Trustees' Annual Report for the period
Period start date Period end date 01 July 2024 30 June 2025
From
To
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name Dreams ‘n’ Wishes Productions Other names charity is known by Formally - Milton Keynes Amateur Operatic Society (MKAOS) Registered charity number (if any) 277689 Charity's principal address Buttermilk Hall Farm
Stoke Road Blisworth Northants NN7 3DP
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
----- Start of picture text -----
Dates acted if not for whole Name of person (or body) entitled
Trustee name Office (if any)
year to appoint trustee (if any)
1 Mr K J Amies Treasurer
2 Mr J Dowell Chairman Resigned 29/05/2025
3 Mr M S Putman President
4 Mr L A Smith Chairman Appointed 29/05/2025
5 Mr J A Down Secretary Appointed 03/06/2025
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
----- End of picture text -----
Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)
Name Dates acted if not for whole year
April 2009
TAR
1
| Names and addresses of | advisers (Optional information) | advisers (Optional information) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of adviser | Name | Address |
| Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) |
Section B Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Constitution Revised and Adopted 10-04-25 Type of governing document
- (eg. trust deed, constitution)
How the charity is constituted
- (eg. trust, association, company)
Elected by members at AGM Trustee selection methods
(eg. appointed by, elected by)
Additional governance issues (Optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:
-
policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
-
the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
-
relationship with any related parties;
-
trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.
Section C Objectives and activities
To educate the public in the dramatic and operatic arts and to further the development of public appreciation and taste in the said arts.
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document
April 2009
TAR
2
The Trustees have reviewed the guidance at trustee meetings and have resolved that Dreams n Wishes Productions shall continue to provide an outlet for members and children of the local community in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas to practise and learn in the activities of the performing arts and shall provide an opportunity for members of the local public to access and experience the performing arts within their own community.
See also Section D
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)
Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)
You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:
-
policy on grantmaking;
-
policy programme related investment;
-
contribution made by volunteers.
April 2009
TAR
3
Section D Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity Dreams’n’Wishes Productions continues to be led and organised by its during the year Board of Trustees, supported by a dedicated team of members, volunteers and creative professionals who contribute their skills and time throughout the year. 2024–2025 has been a successful and progressive year for the charity, demonstrating both artistic ambition and continued community support. The year began with our annual family pantomime, Beauty and the Beast , staged in December 2024 and January 2025. The production was warmly received by audiences and provided an accessible, high-quality theatrical experience for families across Milton Keynes and the surrounding area. Ticket sales were strong and, through careful financial management in the face of rising production costs, the show delivered a positive financial contribution to the charity.
In May 2025, we staged A Night at the Musicals , a large-scale concert production celebrating some of the best-loved songs from musical theatre. Featuring a live orchestra and a talented cast drawn from both existing members and new performers, the concert was a significant artistic achievement. It also helped to broaden our audience reach, raise the profile of the charity, and strengthen our reputation for delivering ambitious, high-quality productions.
Following the success of the concert, in September 2025 we will proudly stage the regional premiere of Come From Away, the acclaimed West End and Broadway hit. This is a landmark production for the charity, showcasing the organisation’s ability to deliver theatre of the highest standard.
Alongside our productions, the charity has continued to focus on member development, volunteer engagement and community outreach, ensuring that Dreams’n’Wishes remains an inclusive and welcoming organisation that provides opportunities for people of all ages to participate in the performing arts.
We are also proud to continue our partnership with Dogs for Good as our pantomime production partner. Through our annual pantomime raffle and associated fundraising activity, we continue to support their valuable work in transforming lives through expertly trained dogs and specialist support.
Looking ahead, plans are already well underway for May 2026, when we will stage Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, followed by our 2026/27 family pantomime, The Snow Queen . Building on the success of A Night at the Musicals , we are also excited to present A Night at the Movies – A Night of Stage and Screen’s Blockbuster Hits in June 2027. These productions reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering ambitious, high-quality theatre while ensuring the long-term sustainability and creative vibrancy of the charity for years to come.
April 2009
TAR
4
Section E Financial review
The Society’s current policy is to maintain a sufficient level of reserves to Brief statement of the cushion against any adverse economic conditions and consequently any charity’s policy on reserves shortfall in revenue. The trustees consider it prudent that reserves should be sufficient to cover one year’s overheads and production costs of one show.
