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2024-12-31-accounts

Cornwall Theatre Company Limited

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Legal and Administrative Information

The full name of the charity is Cornwall Theatre Company Limited.

The charity is also known by the names The Acorn, Penzance and The Acorn.

Directors

Paul Mullin Chair to 31/03/2024; sabbatical) Paul Inman (Chair from 01/04/2024) Andrew Edmonds Dave Hunter Alex Sowerby Jo Willsher Alastair Johnston Alva Davis (appointed 21/10/2024)

Independent Examiner: Dick Maule
The Cross House
South
Woodchester
GL5 5EL
Bankers: Lloyds TSB
Market
House
Penzance
TR18 2TN
Date of incorporation: 23rd September 1981
Company registration no: 1587249
Registered o�ice: The Acorn
Parade Street
Penzance
Cornwall
TR18 4BU
Charity registration no: 283545

[1]

Introduc�on

In 2024, The Acorn experienced renewed momentum and posi�ve engagement from both our audiences and community partners. A�endance at events grew significantly, demonstra�ng a deepening apprecia�on for live arts in West Cornwall.

This report presents a comprehensive overview of our opera�onal, financial, and strategic performance during a year marked by both challenges and encouraging progress.

Opera�ng Performance

The Acorn operated at near full event capacity throughout the year, welcoming an enthusias�c public to a rich and varied live arts programme.

Financially, our work was sustained good �cket sales and the con�nued support of Cornwall Council. However, the ongoing cost of living crisis presented obstacles, impac�ng both our audiences and opera�onal expenses. Despite this, we responded proac�vely, adjus�ng �cket pricing and maintaining a commitment to accessibility, through our “pay what you are able” ini�a�ve to help us deliver on our primary charitable objec�ve: bringing a diverse programme of live performing arts to local people at affordable prices.

Fundraising efforts remained robust. We benefi�ed from generous community dona�ons and vital support from funding bodies including Cornwall Council, Penzance Town Council, and Arts Council England (via the Cultural Recovery Fund). Our fundraising partner, Two Green Magpies, played a crucial role in securing these resources. And plans for the con�nued physical improvement of our venue are also underway. A new staircase will soon enhance accessibility and audience flow.

We are proud to acknowledge the �reless contribu�ons of our core staff, including our Theatre Manager, Richie, Theatre Assistant, Hannah, Social Media Lead, Nicola, and Sound Technician, Steve.

Our opera�ons are underpinned by the unwavering dedica�on and good humour of over 60 volunteers and, of course, by our wonderful Trustees who keep us on track.

Governance and Strategy

The Board con�nued its development in 2024, welcoming a new Chair, Paul Inman, and Trustee Alva Davis, who began as a volunteer. Our trustees, all of whom serve without remunera�on, bring passion and exper�se to the dual roles of director and strategic advisor.

This year, the Board undertook a review of the Business Plan, aligning it with the postpandemic environment and establishing a clear four-year vision focused on and expanding our affordable, live arts programme, suppor�ng the development of Cornish ar�sts, while maintaining financial stability and environmental sustainability.

Events and Audiences

Over the course of the year, The Acorn hosted 184 events, drawing an impressive total audience of 19,306. This diverse offering reflects our mission to serve as a cultural hub for the region, with programming spanning music, theatre, spoken word, children’s events, comedy, circus, and more.

[2]

Financial Overview

Our Balance Sheet improved overall from a total of £413,000 to £448,853, an increase of 8.6%, while Fixed Assets rose from £359,838 to £379,616, year on year, an increase of 5.4%.

Income from Charitable Ac�vi�es rose over the year from £364,354 to £382,474, an increase of 5% whilst our total income rose from £439,508 to £497,846, an increase of over 13%.

Available Cash posi�on remains healthy at £78,196 – in Opera�ons; Capital Projects and Reserves Accounts.

Advance Ticket Sales at the year-end were reasonable at £11,631 and are held in a separate escrow account.

This has been achieved despite the extra burden of registering for VAT in respect of bar sales and the inclusion of PRS (Performing Right Society) fees.

The above figures include £10,000 support from Cornwall Council as a Strategic Arts Partner to support core costs and maintaining the Theatre as an Architectural and Cultural Asset.

We received £101,109 from the Levelling Up Fund (£86,109) administered by Cornwall Council and the Backstage Trust (£15,000) that enabled us to further improve the facili�es of the Theatre on behalf of our customers.

We are indebted to the people of Penzance and Penwith, the organisa�ons listed above and to Penzance Town Council and Cornwall Council for their con�nued support.

