OpenCharities

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

2023-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 251806

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr P Dawson
Mrs A Woolley (Appointed 18 May 2023)
Mrs T Dawson
Mrs M Finch
Ms E Delaney
Mrs M Kinley
Miss M Schofield
Mr R Shaw (Appointed 18 May 2023)
Mrs L Donbavand
Mr J Dean
Mrs K Davis
Miss T Haywood
Mr J Wiswell
Mr D Swift
Mrs L Steggals (Appointed 18 May 2023)
Mr J Dudley (Appointed 18 May 2023)
Mrs V Teesdale (Appointed 18 May 2023)
Senior management Mrs M Kinley President
Mr J Dean Vice President
Mrs M Finch Vice President
Mra A Woolley Chair
Miss T Haywood Deputy Chair
Mr D Swift Treasurer
Mrs K Davies Secretary
Mrs L Steggals Bar Manager
Charity number 251806
Principal address 44 Crompton Street
Wigan
Lancashire
England
WN1 3SL
Independent examiner HullJady
41 Bridgeman Terrace
Wigan
Lancashire
United Kingdom
WN1 1TT

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 16

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "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

Pursuant to the Friendly Societies Act 1896 and the special authority of 3 July 1878, the objectives are to promote education in the fine arts amongst members of the public and, in particular to increase the appreciation and understanding amongst members of the public of the arts of drama, mime, dance, singing and music by the establishment of a permanent theatre in Wigan, the production and presentation of plays of merit and the organisation and presentation of lectures and readings.

Wigan Little Theatre continues to fulfil a vital role on the local Arts scene. We own, operate, and maintain the only independent, self-sufficient live theatre in the borough of Wigan and Leigh. With over seventy-five years of successful productions, we continue to deliver quality entertainment utilising our redoubtable band of willing member volunteers, and local talent.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Volunteers

The Charity relies for its continued existence on help provided by its many volunteers.

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

During the year to 31 December 2023, 9 productions were presented, including the pantomime and a play performed by the youth theatre. There was an increase of around 10% in overall audience numbers compared to the 2022 season.

Financial review

Full operations continued in 2023, resulting in a surplus of £20,048 on a turnover of £252K.

This was due to the significant amount of income resulting from the extremely successful pantomime. The percentage sales figures for each production are shown below:

This has resulted in an increase in the Charity's reserves including its bank balance at 31 December 2023 to £668,149 from £648,101 at 31 December 2022.

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level of £35,000 equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees considers that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

Major risks

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Plans for future periods

Regular and season ticket prices are to be increased in 2024

The charity will continue to prepare and present 9 shows in the 2024 year with a view to discussing a reduction to 8 shows in the 2025 year.

A phased plan for continued improvements to the fabric of the building including the lighting and stage rigging is underway. The trustees are still considering how best to utilise the former bar area downstairs.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is controlled by its governing document, The Rules of Wigan Little Theatre, amended February 1967, May 1972 and January 2001 and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr P Dawson
Mrs A Woolley (Appointed 18 May 2023)
Mrs T Dawson
Mrs M Finch
Ms E Delaney
Mrs M Kinley
Miss M Schofield
Mr R Shaw (Appointed 18 May 2023)
Mrs L Donbavand
Mr J Dean
Mr W Collins (Deceased 23 May 2023)
Mrs K Davis
Miss T Haywood
Mr J Wiswell
Mr O Rasburn (Resigned 9 February 2023)
Mr D Swift
Mr M Green (Resigned 18 May 2023)
Mrs L Steggals (Appointed 18 May 2023)
Mr J Dudley (Appointed 18 May 2023)
Mrs V Teesdale (Appointed 18 May 2023)

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Trustees are appointed each year at the Annual General Meeting and are selected to provide the board with a wide range of expertise and experience .

The trustees meet on a monthly basis throughout the year. There is an annual general meeting and extraordinary general meetings are held if required.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr D Swift

Trustee

17 May 2024

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales 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 charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Wigan Little Theatre (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

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

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 financial statements to be reached.

