BLACKWOOD LITTLE THEATRE
TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT
Year Ending 30 June 2025
Registered Charity Number
500629
The trustees are pleased to present the annual report and financial statements of Blackwood Little Theatre for the year ended 30 June 2025 in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act. The following report includes details and commentary on both the financial performance and cash position of Blackwood Little Theatre for the financial year ending 30 June 2025. Accounts have been fully audited and signed off (with no exceptions) as per below…
Signed: K Oldridge FCCA
Date: 20 April 2026
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REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
| Charity name: | Blackwood Little Theatre |
|---|---|
| Registered charity number: | 500629 |
| Charity’s principal address: | Woodbine Road, Blackwood, Gwent NP12 1QJ |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
| Type of governing document: | Constitution |
|---|---|
| How the charity is constituted: | Association |
| Trustee selection methods: | Elected from membership as per above |
The membership structure of the theatre consists of Honorary Life Members, Members, Family Members, Youth Members (under 18), Production Members and Friends of the Theatre. Life Members are elected for long and loyal service and are elected via an Annual or Special General Meeting (after recommendation by the Executive Committee) and have the rights of full members.
The management of the theatre is overseen by an executive committee which consists of the officers and a maximum of five ordinary members, all of whom shall be elected or re-elected at the Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee has the power to both appoint all sub-committees deemed necessary for the proper functioning of the theatre and to co-opt members to fill any vacancy which may occur or for any special purpose. The executive committee elected for the year ended 30 June 2021 were as follows:
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Janine O’Callaghan | Chairperson |
| Janine O’Callaghan | Treasurer |
| Louise Elliott | Secretary |
| Anya O’Callaghan | Technical Director |
| Anya O’Callaghan | Marketing Manager |
| Huw Rowlands | Front of House Manager |
| Shelley Morgan | Fund Raising Manager |
| Karen Murphy | Youth Generation Coach |
| Cathy Clarke | Executive Member |
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OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Blackwood Little Theatre is committed to the promotion of dramatic and operatic arts along with the development of public appreciation and taste in these arts. The theatre strives to both assist and further such charitable institutions and charitable purposes as determined by the management committee.
In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit (including fee charging). The theatre relies on donations and income from ticket sales to cover its operating costs. In setting the level of ticket prices the trustees consider the accessibility of the theatre for those on low incomes.
In line with the above the main activities of the theatre are as follows:
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To promote plays, dramas, comedies, operas, and other works of merit;
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To purchase, acquire and obtain interests in the copyright of or the right to perform or show any such dramatic or operatic works;
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To raise funds and invite and receive contributions from any person or persons whatsoever by way of membership subscription, donation and otherwise, provided that the society shall not undertake any permanent trading activities in raising funds;
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To do all such things as shall further the objects of the society and to actively encourage the Youth Generation in pursuance of the above-mentioned activities.
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ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE
I would like to begin by extending heartfelt thanks to our Executive Committee members, volunteers, and all our members for their invaluable contributions over the past year. Your hard work and dedication—both on and off the stage—have been instrumental to our continued success.
This year, we saw Tim Bennett, Charly Flynn-Giles, and Michelle Rees step down from the Executive Committee. We are immensely grateful for their commitment, support, and the passion they brought to Blackwood Little Theatre.
While the roles of Technical Director, Finance Manager, Front of House Manager, and Lead Youth Coach remain officially unfilled, we are pleased to have Laura Evans, Karen Murphy, and Huw Rowlands seconded to the team, with the intention of filling these positions permanently. These appointments will be subject to a formal vote.
We also sadly said goodbye to our dear friend, patron, and previous Executive member Valarie Rosser, who passed away earlier this year. Valarie’s legacy, humour, and impact on our theatre family will never be forgotten. She will forever remain in our thoughts.
Over the past season, our audiences enjoyed a diverse and memorable programme of performances. Some highlights included:
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A Show in a Week – Youth Group, August 2024
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Rapunzel – Directed by Janine O’Callaghan, December 2024
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Christmas with the Princesses – Outside Hire, December 2024
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Shakers Restirred – Directed by Cathy Clarke, February 2025
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Blood Brothers – Directed by Stephen Seggie, March 2025
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Enchanted Easter – Outside Hire, April 2025
We have also continued to welcome long-standing partners such as DYT Performing Arts and the Young Farmers, who regularly use our facilities for both productions and rehearsals.
