Date …...............28/04/2026
P Davidson - Chairman and Trustee Date …...............28/04/202628/04/2026
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1 Accounting Policies
Company information
The Abbey Theatre Trust (St. Albans) Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 2DL.
Basis of preparation
A summary of the principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty, is set out below.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). The company is a public benefit entity for the purposes of FRS 102 and a registered charity established as a company limited by guarantee and therefore has also prepared its financial statements in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of lreland (The FRS 102 Charities SORP), the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011.
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts.
Assessment of Going Concern
As the charity continues to rebuild from the residual impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate. They have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. The trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of these financial statements. In particular, they have evaluated the charity's forecasts and projections while considering pressures on income. After conducting thorough inquiries, the trustees have concluded that there is reasonable expectation that the charity has sufficient resources to maintain operational existence for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the charity continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
Critical accounting judgements
There are no judgements, estimates or assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements.
Incoming resources
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when the conditions for receipt have been met and there is reasonable assurance of receipt.
Voluntary income includes donations, gifts and legacies. Such income is only deferred when:
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The donor specifies that the grant or donation must only be used in a future accounting period; or
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The donor has imposed conditions which must be met before the charity has unconditional entitlement
Donations include income from fundraising activities together with unsolicited income. lncome from charitable activities is recognised as earned (as related goods and services are provided). Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis.
Grant income
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1 Accounting policies (continued)
Deferred income
A provision for deferred income is made where the income is received in the year but can only be recognised for the next financial year and can be reliably measured at the balance sheet date
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Costs are allocated between categories on a direct basis. Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Fund accounting
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is identified to the fund.
Unrestricted funds are donations and other income received or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and are available as general funds.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
- Long leasehold - 50 years straight line - Equipment - 10 to 20 years straight line
Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments are included at market value at the balance sheet date. Realised and unrealised investment gains are reflected in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Financial instruments
a. Financial assets
Basic financial assets, including trade and other receivables as well as cash and bank balances, are initially measured at the transaction price, which includes transaction costs. These assets are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method, unless the arrangement qualifies as a financing transaction. In such cases, the transaction is measured at the present value of future receipts, discounted using a market rate of interest.
b. Financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities are initially measured at transaction price.
Legal Status
The charity is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and is registered with the Charity Commission. The members of the company have undertaken to contribute up to their guarantee of £10 each towards the liabilities of the company, in the event that it is wound up whilst they are, or within one year of being, members.
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
2 Donations & Legacies
| Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2025 £ £ £ Donations 10,591 - 10,591 Legacies - - - 10,591 - 10,591 Income from investments Deposit interest 756 - 756 |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2024 £ £ £ 8,839 - 8,839 152,500 - 152,500 161,339 - 161,339 41 - 41 |
|---|---|
3 Income from investments
4 Income from charitable activities
| Ticket and programme sales Members' subscriptions Bar and refreshment sales Expenditure on raising funds Newsletter/Prompt Corner Club activities lncome from visiting companies, hire of premises and of stage properties and wardrobe items |
2025 Unrestricted funds £ 114,095 38,794 13,018 61,788 227,695 2025 Unrestricted funds £ 750 606 1,356 |
2024 Unrestricted funds £ 105,093 41,560 10,897 53,878 211,429 2024 Unrestricted funds £ 952 715 1,667 |
|---|---|---|
- 5 Expenditure on raising funds
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
