Chair & Artistic Director’s Report November 2024
We seem to be returning to a more normalised pattern of productions and attendance now. Last season saw a near capacity audience overall, with good feedback. Audition and membership numbers are good too. All is looking very positive and we are looking forward to a good 2024-25season - our 77[th ] - which has started with two well received productions and near capacity audience.
The overall feedback for our productions continues to be very positive and it is down to the efforts made by the directors, casts, production teams, box office, bar and all other supporting members who volunteer and make these productions a success.
We have also started some major repair work to the roof gullies over the dressing room area. This will repair the leaks in that area.
Sadly, we no longer have a Youth Group, due to lack of attendees and the Young Adult Group setup subsequently did not draw in enough interest.
Our main area of concern is the significant number of roles that are remaining unfilled. Some of these are crucial and are being covered by trustees and other role holders doubling up and taking on an additional workload. A situation that is not ideal or sustainable in the longer term. Please consider how you could assist.
When I sit down to write this report it gives me a chance to think about past years. When I think back to my first season we were congratulating ourselves on managing to put on a show with an audience capacity of fourteen and serving drinks behind masks to people in their seats in order to accommodate COVID rules. Now, thankfully our audiences are bigger, most shows are selling out even before opening night.
Last season started with the extremely moving “You" , written by our own Mark Wilson and directed by Emmie Spence. It told a story spanning thirty years and was played by two actors playing several different characters. A wonderful production and a poignant story.
November saw a Chekhov double bill, “ The Proposal ” and " The Bear " and was directed by Elaine Larkin, whose enthusiasm for these comedies shone through in her direction and the clever set design.
Our December comedy production, directed by myself, was Alan Ayckbourn’s “ Bedroom Farce” . Although not a farce in the traditional sense of the word, the play offered wonderful parts for three couples young and old. This production saw Ayshen take up the role of Stage Manager for the first time, which she has continued to do for other productions.
The January production, directed by Neil Hadley was “ Taking Care of Baby" by Dennis Kelly. It tackled the complex case of Donna McAuliffe, a young mother convicted of the murder of her two infant children. Played in the studio the audience followed the story by witnessing a series of probing interviews of the various people involved in this extraordinary tale.
In February we went upstairs to enter the world of Christopher Hampton’s “ Liaisons Dangereuses ”. In Mark Lester’s lavish costume drama the master manipulations and vengeful plots of Valmont and his ex-lover, the Marquise de Merteuil caused suffering of family, friends and innocent hearts.
Richard Lindfield’s “ Lear ”, was our March production played in the studio. Richard has directed a number of Shakespeare plays but never, I believe, in the round. In this style of production, the audience could experience up-close a vivid eye-gouging and the human and political disintegration sparked by one man’s stubborn vanity.
It was back up to the main theatre in April for Shelagh Stephenson’s “An Experiment With An Air Pump” directed by Sam Chittenden. The play told the story of one grand house occupied by two families both teetering on the edge of change and separated by time. The play not only revealed a dark secret buried for 200 years but was also interjected with live music, the musicians giving us tantalizing glimpses from behind the huge gauze at the back of the set.
In May, in the studio Diane Robinson directed the chilling adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s classic story of “Picnic At Hanging Rock”. The cast was made up of five young females who told the story playing numerous characters of both genders using mime, movement, song, speech and a staggering number of very fast costume changes. This was a haunting and absorbing production.
It was the two-hander “ Constellations” by Nick Payne and directed by Mary Allen which played upstairs in June. The play followed Roland, a beekeeper, and Marianne, a quantum physicist. The stunning, curved, blue and white set reflected their lives which played out in a multiverse, a construct that contained an infinity of different possible futures.
Finally the season closed with Gaby Bowring and Bryony Weaver directing the wonderful play about lady, Victorian, boxers Joy Wilkinson’s “ Sweet Science Of Bruising” . The play was unusual, beautifully acted with an evocative set and was a fantastic way to end the season.
