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2023-07-31-accounts

Kelvin Players Theatre Company

253b Gloucester Road Bishopston Bristol BS7 8NY www.kelvinplayers.co.uk

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Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022/23

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Vision

To be and be seen to be

the premier non-professional theatre group in Bristol

Mission

To create excellent theatre through the sharing and development of skills and expertise in all aspects of production and performance

Trustees Annual Report

The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page nine of the attached accounts and comply with the charity’s constitution, the Charities Act 2011, regulations applicable to that Act, 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 from accounting periods commencing 1st January 2015 or later.

President – Milton Johns

Charity Trustees

The Management Committee of Kelvin Players are its Trustees for the purposes of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as its trustees. The Trustees serving during the year were as follows:

Matthew Rees Chair Eszter Vass Treasurer Fran Lewis Secretary Nicola Schoonderwoerd Artistic Director Ben Pavord Business Director Lydia Williams Membership Director Ex-officio (non-voting) Mary McCallum Vice President Richard Jones Vice President

Legal Trustees

In addition to the above, Kelvin Players has four legal Trustees - Peter Almond, Richard Jones, Mary McCallum, Robin Turner - who would be responsible for winding up the assets of the club if it was ever dissolved.

Names and Addresses of Advisers

Structure, Governance and Management

re-appointed at the Annual General Meeting in September. The Management Committee has the power to co-opt members should a committee vacancy occur during the year.

Objectives and Activities

The object of Kelvin Players is to educate the public in the arts in particular the art of drama by the presentation of dramatic productions and its mission is to create excellent theatre through the sharing and development of skills and expertise in all aspects of production and performance. Kelvin Players stages five productions a year either at its Studio premises or at an outside venue as well as social events. Kelvin Players has no paid employees and the trustees acknowledge the considerable time and effort put in by members, not only in staging productions but also in maintaining and running the Studio premises.

Achievements and Performance

The following productions were staged at the Kelvin Studios in 2022/23. The Chairman’s report on pages 4 to 5 gives further details of activity during the year.

Public Benefit

In setting the charity's objectives and planning its activities the Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.

Kelvin Players’ Studio premises are accessible for disabled patrons and ticket prices are set at levels designed to encourage the local community and those on low incomes to attend. In addition, schools in Bristol and the surrounding area are offered group discounts to enable students to experience live theatre at an affordable cost. The local community receive information about all productions and ticket sales and feedback confirms that there is a high level of local support for the broad range of quality theatre presented by the group during the year.

Financial Reserves Policy

Kelvin Players holds a minimum of £10,000 in reserve to cover any unforeseen production losses. Additional reserve funds are held in a Sinking Fund to cover possible emergency repairs to the Studios. Reserves of £10,000 are also held in a Studio Maintenance and Development Fund.

Declaration

The Trustees declare that they approved the above report at the EGM meeting on 20th May 2024. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:

Mat Rees, Chairman

Chairman’s Review of the Year 2022/23

The thing about the Chair's Report is that it is by it's very nature subjective. It is my interpretation of what has happened here over the last twelve months. My memories.

However, I am just one single, insignificant cog in the Kelvin machinery and so much of what occurs in this building, happens outside of my control and without my input. So much creativity, so much endeavour, so much generosity takes place that sometimes few of us see it.

But let me tell you about the things we did see: the shows.

Following the last AGM, our 2022 season continued with the highly anticipated James III: The True Mirror, which drew many passionate auditionees, which left many disappointed. But what we saw were two fantastic award-winning, central performances from Sam Grayson and Nicky Schoonderwoerd, a strong ensemble – and a whole host of fresh new faces. Congratulations to Mary McCallum for pulling together a cast of old and new, overcoming a tough holiday rehearsal period when many people were away, and for bringing her vision to the stage.

Hot on the heels of James III was the epic and physically challenging Earthquakes in London – a simple tale about the end of humanity. Physically challenging for the audience who spent three hours sat in these chairs. I was excited to bring together another cohort of new faces – alongside some of the usual faces. It was a chance to really push ourselves and was incredibly enjoyable to work with the cast and crew I had. Thank you especially to Alice Chadwick for her hard work ensuring this show went ahead.

