# **Charity Commission - Trustees Report of the Mid Cheshire Musical Theatre Company** # **Charity number 500052** Trustees are required as a result of the MCMTC being a Registered Charity. They are responsible for the general overview, management and compliance of the administration of the Charity status, not the management of the Company. The next Annual report and Annual return to the Charity Commission will cover the year ended 31[st ] December 2022 and will fall due for submission by 31st October 2023 The current Trustees are Mark Burdon and Mike Finnigan . Mark Burdon has indicated his wish to withdraw as Trustee wef the 2023 AGM although he still retains Life Membership. Whilst the aims of the Charity have been met and certified accounts submitted the Trustees were very concerned to see the final end of year figures for the Company which revealed a year on year reduction in our finances and which we feel would be unsustainable over time, making the Company eventually unviable. An outline of the circumstances is described below, highlighting the shortcomings of leadership, management and decision making. During 2022 , the adult section of The Company performed "American Idiot" at The Plaza , Northwich in February 2022 followed by "Big Fish" at the Memorial Court, Northwich in September 2022. This former show was successful in terms of audience attendance and appreciation but highlighted the shortcomings of using this venue for other shows. In last year's report Trustees drew attention to the increasing costs of productions and the need to be mindful of cost and return on productions, requiring an appropriate choice of show for our audience with clear and transparent budget costings , brought to the Committee to ensure financial success. Unfortunately the production "Big Fish", although well received by the audience, was not thoroughly costed or well known and therefore did not sell well. It proved to be very costly in terms of costuming and set, losing almost £11,000. The losses sustained by these shows and the untimely resignations of 4 key Committee members during the final week of preparation placed the future of the Company in jeopardy and a decision was made by the President and Vice Presidents to postpone the next major Adult production "Our House" until a stable Committee could be formed and a future path mapped out. Mid Cheshire Youth Theatre, however, remains well supported by its members and performed a very successful production of "The Little Mermaid" at The Grange Theatre in October 2022 with NODA nominations given for the Choreographer/Director and a cast member. It is the view of the Trustees that MCYT should continue to be strongly supported by the Committee to ensure that it's future is secure. The Committee had decided previously to use The Plaza as a rehearsal and performance venue for appropriate productions, alternating with The Memorial Court and using the Grange for MCYT. This was thought to be less costly for the Company but The Plaza became unviable as a rehearsal and production space so another rehearsal space needed to be sourced for MCYT and a smaller fund raising concert planned for Spring 2023. Trustees advise the Committee to remain mindful of the increasing cost of productions and possible reduction of future income, in addition to having other Musical Theatre Companies in the district using both The Memorial Court and The Grange Theatre. In future the Trustees also advise that shows are chosen with account taken of the potential audience in Mid Cheshire and are fully costed prior to embarking on the production process. Additionally the Trustees recommend that in view of the impact of the resignations prior to Big Fish, a greater transparency is needed with budgetary management and production information shared fully with other Committee members. The culture of a " retained " membership has changed for many Musical Theatre groups and MCMTC is no exception. People will become members for a particular show and not demonstrate continuing loyalty . The Committee should also consider this as a factor when choosing shows and setting membership and performance fees From this we also realise the difficulties faced by the Committee in having sufficient people to fulfil all the responsibilities but would urge that key job responsibilities are shared, clearly defined and not retained by one or two people. Also decisions taken by the Committee should be objective and not subject to conflicts of interest through personal loyalties. The Trustees advise the Committee to implement a Register of Interest for Committee Members and Officers as soon as possible The Trustees ask the Committee to consider these recommendations when choosing shows and venues and to perhaps look at other ways of increasing the Charity funds over the next year e.g. through social events and Grant applications. The Trustees, would like to recognise the hard work of the remaining Committee, President and vice Presidents over the last year and to thank all those who have been involved in ensuring that MCMTC has met it's charitable aims during this year and has been able to continue its work. MCMTC has a long history of providing entertainment and enjoyment for the people of Mid Cheshire but may find its position uncertain unless financial and organisational stability is established. Mike Finnigan -Trustee 2022 3CK)78.63 Surplus in General Fund5 Istjanuary 2022 1442.S5 Less 2022 deficit12021 surplus) £31.521.18 31521.18 -15384.74 £16,136.44 Represented at 31st December 2022 ty. 12376.70 Deposit Account 19144.48 Current Account £31.521.18 2960.14 13176.30 £16.136.44 I have examined the financial records of the Company for the Year to 31st December 2022 and also the Income and Expenditu￿ Account. In my opinion the book5 of account were properly kept and the Income and Expenditure Account. and Balante Sheet give a true and fair view of the financial state of the Company for the year to 315t December 2022. .. Gordon Pennington Date