Details of any funds materially in deficit
NONE
Further financial review details (Optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:
-
the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
-
how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
-
investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.
Section F Other optional information
Section G Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Leigh Alexander Smith Full name(s) Kevin John Amies Position (eg Secretary, Chair, Treasurer Chairman etc) Date 10th April 2026
April 2009
TAR
5
YEAR END ACCOUNTS
(as at 30[th] June 2025)
Workshop: The Rosebery Room, Newport Road, Woolstone, Milton Keynes, MK15 0AA Registered Charity No: 277689
BALANCE SHEET (as at 30th June 2025)
| Fixed Assets Current Assets (Net) Debtors Prepayments & Accrued Income Cash At Bank - CafCash Cash On Deposit - CafGold Investment (NBV) Creditors Accruals & Deferred Income Capital Account Balance Forward Net Movement in Funds For Year |
0 0 22,165 1 24,169 32,067 1,889 80,290 1,018 2 32,954 3 33,972 46,318 24,997 21,321 46,318 2025 £ |
0 0 9,927 21,977 31,361 1,170 64,434 13,657 25,781 39,437 24,997 53,638 (28,641) 24,997 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|
Notes:
1 Upcoming future shows expenditure in advance: Snow White; Come From Away; Chitty
2 Accounts Payable at 30/06/25 + Come From Away returnable script deposits (returned Oct 25)
3 Upcoming future show income in advance: Snow White; Come From Away; Chitty
Page 1 of 4
Registered Charity No: 277689
INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
(Year Ending 30th June 2025)
| Income Membership Fees Gift Aid Bank Interest - CafCash - CafGold Dividend On Investment Investment Revaluation - Gain/(Loss) Shows - Panto - Summer Show Miscellaneous Income Expenditure Rosebery Rooms - Other - Insurance - Electricity - Rent - Rates - Water Insurance Committee Expenses Depreciation (of Fixed Assets) Gifts & Donations NODA - Society Membership Printing, Postage & Stationery Bank Charges Web Site Shows - Panto - Summer Show Miscellaneous Net Movement in Funds For Year Notes: |
2025 £ 0 571 59 706 47 719 1 97,313 23,204 0 122,619 0 682 312 3,062 0 206 1,871 1,338 2 0 0 299 430 3 101 887 4 67,728 24,383 0 101,298 21,321 - |
2024 £ 0 292 67 756 45 311 82,593 47,865 0 131,929 0 663 368 3,062 0 197 1,786 850 0 0 245 106 104 685 76,318 76,186 0 160,570 (28,641) |
|---|---|---|
1 Gain on revaluation of Barclays Shares as at 30/06/2025
2 Accountancy Services
3 PO Box for protection of trustee personal address information
4 Increase in Hosting costs
Page 2 of 4
Registered Charity No: 277689
PANTO ACCOUNT
| 2024/25 | 2023/24 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beauty & the Beast | Jack & the Beanstalk | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Income | ||||
| Ticket Sales | 87,532 | 73,058 | ||
| Box Office Fees | 0 | 0 | ||
| Show Membership Fees | 745 | 585 | ||
| Programme Sales | 743 | 920 | ||
| Sponsorship Revenue | 0 | 0 | ||
| Advertising Revenue | 0 | 0 | ||
| Merchandise Sales | 2,721 | 3,020 | ||
| FOH Sales - Other | 0 | 0 | ||
| Raffle Ticket Sales | 5,502 | 4,945 | ||
| Photography/ Video | 0 | 0 | ||
| Script Sales | 70 | 65 | ||
| 97,313 | 82,593 | |||
| Expenditure | ||||
| Director | 0 | 0 | ||
| Choreographer | 400 | 400 | ||
| Musical Director | 0 | 1,700 | ||
| Orchestra/Band | 0 | 0 | ||
| Box Office | 2,297 | 2,758 | ||
| Costumes | 4,687 | 3,578 | ||
| Donation (from Raffle) | 5,502 | 1 | 4,965 | 1 |
| Insurance | 0 | 524 | 2 | |