The autumn/winter period was a busy time at Kelvin, with one big cast show coming to a conclusion, another in full swing, and a third about to start. Blue Stockings was the opener for the 2023 season, and directed by Ralf Togneri. A cast of more than 20, and almost as many chairs, Blue Stockings introduced another selection of talented newcomers. It's never easy directing a cast of 20+, so congratulations to Ralf and team for an enjoyable show.

What was fantastic about all three of these shows was just how well the casts and crew bonded – and how quickly so many of those faces have become regulars.

Also last winter, we submitted an original play to the Bristol One Act Festival. Congratulations to Louise Gethin, who managed to overcome illness and injury and a replacement cast member to manage to perform at this year's festival. It was a tough competition, but they managed to come away with an award for best supporting actor.

After a busy few months with some big cast shows, the spring brought a different challenge as Josh Cooper tackled The Nether, a play that asks us what really makes us who we are? A committed cast and crew dealt well with a sensitive subject, receiving lots of positive feedback. Well done to Josh and Teri Mohuiddin for creating an intelligent, challenging and engaging piece of theatre.

Following this was Splendour, an extremely challenging play to learn, direct and perform, with multiple versions of parts of the same scenes seen from different angles, in a punishing single-act setup. Four incredibly strong actors brought this uncompromising play to life under the guidance of Jacqs Graham and Angela Markham.

But of course our main stage productions are just a small part of what we do at Kelvin.

This summer we also trialed our new Black Box style shows, with Therese Raquin directed by Jolyon Wolfin and The Amazing Angel-man directed by Avanti and Eszter. These simple setup shows were aimed at creating a pathway for new directors to move up from rehearsed readings – but without requiring a big technical input. What we got were two tremendous shows that really pushed the boundaries on what could be achieved in a Black Box. Excellent set and

costumes for Therese, and music and dance for Angel-man. Both shows sold out, and were a fantastic experience for all those involved.

Our five main stage productions and two black box productions offered around 80 stage roles this year. But on top of that, there have also been around 16 one act rehearsed readings, four main social activities, numerous training sessions, and an entry in the Bristol One Act Festival.

Last year I stood here and said our focus on the coming year was membership. We wanted to improve what we offered to members and so improve inclusion and engagement, and make us much more welcome place. We wanted to increase our numbers and improve representation among underrepresented groups. We wanted to improve that sense of ownership you have towards the club and ensure you all got better value for money.

Firstly, at last year's AGM we introduced a Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy and a more inclusive pricing structure. In the last year, more than 60 new members have joined the club. Many more longer term members have returned. And the club's membership is more diverse than it has ever been.

We have run a season of social activities, including our first ever awards night, which was an unqualified success. Feedback for the event in January was incredible, and this will certainly become an annual event.

Numerous members have commented to me on the general sense of energy and enthusiasm that we see at the club at the moment.

And one of my favourite moments of this year was when I asked a new member at the end of a show they had been involved in how they had found joining the club, and they said, "everyone had been so welcoming."

Some issues remain: safeguarding and support for those with physical and mental health problems is still important and we need to do more. These are some of our main focuses for the Membership Director for the coming year.

The last year has also identified many areas around the building where much work needs to be done. A fire safety check picked up a number of historic issues, and an energy assessment uncovered many actions that could be taken to reduce our energy use. Unfortunately, this building continues to age and as it does so, throws up many faults and issues, from plumbing to heating to electrics.

A team of us have produced an action list that Jonny and Susan have been working on for the last few months. But there are bigger jobs for which we will need money and contractors, and we need to look at ways of raising the money to do some of these bigger, more urgent jobs. Sadly, while our focus is on maintaining the building, it becomes increasingly difficult to put time and effort into making improvements to areas like the seating or the balcony.

Building development will be another focus for next year.