When remembering last season, I don’t think I can skip mentioning the wonderful sets we have had and there have been many. When you direct it is such a good feeling to walk in and see the progress they have made since the last time you were there and just love the set. I loved the three bedrooms in Bedroom Farce. I can only admire the way that our designers and builders create such sets, which evoke a period or mood, and I am sure we all thank them for their dedication and hard work.
In addition to the smooth running of the season I am also trying to encourage new writing. We ran an enjoyable New Writer’s Evening which involved rehearsed readings of four new pieces. We also have a New Writer’s group, which meets monthly. Their brief is to write some shorts which we aim to stage later in the year.
In addition, I want to encourage and give opportunities to new Directors. Last season we saw Gaby and Neil direct a full-length production after directing shorts the season before. I am hopeful that a similar situation will arise from the Shorts with contributions from five new Directors that we have planned for later this season.
Once again I can’t help but be proud of our achievements. I sat behind a lady one night who was telling her friend that she should buy her ticket now for the next production because “it is always good here” I take the responsibility of my position very seriously recognizing that the financial prosperity of the theatre depends largely on the success of the shows. So we have to offer challenge for our actors, a range of subjects and genres and maintain the high standards which keep our audiences coming back. Last season the 10 plays had 11 directors, there were parts for 69 actors (33 females and 36 males) and there were 296 credits in the programmes for all the other roles which go to support a production. Thank you to all of those people who work
behind the scenes. This is why we continue to succeed, good directors, good scripts, good actors and good support teams.
This current season is well underway, and teams are, on the whole, in place for the majority of plays. It is now time to start thinking about next season and the Artistic team is ready to receive your proposals.
To close I continue to be grateful to be involved in the NVT. Aren't we so lucky to have this amazing place? Aren't we lucky that so many people want to work here? We have to make sure that NVT is a happy place to be where everyone wants to come. Thank you to the Artistic Team (Pat, Mark W, Mark L, Gaby, Bryony and Rod), to the other trustees and the many members who give their personal support to me.
Katie Brownings AD & Ian Black Chair
NEW VENTURE PRODUCTIONS New Venture Theatre Bedford Place Brighton BN1 2PT
Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2024
Charity Registration Number: 268607
INDEX
-
Income & Expenditure Account year ending 31 August 2024
-
Statement of Assets & liabilities including Reserves Policy 31 August 2024
-
Financial review and commentary year ending 31 August 2024
-
Independent Examiners Report 31 August 2024
New Venture Productions Financial Statements for the year ending 31 August 2024
Page 1 of 6
Income & Expenditure Account year ending 31 August 2024
| INCOME Ticket sales Bar and Programme sales Membership subscriptions Donations and Bequests Youth / Young Adult Theatre and Acting classes Fundraising events Interest received Other Income Total Income EXPENDITURE Building running costs and maintenance Office and General Adninistration Expenses Development and improvements NVYT and Acting class teaching costs Subscriptions and Insurance Production and Associated costs Bar Stock Total Expenditure Net Surplus / Deficit Refurbishment costs funded from dedicated reserves - South Wall Windows Replacement Reconciliation of Funds Total Funds b/fwd 1 September Net change in year Total Funds c/fwd 31 August |
2024 £ 59,079 32,173 4,670 2,936 2,245 1,927 1,815 4,580 |
2024 £ 59,079 32,173 4,670 2,936 2,245 1,927 1,815 4,580 |
2023 £ 55,644 30,607 3,760 1,279 2,067 1,334 635 1,038 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £109,425 | £96,364 | ||
| 26,564 3,254 10,521 2,210 11,340 19,338 16,101 |
34,593 2,665 6,694 2,840 8,807 19,788 15,529 |
||
| £89,328 | £90,916 | ||
| 20,097 -2,305 |
5,448 -11,495 |
||
| 17,792 | -6,047 | ||
| 95,406 17,792 |
101,453 -6,047 |
||