| Intro Evening / Auditions | 0 | 0 | ||
| Lighting | 13,033 | 16,513 | ||
| Sound | 3,552 | 3,288 | ||
| Continuity | 0 | 0 | ||
| Special Effects | 846 | 1,231 | ||
| Programme Printing | 1,250 | 1,545 | ||
| Props | 458 | 2,379 | ||
| Publicity | 2,184 | 3 | 1,258 | |
| Rehearsal Hall Hire | 2,420 | 2,395 | ||
| Rehearsal Pianist | 0 | 0 | ||
| Royalties | 0 | 0 | ||
| Scripts | 433 | 252 | ||
| Set Hire | 7,870 | 10,440 | ||
| Set Other | 3,746 | 3,260 | ||
| Theatre Hire | 14,370 | 14,370 | ||
| Classroom Hire | 0 | 0 | ||
| Van Hire | 80 | 101 | ||
| Merchandise Purchases | 1,424 | 2,244 | ||
| Give Aways & Raffle Prizes | 476 | 418 | ||
| Stage Manager | 2,665 | 2,689 | ||
| DVD/Photography | 0 | 0 | ||
| Cast Party | 35 | 0 | ||
| Miscellaneous | 0 | 10 | ||
| 67,728 | 76,318 | |||
| Panto Net Income/Expenditure | 29,585 | 6,275 | ||
| - | ||||
| Notes to the Panto Accounts |
1 To Dogs for Good (Raffle).
2 Additional insurance to cover cost of hired items
3 Additional roller banners for FOH
Page 3 of 4
Registered Charity No: 277689
SUMMER SHOW ACCOUNTS
| 2025 A Night at the Musicals £ Income Ticket Sales 19,355 Box Office Fees 0 Show Membership Fees 2,470 Programme Sales 467 Sponsorship Revenue 0 Advertising Revenue 0 Merchandise Sales 0 FOH Sales - Other 0 Raffle Ticket Sales 912 Photography/ Video 0 Script Sales 0 Other Income 0 23,204 Expenditure Director 0 Choreographer 0 Musical Director 0 Orchestra/Band 7,640 Box Office 768 Costumes 0 Donation (from Raffle) 0 Insurance 0 Intro Evening / Auditions 0 Lighting 2,282 Sound 3,397 Continuity 0 Special Effects 0 Programme Printing 240 Props 0 Publicity 323 Rehearsal Hall Hire 2,905 Rehearsal Pianist 1,190 Royalties 0 Scripts 0 Set Hire 0 Set Other 665 Theatre Hire 3,900 Classroom Hire 0 Van Hire 0 Merchandise Purchases 0 Give Aways & Raffle Prizes 918 Stage Manager 156 DVD/Photography 0 Cast Party 0 Miscellaneous 0 24,383 Show Net Income/Expenditure (1,179) - |
2024 Little Mermaid £ 43,278 0 1,750 505 0 0 1,358 0 974 0 0 0 47,865 0 0 0 8,580 1,741 10,522 0 927 0 7,657 9,253 0 1,896 1,235 2,202 1,254 2,140 910 8,291 450 3,750 1,413 11,820 0 0 0 0 1,898 240 0 8 76,186 (28,321) |
|---|---|
Page 4 of 4
Registered Charity No: 277689
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of .j'QtsSV45 LokiH ES f ClOIOS On accounts for the year ended ) Ju( 2025- Charlty no (if any) Set out on page5 I report to the tnjstees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (Ihe Trust-l for the year ended 30 0 6 20Ir Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Acl 2011 ("the Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Ttust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination. I have followed the applicable Directions given by Ihe Charity Commission under section 145(5)Ib) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below '} in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or th8 accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examiner's statsment I have no concems and have come across no ¢)ther matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the brackets rfthey do not apply. Slgned: Name: SIMopJè Tr4LCL_flL IN&s Relevant professlonal quallflcatlon(s) or body (if any): Address: O Nifrjli )M LLoJ& (SLAQ 6Lrt t)r Iq IER October 2018
Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to hhlIght matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination ol charity aoUnts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Glve here brfef detalls of any items that the examinerwishes to disclose. IER October 2018