Clare Jady FCA

HullJady

41 Bridgeman Terrace Wigan Lancashire WN1 1TT United Kingdom

Dated: 17 May 2024

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
Notes £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 18,252 10,217
Charitable activities 4 173,255 155,104
Other trading activities 5 58,867 51,245
Investments 6 2,040 228
Total income 252,414 216,794
Charitable activities 7 232,366 185,144
Net income and movement in funds 20,048 31,650
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2023 648,101 616,451
Fund balances at 31 December 2023 668,149 648,101

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Current assets
Stocks
13
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds		 2023
£
3,468
15,734
230,328
249,530
65,887		 £
484,506
183,643
668,149
668,149
668,149		 2022
£
3,946
5,458
204,040
213,444
57,254		 £
491,911
156,190
648,101
648,101
648,101

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 17 May 2024

Mr D Swift Trustee

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Wigan Little Theatre is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. .

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011 and "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

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

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

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 of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

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.

Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

1.6 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:

Freehold land and buildings 2.5% Reducing Balance
Plant and equipment 15% Reducing Balance
Fixtures and fittings 15% Reducing Balance
CCTV 15% Reducing Balance
Heating System 15% Reducing Balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

1.11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Irrecoverable vat

The irrecoverable VAT is apportioned on a pro-rata percentage basis and added back to individual expense items.

1.12 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Donations and gifts 15,836 4,030
Government Covid Grants - 5,167
Membership fees 2,416 1,020
18,252 10,217
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Charitable Income
Production ticket sales 172,092 153,641
Ancillary trading income 1,163 1,463
173,255 155,104
Income from other trading activities
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Bar & kiosk sales 58,867 51,245

4 Income from charitable activities

5 Income from other trading activities

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Interest receivable 2,040 228
Expenditure on charitable activities
Charitable Charitable
Expenditure Expenditure
2023 2022
£ £
Direct costs
Production costs 48,256 45,372
Bar trading 25,865 16,968
Sweets, ices & merchandise 5,341 4,685
Box office 5,137 3,060
Training costs 2,134 -
86,733 70,085
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support 138,824 108,993
Governance 6,809 6,066
232,366 185,144
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 232,366 185,144

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8 Support costs allocated to activities

Staff costs
Depreciation
Rates & water
Insurance
Light & heat
Telephone
Printing, postage & stationery
Sundries
Repairs & renewals
Cleaning
CCTV & security
Bank charges
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Charitable Expenditure
Governance costs comprise:
Accountancy		 2023
£
21,313
20,202
4,164
14,136
26,840
2,848
18,081
861
23,468
3,682
564
2,665
6,809
145,633
145,633
2023
£
6,809
6,809		 2022
£
14,454
19,949
4,978
13,193
15,245
2,534
16,156
286
11,550
2,666
4,596
3,386
6,066
115,059
115,059
2022
£
6,066
6,066

Support costs have been allocated entirely to charitable activities.

9 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Cleaners
Caretaker
Total
Employment costs
Wages and salaries		 2023
Number
2
2
4
2023
£
21,313		 2022
Number
2
1
3
2022
£
14,454

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

12 Tangible fixed assets

Freehold land
and buildings
Plant and
equipment
Fixtures and
fittings
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2023
617,740
74,935
115,959
Additions
-
12,961
-
At 31 December 2023
617,740
87,896
115,959
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
174,817
43,561
101,840
Depreciation charged in the
year
11,073
6,650
2,118
At 31 December 2023
185,890
50,211
103,958
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
431,850
37,685
12,001
At 31 December 2022
442,923
31,374
14,119		 CCTV Heating System
£
£
8,454
10,381
-
-
8,454
10,381
7,364
7,977
163
361
7,527
8,338
927
2,043
1,090
2,405		 Total
£
827,469
12,961
840,430
335,559
20,365
355,924
484,506
491,911

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13
Stocks
Raw materials and consumables
14
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
Deferred income
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
3,468
2023
£
12,694
3,040
15,734
2023
£
14,723
1,167
42,236
7,761
65,887		 2022
£
3,946
2022
£
2,752
2,706
5,458
2022
£
14,506
2,112
34,101
6,535
57,254

16 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 January Incoming Resources
At 31 December
At 31 December
2023 resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 648,101 252,414 (232,366) 668,149
Previous year: At 1 January Incoming Resources
At 31 December
2022 resources expended 2022
£ £ £ £
General funds 616,451 216,794 (185,144) 648,101

WIGAN LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

17 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).