These figures reflect strong financial stewardship amid a complex economic landscape. Our commitment to future investment remains clear, with capital projects and sustainability ini�a�ves requiring con�nued fundraising.

Organisa�onal Structure and Management

Cornwall Theatre Company Limited is governed as a company limited by guarantee, in accordance with its Memorandum and Ar�cles of Associa�on. Our governance structures are regularly reviewed to ensure alignment with best prac�ces and the evolving needs of the organisa�on. Trustees remain confident in the adequacy of our assets and the robustness of our forward planning.

Mission and Objec�ves

Our mission—to enrich the cultural life of Penzance and West Cornwall through accessible, high-quality live arts—remains unchanged. We con�nue to promote the performing arts through live events, par�cipatory ac�vi�es, and educa�onal engagement, all offered with affordability and inclusion at their core.

Summary of Ac�vi�es

Our programming in 2024 included 82 music performances, 25 theatre produc�ons, 13 spoken word events, and a wide range of addi�onal genres including dance, film, children’s theatre, comedy and local cultural and literary fes�vals. These events engaged thousands of par�cipants and fostered vibrant community involvement.

[3]

Genre Number of Events Attendance Number of Events Attendance
Theatre 25 2,265
Music 82 6,769
Tribute 34 4,872
Fundraiser 3 329
Magic 1 160
Dance 1 112
Comedy 4 496
Spoken Word 13 2,480
Circus 4 341
Craft 1 N/A
Film 2 153
Children’s 9 921
Panto 4 338
Private Hire 1 N/A
Totals 184 19,306

Volunteer Contribu�ons

A cornerstone of our success is our extraordinary volunteer base. In 2024, 61 ac�ve volunteers contributed over 4,260 hours, offering essen�al support in event delivery, maintenance, and governance.

Valued conserva�vely at minimum wage, their efforts represent a contribu�on of approximately £52,014—an inspiring testament to community spirit.

Looking Ahead

Our future plans are both ambi�ous and achievable. Priori�es include securing funding for addi�onal administra�ve hours to reduce pressure on our current staff, con�nuing to schedule events up to nine months in advance, and enhancing our drama programme to a�ract larger acts.

Comple�on of our venue refurbishment—80% of which is already done—remains a strategic goal, with around £150,000 worth of investment s�ll required. Recent improvements to ligh�ng, hea�ng, and toilet facili�es will be followed by, in no par�cular order, upgrades to our PA system, Fire Alarm System, sea�ng, stage, security systems, external ligh�ng and a new staircase.

Sustainability is a central focus, so we are also ac�vely exploring funding for solar panels, heat pumps, and a li� replacement to ensure carbon neutrality and full accessibility by 2030.

Governance will be further strengthened through ongoing trustee and volunteer recruitment, policy reviews, and the annual review of our strategy and business plan.

Reserves and Financial Planning

Our reserves policy aims to maintain a risk reserve of £36,000, equivalent to approximately three months of core running costs.

[4]

We con�nue to move toward shared income event models, with risks assessed on a case-bycase basis. Budgetary priori�es include maintaining long-term viability in the face of increasing local compe��on, expanding programming, increasing reserves, and inves�ng in community engagement and arts projects through targeted grant funding.

Forward Outlook

The 2025 to 2027 period will present con�nued challenges, but our strategy is clear, and our strong financial forecas�ng means that we can an�cipate and respond to challenges ahead. We will broaden our event offerings, enhance marke�ng to generate increased audience numbers, and manage discre�onary spending with care.

With Cornwall Council’s annual grant of £10,000 and income generated from our charitable ac�vi�es, we remain commi�ed to opera�ng with efficiency and purpose.

Trustees’ Responsibili�es

Trustees are responsible for selec�ng appropriate accoun�ng policies, preparing accounts on a going concern basis, and ensuring compliance with relevant standards and legisla�on.

They are also charged with safeguarding the charity’s assets, maintaining accurate records, and preven�ng fraud.

Accounts Prepara�on

The Trustees, in their capacity as directors, state that the accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 rela�ng to small companies.

In so far as the trustees are aware there is no relevant informa�on of which the charitable company’s examiner is unaware; and the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant informa�on and to establish that the examiner is aware of that informa�on.

Signed:

Paul Mullin Director and Chair, Board of Trustees (from 7[th] April 2025)

Date:

[5]

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of CORNWALL THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED

I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 which are set out on pages 7 to 14.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  3. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].

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 accounts to be reached.