6 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Production costs Bar expenses Bank charges IT and computer Insurance Regulatory fees Salary Postage Professional fees Stationery Repairs and maintenance Services & utilities Technical Marketing Depreciation Bad debts Miscellaneous expenses |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2025 £ £ £ 13,867 - 13,867 24,296 - 24,296 32 - 32 18,483 - 18,483 13,854 - 13,854 1,153 - 1,153 32,493 - 32,493 100 - 100 4,077 - 4,077 168 - 168 35,739 - 35,739 41,292 - 41,292 5,685 - 5,685 15,634 - 15,634 - 33,489 33,489 119 - 119 4,360 - 4,360 211,352 33,489 244,841 |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2024 £ £ £ 14,758 - 14,758 20,868 - 20,868 32 - 32 18,142 - 18,142 9,548 - 9,548 748 - 748 31,951 - 31,951 57 - 57 6,544 - 6,544 1,730 - 1,730 20,141 - 20,141 35,135 - 35,135 9,433 - 9,433 15,225 - 15,225 - - - - - - 4,012 - 4,012 188,324 - 188,324 |
|---|---|---|
7 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost At 01 September 2024 Additions Disposals At 31 August 2025 Depreciation At 01 September 2024 Charge for the year At 31 August 2025 Net book value At 31 August 2025 At 31 August 2024 |
Long Leasehold Equipment Total £ £ £ 1,249,929 257,137 1,507,066 7,200 1,793 8,993 - 1,257,129 258,930 1,516,059 469,470 203,937 673,407 26,080 7,409 33,489 495,550 211,346 706,896 761,579 47,584 809,163 780,459 53,200 833,659 |
|---|---|
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
8 Fixed asset investments
| Market and Net book value as at 01 September 2024 Additions Disposals Revaluation Market and Net book value as at 31 August 2025 |
2025 2024 £ £ 536,629 482,395 47,208 67,271 (63,348) (65,093) 42,372 52,056 562,861 536,629 |
|---|---|
All investments are listed investments.They are held to provide investment income to the charity
The following fixed asset investments exceeded 5% of the total portfolio:
| Morgan Stanley lnvnt Mngt (ACD) Ltd | 2025 2024 5% 5% |
|---|---|
| T Rowe Price (Lux) Mgt SARL | 5% 5% |
| Muzinich & Co lreland Limited | 5% 5% |
| Egerton Capital Equity Fund | 7% 6% |
| Blackrock GBL | 6% |
| Blackrock ICS PLC | 6% |
| Findlay Park Funds PLC | 5% 5% |
| WS Ruffer lnvestment fund | 6% 6% |
| Blackrock Fund Managers Ltd | 5% 5% |
| Fundsmith LLP | 5% |
9 Stocks
| Refreshment and bar stock 10 Debtors Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income VAT debtor 11 Creditors Accruals Deferred income from advance ticket sales Deferred income from advance membership subscriptions Ticket sales for third parties' shows Social security and other taxes Other creditors |
2025 2024 £ £ 2,794 2,018 2025 2024 £ £ 305 1,218 13,202 26,907 1,392 7,393 14,899 35,518 2025 2024 £ £ 6,305 6,135 27,442 25,990 2,395 2,395 2,706 6,906 175 243 21,456 14,276 60,479 55,945 |
|---|---|
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
12 Deferred income
| Deferred lncome at 1st September 2024 Resources deferred in the year Amounts released from previous years Deferred lncome at 31st August 2025 Deferred income comprises the following Advance ticket sales Advance membership subscriptions |
2025 £ 28,385 29,837 (28,385) 29,837 27,442 2,395 29,837 |
2024 £ 9,183 28,385 (9,183) 28,385 25,990 2,395 28,385 |
|---|---|---|
13 Statement of funds
| Unrestricted funds General fund Operating reserve Designated funds Development reserve Restricted funds Building development fund Tangible fixed asset reserve St Albans Youth Music Theatre (SAYMT) Total funds |
Balance at 01-Sep-24 £ 186,853 62,947 249,800 528,043 1,000 791,729 4,750 797,479 1,575,322 |
Movement in income £ 239,042 - 239,042 26,232 - - - - 265,274 |
Resource expenditure £ (212,708) - (212,708) - - (33,489) - (33,489) (246,197) |
Transfers £ (50,923) - (50,923) - - 50,923 - 50,923 - |
Balance at 31-Aug-2025 £ - 162,264 62,947 225,211 554,275 1,000 809,163 4,750 814,913 1,594,399 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prior period adjustment
During the year, the charity identified that certain costs relating to marketing, music licence fees, security, show expenses, advance memberships and charity nights had been incorrectly treated as prepaid expenses and carried forward from prior years. These costs should have been expensed in the periods to which they related.
As a result, prepaid expenses and unrestricted funds at the start of the year have been reduced by £26,907. Comparative figures have not been restated as the impact relates to periods prior to 2024.
Transfer of funds
£50,923 was transferred from Unrestricted General Funds to the Restricted Tangible Fixed Asset Fund to align the balance on the Tangible Fixed Asset Fund with the closing net book value of tangible fixed assets.
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THE ABBEY THEATRE TRUST (ST. ALBANS) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
13 Statement of funds (continued)
Purpose of funds
General Fund
The General fund represents funds that are readily available for use and not allocated to a specific purpose.
Development Reserve
The trustees have agreed to set aside amounts from annual surpluses to build funds towards major developments to the theatre's infrastructure.
Operating Reserve
The operating reserve exists to enable the company's operating costs to be covered for at least 6 months should its theatre facilities not be available for any reason.
Building development fund
This reserve represents donations that have been made specifically in connection with the proposed new building.
St. Albans Youth Music Theatre Reserve
This reserve represents the value of the endowment when this group came under the wing of the Abbey Theatre. lt will be used when required towards exceptional show costs incurred by SAYMT.
Tangible Fixed Asset Reserve
The funds relating to the tangible fixed assets are classified as restricted, as they are required for use for the purposes of the Charity in relation to the maintenance and improvement of the theatre's physical assets.
14 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ - 2,836 282,854 (60,479) 225,211 |
Designated funds 2025 £ - 554,275 - - 554,275 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 809,163 5,750 - - 814,913 |
Total funds 2025 £ 809,163 562,861 282,854 (60,479) 1,594,399 |
Total funds 2024 £ 833,659 536,629 287,886 (55,945) 1,602,229 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions (2024: Nil)
20