| £113,198 | £95,406 |
New Venture Productions Financial Statements for the year ending 31 August 2024
Page 2 of 6
Assets & Liabilities including Reserves Policy at 31 August 2024
| FIXED ASSETS New Venture Theatre, Brighton Grade 2 Listed Building - insurance value CURRENT ASSETS Bank Current Account General Deposit Account Fixed Term Deposit 32 Day Notice Deposit Renewal at New Venture Deposit Donations Renewal at New Venture Deposit NVT reserve PayPal Account Total Other Prepaid Performance Rights Cash Float TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS Less CURRENT LIABILITIES NET CURRENT ASSETS Liquid Reserves Iliquid Reserves - Grade 2 Listed Building |
2024 £ |
2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| £2,441,483 | £1,529,988 | ||
| 17,906 42,705 31,285 20,405 0 0 897 ___ 113,198 5,712 580 ____ 119,490 0 |
22,010 40,218 30,372 0 0 2,296 510 __ 95,406 6,976 580 ______ 102,962 0 |
||
| £119,490 | £102,962 | ||
| 119,490 2,441,483 |
102,962 1,529,988 |
||
| £2,560,973 | £1,632,950 |
RESERVES STATEMENT
The trustees aim to maintain general deposit account balances at a reasonable level, £60,000 to £80,000, as a reserve for ongoing building and theatre repairs and upgrades. Roof repairs at a cost of circa £25,000 are scheduled in mid November 2024.
NOTE
New Venture Productions accounts on a cash basis recording revenue when money is received and expenses when money is paid out. Therefore, no adjustments have been made to account for when revenue is earned and expenses are incurred.
New Venture Productions Financial Statements for the year ending 31 August 2024
Page 3 of 6
Financial review and commentary year ending 31 August 2024
Overview
The year ending 31 August 2024 proved to be a successful year for the New Venture Theatre (“NVT”). A healthy level of ticket and bar sales together with ad hoc income, hire of the theatre as a polling station, a legacy and sponsorship meant that NVT was well able to cover fixed costs and fund improvements and upgrades to the theatre building and equipment during the year. A surplus of income over expenditure of £20,097 was achieved. This will be fully utilised to pay for essential repairs to the theatre roof scheduled for November 2024.
NVT welcomed funding for portable air conditioning units for the main theatre from Brighton and Hove City Council shared prosperity grant. These units, purchased in the summer, will provide improved facilities for audience members and the cast and crew going forward.
The work to replace the South Wall windows which commenced in the year ending 31 August 2023 finished by December 2023. In addition to the donations and fund raising for this work NVT contributed £3,370 to complete this work.
The insurers required an independent reinstatement cost assessment of the theatre building. This took place in April 2024 and resulted in a 60% increase to £2,441,483.
Income
Income for the year to 31 August 2024 totalled £109,425 (2023: £96,364).
Ticket sales
Ticket prices were not increased in the year ending 31 August 2024. Gross ticket sales increased by 6% over the previous year due to achieving an average 98% capacity across NVT’s ten productions in the 2024/25 season.
Bar and Programme sales
The bar and programme sales, £32,173, remain encouraging. Bar prices were reviewed throughout the year to ensure that standard margins were maintained.
Membership subscriptions
Membership renewals and new subscriptions totalled £4,670 an increase of 26% on the year ending 31 August 2023. Membership numbers have now returned to pre lockdown levels.
Donations and Bequests
NVT received a legacy of £2,000 from the estate of a longstanding member together with donations, including Gift Aid claimed, of £936.
New Venture Productions Financial Statements for the year ending 31 August 2024
Page 4 of 6
Young Adult Group and Acting classes
The Acting Class had good attendance levels throughout the year. External teacher fees were more than funded by the class fees received.
A Young Adult group opened in October 2023. The group closed in January 2024 due to insufficient numbers.
Fundraising Events
Two fundraising events took place in the year ending 31 August 2024, a Christmas event, and a Comedy Evening.
Interest Received
A 32 Day Notice account was opened to supplement the instant access (General Deposit account) and the Fixed Term Deposit account.