Dick Maule FCA

The Cross House, South Woodchester GL5 5EL

Date

6

CORNWALL THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED

Balance sheet as at 31st. December 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
2
Current assets
Stock
Debtors and prepayments
3
Cash at bank and on hand
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due within 12 months
4
Net Current assets
Creditors: amounts falling
due after 12 months
4
Net assets
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds
Designated funds
Revaluation Reserve
Total funds
2024
£
9,620
(261)
78,196
87,555
(18,319)
£
379,616
69,237
-
448,853
-
69,237
255,769
123,847
448,853
2023
£
359,838
5,000
16,707
41,886
63,593
(10,431)
53,162
-
413,000
-
161,488
132,665
118,847
413,000

For the year ended 31st December 2024

The company was entitled to the exemption from audit under section 477[2] of the Companies Act 2006

The members have not requested the company to obtain an audit 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 the accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the

provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies` regime.

These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on.............

On behalf of the Trustees ...............................

dated:-

7

CORNWALL THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED

Statement of Financial Activities [including Income and Expenditure Account] for the year ended 31st. December 2024

Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Notes
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
Income from
Investments: Interest receivable
801
-
801
Donations and legacies
3,462
3,462
Sponsorship
-
-
-
Insurance claim
-
-
Charitable activities:
Grants and contracts
9
10,000
101,109
111,109
Income from theatre's activities
10
382,474
-
382,474
Total
396,737
101,109
497,846
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
11
190,946
-
190,946
Fundraising
8,142
8,142
Costs of generating theatre income
11
267,906
-
267,906
Total
466,994
-
466,994
Net income [expenditure] for the year
(70,256)
101,109
30,853
Transfers between funds
101,109
(101,109)
-
Other recognised gains/ [losses]
Gains on revaluation of fixed assets
5,000
-
5,000
Net movement in funds:
35,853
-
35,853
Total funds at 1st. January 2024
413,000
-
413,000
Total funds at 31st. December 2024
448,853
-
448,853
2023
£
907
806
-
63,440
10,000
364,354
439,508
171,741
5,051
245,436
422,228
17,280
-
5,000
22,280
390,720
413,000

8

CORNWALL THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024

(1) Principal Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below and have remained unchanged from the previous year.

(a) Basis of preparation

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial

statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) as updated by Update Bulletin 2,

the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

(b) Fund accounting

[i] Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

[ii]Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Management Committee for particular purposes.

[iii] Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.

(c) Income

Income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity

is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income.

[i] Income received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full

in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when

the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.

[ii] Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified.

[iii]The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts.

[iv] Investment income is included when receivable.

[v]Income from charitable trading activity are accounted for when earned.

[vi]Income from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables,

are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.

(d) Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered

[i]Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes.

[ii] Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated dirctly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them [iii]All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SoFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis.

9

CORNWALL THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024

(1) Principal Accounting Policies

Freehold land and building was valued in 2016 by a qualified valuer.

Freehold land and building was valued in 2016 by a qualified valuer. Freehold land and building was valued in 2016 by a qualified valuer.
The trustees are of the opinion that this valuation also reflects the situation at 31.12.21.
Other tangible fixed assets are written off over the expected useful life of the asset,
on the straight line method for all items costing over £1,000.
Freehold building 2% Equipment 10-20%
Note 2: Fixed Assets
Freehold Fittings and
Land & Building Equipment Total
Balance brought forward 338,847 270,104 608,951
Revaluation in the year 5,000 - 5,000
Additions in the year 75,126 - 75,126
418,973 270,104 689,077
Depreciation
Balance brought forward 88,847 160,266 249,113
charge for the year 12,513 47,836 60,349
101,360 208,102 309,462
Net book value as at 31st December 2024 317,613 62,003 379,616
Net book value as at 31st December 2023 250,000 109,838 359,838
Note 3: Debtors and prepayments
Analysis of debtors 2024 2023
£ £
VAT and Accounts receivable (261) 16,707
Note 4: Accounts Payable and accruals
Analysis of Accounts Payable 2024 2023
£ £
Other 1,721 -
Ticket sales in advance 10,207 8,643
Bank loan due within 12 months - -
Accounts Payable 5,865 1,263
Accruals and deferred income 525 525
Total 18,319 10,431
Falling due after 12 months
Bank Loan - -

Note 5: Capital Commitments and contingent liabilities

There are no capital commitments this year.