Looking back what can we say about 2022/23? I would say it's been a tough, challenging, rollercoaster ride of a season, with some high quality theatre, wonderful new faces, and incredible teamwork – a touch of sadness and despair, some sprinkling of joy (especially when another new Kelvin baby joins us), and a lot of fun.

We can look back and be proud of what we've achieved this year.

But as I say, the Chair's Review is just one person's view of the year, so I decided to ask you, the members, what you thought of the last year. You said: Adventurous, Varied, Captivating, Amazing, and Fantabidozo. Which probably sums it up better than me.

Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts

Report to the trustees of Kelvin Players (Charity no. 294367) on accounts for the year ended 31 July 2023 as set out on pages 9 to 11.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year [under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act)] and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:

Signed:

Michael Grant ACPA Linden Accountants Ltd Scrapstore House 21 Sevier St St Werburghs Bristol BS2 9LB

10 May 2024

Statement of Financial Activities - for the year ended 31 July 2023

(All funds are unrestricted)

Incoming Resources
Box Office Receipts
Lettings
Subscriptions
Bar Sales
Donations, Training and Fund Raising
Other income
Gift Aid Receipts
Interest
Equipment Hire
Total incoming resources
Resources Expended
Direct Charitable Expenditure
Cost of Theatrical Productions
Storage Rental
Studio Expenses:
Cleaning
Gas and Electricity
Insurance
Rates and Water
Waste disposal; security alarm etc.
Studio Maintenance and Development
Bar Costs, Equip, Licence and Refurbishment
Subscriptions & Donations
Depreciation
Sub total
Governance Costs
Audit and Professional Fees
Bank and Credit Card Charges
Postage, Stationery, Photocopying
Sundry Expenses - theatre
Sundry Expenses - other
Internet/Telephone/Zoom
Sub total
Total resources expended
Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets
Net movement of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 2022/23
£
22,009
11,472
5,700
9,788
1,023
224
-
214
-
50,430
17,194
120
2,146
2,241
2,764
1,360
2,256
3,838
3,801
181
4,428

40,329
2,655
2,006
192
1,823
-
2,549

9,225

49,554


876

1,057,082

1,057,958		 2021/22
£
25,938
11,659
1,925
6,740
258
-
220
6
100
46,846
23,373
180
1,796
2,573
3,065
590
1,527
5,154
31,601
105
4,714
74,678
523
-
220
273
1,716
575
3,307
77,985
-31,139
1,088,221
1,057,082

Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2023

Fixed Assets
(note 2)
Current Assets:
Debtors
Bar Stock
Gift aid debtor
Cash at bank and in hand
Prepayments
Creditors
Total net current assets
Total funds(all unrestricted)		 2022/23
£
989,849
3,088
777
1,325
64,410
69,600
1,577
71,177
3,068
68,109
1,057,958		 2021/22
£
992,897
11,289
-
1,325
57,550

70,164
1,257

71,421
11,289
64,185
1,057,082

Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees:

…………………………….

Mat Rees Chairman

Treasurer

31st May 2024

Notes to the Financial Statements

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

These accounts have been prepared for the year to 31 July 2023.

The accounts have been prepared under the historic cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies below or the notes to these accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014, Update Bulletin 1 issued on 2 February 2016, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. The date of transition to the Charities SORP FRS 102 was 1 July 2014.

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

Depreciation is provided on Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment at 10% (on reducing balance basis) depending on estimated life.

2 FIXED ASSETS
Cost:
At 1 August 2022
Additions during the year
Depreciation:
At 1 August 2022
Charge for the year
Net Book Value at 31 July 2022
Net Book Value at 31 July 2023		 Fixtures,
Fittings &
Equipment
£
125,774
1,380
127,154
82,877
4,428
87,305
42,897
39,849		 Freehold
Property
£
876,458
-
876,458
8,218
-
8,218
868,240
868,240		 Freehold
Improvements
to Property
£
81,760
-
81,760
-
-
-
81,760
81,760		 Total
£
1,083,992
1,380

1,085,372
91,095
4,428
95,523
992,897
989,849