Other Income
| Other Income | ||
|---|---|---|
| Analysis | 2024 | 2023 |
| £ | £ | |
| Fees received for theatre hire(includingtwice as a PollingStation) | 2,240 | 870 |
| Commercial 2-year sponsorships | 900 | 0 |
| Brighton & Hove CC Shared ProsperityGrant for Portable AC units | 1,440 | 168 |
| Total | £4,580 | £1,038 |
Expenditure
Day to day expenditure for the year to 31 August 2024 totalled £89,328 (2023: £90,916).
Building running costs and maintenance
Building running costs and maintenance totalled £26,564 (2023: £34,593). The fall in energy costs was the material reason for the lower expenditure in the year to 31 August 2024.
Office and General Administration
Office and General Administration costs have increased as a biannual externally printed newsletter was reintroduced in March 2024. Going forward the newsletter will be published in September and March and available free to all visitors to the theatre.
Development and improvements
During the year ending 31 August 2024 NVT continued the upgrade of the sound, CCTV systems and more generally lighting equipment. New tools purchased for the workshop, stage manager facilities improved and one of the bar coolers replaced.
NVYT and Acting class teaching costs
See the comments at Income above.
New Venture Productions Financial Statements for the year ending 31 August 2024
Page 5 of 6
Subscriptions and Insurance
The overall year on year rise in the charge for subscriptions and insurance is primarily due to the increase in the cost of both NVT’s general commercial insurance and the trustee insurance policies. A sizeable portion of the increase results from the independent reinstatement cost assessment valuation of the building, in April 2024, increasing the value from £1,529,988 to £2,441,483.
Production and Associated costs
Production and Associated costs (printing, rights and licences, workshop costs, Brighton Fringe registration) remain more in line with pre lockdown costs reflecting the increased activity and good capacity in respect of the ten productions staged in the year ending 31 August 2024. Production programs and flyers were printed externally rather than in house for the second half of the 2024/25 season.
Bar Stock
NVT continues with careful monitoring of stock selling prices and bar margins, against a background of ongoing supplier price increases.
Refurbishment costs - South Wall Windows Replacement
| Refurbishment costs - South Wall Windows Replacement | |
|---|---|
| Description | £ |
| Funded by reserved funds year ending 31 August 2023 Funded by reserved funds year ending 31 August 2024 Funded by NVT, maintenance costs, year ending 31 August 2024 Total cost South Wall window Replacement |
11,495 2,305 3,370 £17,170 |
New Venture Productions Financial Statements for the year ending 31 August 2024
Page 6 of 6
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES: Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Exarniner's Report Report to the trusteesl ' members of On accounts tor tho year ènd8d Charlty no (If any) Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity {Ihe Trusfi lor year ended%i CJ% l32(t- Responslbllltlos and As the charity Irustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of ihe accounts in accLYdance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Acr). I report in restect of my examination of the TTusI's acwunts carried out urxler sectKM) 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have fo11Lh the applwable DrectlOW15 giv8n by the Charity Commission under section 14515)Ib) of the Act. I 3ve completed my examination. I corffirm that no mat8rial rnatters hav8 come to my attention {91kw1&8ft Its# d10") in connedion wrth the examination givès me caus8 lo b81i8v8 Ihat in, any material respect: accwntiTrJ records vRre not kept in accordance with sect*Jn 130 of the Ad the accounts do not acccfd th8 accounting rrdS Independent examlner's stslement I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connectlon wilh the examination to Nthich attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper uTrJerstanding of the accounts to be reached. ' Please delete the words in the bwkets rfthey do not apply. Slgned: zs Name: Relevanl professional qualrficalionls) or body Ilf any): ILillilLIl Address: IER October 2018
Section B Disclosure Onty complete if the examiner needs lo hKJhlKJht matters of concem (seè CC32, Independent examinalion of charity MInts.. directions and guKlance for examiners). Gfve here brief dets115 of any Itgms that Iho examiner wishes to dlsclose. iA-- IER October 2018