10

CORNWALL THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024

Note 6: Employee information

CORNWALL THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024
Note 6: Employee information 2024 2023
Number of employees 1 1
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000. Nil Nil

Note 7: Trustees information

Trustees remuneration and expenses for the year were nil (2023 - nil)

Note 8: Movement in Funds

Balances Income Expenditure carried
brought forward Transfers forward
Restricted funds £ £ £ £ £
Grants
Cornwall Council Levelling up 86,109.00 (86,109.00)
Backstage Trust 15,000.00 (15,000.00)
101,109 (101,109)
Revaluation Reserve 118,847 - - 5,000 123,847
Unrestricted Funds
Designated Funds
Land & Buildings reserve 132,665 - - 123,104 255,769
General Funds 161,488 396,737 (466,994) (21,995) 69,237
Total Funds 413,000 396,737 (466,994) 106,109 448,853

The Revaluation Reserve reflects the building revaluation in 2016, depreciation on the building is transferred annually. The building was previously revalued by £30,000 in 2007.

The Land & Building Designated Fund was created in 2015 and represents the Net Book Value of the property less loan outstanding and revaluation reserve

Note 9: Unrestricted grants received 2024 2023
£ £
Cornwall County Council 10,000 10,000
Note 10: Income from activities
Rental Income 8,645 7,353
Bar Takings 91,193 95,131
Box Office 281,345 261,230
Other 1,290 640
382,474 364,354

11

CORNWALL THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024 Note 11: Expenditure

Note 11:
Expenditure
Charitable Total
actitivities 2023
£ £
Wages 79,107 65,239
Rent, rates, waste and water 1,568 3,300
Insurance 5,618 4,779
Post, photocopier and stationery 1,106 1,548
Telephone 871 1,101
Repairs and maintenance 14,634 8,860
Independent examiners' fees 525 525
Depreciation 60,349 52,836
Cleaning and laundry 35 101
Grant funded support & freelance fees 8,517 13,674
Light and Heat 12,821 8,243
Legal and Professional 4,344 734
Non capitalised equipment 10,227
Hospitality 399 577
Trustees meetings and expenses -
Sundry 1,053 -
Total 190,946 171,741
Theatre Company Operating Costs
Bar Purchases 34,170 39,273
Commission and Charges 166,230 160,997
Bar staff and wages 29,026 26,249
Performing Rights Society 9,683 -
Bank and credit card charges 9,229 2,210
Advertising and Marketing 19,568 16,707
Total 267,906 245,436
Fundraising 8,142 5,051
Total expenditure 466,994 422,228

Note 12: Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Restricted Designated Revaluation
Funds Funds Funds Reserve Total
£ £ £ £ £
Fixed assets - - 255,769 123,847 379,616
Current assets 87,555 - - - 87,555
Current liabilities (18,319) - - - (18,319)
Long term liabilities - - - - -
69,237 - 255,769 123,847 448,853

12

CORNWALL THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024

Note 13: Analysis of prior year funds to comply with FRS102.

CORNWALL THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED

Statement of Financial Activities [including Income and Expenditure Account] for the year ended 31st. December 2023

Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
Income from
Investments: Interest receivable
907
-
907
Donations and legacies
806
806
Sponsorship
-
-
-
Insurance claim
63,441
63,441
Charitable activities:
Grants and contracts
10,000
-
10,000
Income from theatre's activities
364,354
-
364,354
Total
439,508
-
439,508
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
153,530
18,211
171,741
Fundraising
5,051
5,051
Costs of generating theatre income
245,436
-
245,436
Total
404,017
18,211
422,228
Net income [expenditure] for the year
35,491
(18,211)
17,280
Other recognised gains/ [losses]
Gains on revaluation of fixed assets
5,000
-
5,000
Net movement in funds:
40,491
(18,211)
22,280
Total funds at 1st. January 2023
372,509
18,211
390,720
Total funds at 31st. December 2023
413,000
-
413,000
2022
£
47
-
1,025
-
57,642
225,351
284,065
118,863
14,385
165,403
298,651
(14,586)
5,000
(9,586)
400,306
390,720

13

CORNWALL THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024

Note 13: Analysis of prior year funds to comply with FRS102. Movement in Funds

Movement in Funds
Balances Income Expenditure carried
brought forward Transfers forward
Restricted funds £ £ £ £ £
Grants
Foyle Foundation 18,211 - (18,211) - -
Revaluation Reserve 113,847 - - 5,000 118,847
Unrestricted Funds
Designated Funds
Land & Buildings reserve 135,695 - - (3,030) 132,665
General Funds 122,967 444,508 (404,017) (1,970) 161,488
Total Funds 390,720 444,508 (422,228) - 413,000

14