Looking ahead, we are excited to present the following productions for the upcoming season:
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Abigail’s Party – Directed by Anya O’Callaghan, July 2025 (Completed)
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Bump Off Murder Mystery – Directed by James Amos, September 2025
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Sunshine on Leith (Musical) – Directed by Janine O’Callaghan, October 2025
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A Christmas Carol (Radio Play) – Directed by Anya O’Callaghan, Dec 2025
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Bouncers – Directed by Cathy Clarke, March 2026
July 2026 onwards
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Frankenstein – Directed by James Amos, July 2026
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Steel Magnolias – Directed by Louise Elliott, September 2026
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The Harrowing (Original Works) – Directed by Ian Dinham, October 2026
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Snow White (Pantomime) – Directed by Karen Murphy, December 2026
Our key focus areas for 2025/26 include securing grants and funding to upgrade critical facilities. These upgrades include:
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Electrical system improvements
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Fire safety equipment updates
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Installation of disabled stage access
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Washroom refurbishment
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Building links with community groups
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Attracting new volunteers
Detailed proposals and costings are outlined in our feasibility report, available to all members upon request.
Reflecting on the past year, we are proud of the progress we've made and the recognition we’ve received:
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Lovely Bones received four NODA nominations.
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The Ladykillers received four nominations and won Best Production and Best Performance at the NODA Awards.
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Rapunzel (Pantomime) received a NODA nomination for Best Panto.
Other notable highlights include:
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Strengthened collaboration with DYT, who participated in our Rapunzel pantomime and continue to use our theatre for their activities.
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Successful technical upgrades, including transitioning much of our equipment to LED.
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Continued success and expansion of our Youth Group
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Have increased our membership to over 40.
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A huge thank you to Andrew Farina-Childs, who raised much-needed funds through a sponsored walk earlier this year.
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Our sincere thanks to Blackwood Town Council, Caerphilly Borough Council, and McKenzie’s Blackwood for their continued support in 2025.
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Our theatre has gone from strength to strength over the past year. We’ve welcomed new audiences, introduced exciting productions, and seen loyal patrons return to enjoy our vibrant community space.
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Thank you to everyone who has supported Blackwood Little Theatre in any way—your dedication, time, and generosity are what keep our doors open and our theatre thriving.
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FINANCIAL REVIEW
We are a self-funded theatre and performing arts society and continue to be principally dependant on income generated through our in-house productions and related ticket sales. All income received is used to sustain the existence of the theatre for the benefit of the local community.
Total cash in the bank as at 30 June 2025 was £24,876 (£26,429 in 2023-24) made up of £19,928 (Barclays Current Account) and £4,948 (Barclays Savings Account). Total outstanding liability in relation to the Barclays Bounce Back Loan was £3,833 as at 30 June 2025 (£5,833 as at June 2024). There were capital additions during the year of £4,660 consisting of a lighting bar and equipment.
Total profit for the year was £4,471 as compared to £12,787 in 2023-24. Total income for 2024-25 was £33,368 (£46,858 in 2022-23) with associated total costs of £28,897 (£34,070 in 2023-24).
Total direct production income was £25,469 (£33,695 in 2023-24) of which ticket sales made up the greatest proportion (£14,868) followed by front of house/bar sales (£6,453), venue hire sales (£2,356), other production income (£966) and sponsorship sales (£825).
Total non-production (general) income was £5,584 (£5,304 in 2023-24) mainly made up annual membership fees (£3,403), public donations (£1,086), charity fund raising (£907), other income (£117) and bank commission/interest (£70).
Total renovation fund income was £2,315 (£7,859 in 2023-24) made up of grant income from CCBC (£1,815) and Co-Op (£500). Total renovation fund costs were £1,162 (£4,740 in 2023-24) made up of repair and installation costs in respect of the front tabs curtain tracking work by Stage Vision UK Ltd.
A summary of the financial position for 2024-25 (with prior year comparison) can be found below whilst a more detailed breakdown of all income and expenditure for the year can be found on the following page.
| BLT PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT(SUMMARY) FOR PERIOD ENDING: | BLT PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT(SUMMARY) FOR PERIOD ENDING: | BLT PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT(SUMMARY) FOR PERIOD ENDING: | BLT PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT(SUMMARY) FOR PERIOD ENDING: | BLT PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT(SUMMARY) FOR PERIOD ENDING: | 30 Jun 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ending: | Jun-25 | Jun-24 | Jun-23 | Jun-22 | Jun-21 | Jun-20 | Jun-19 | Jun-18 | Jun-17 |
| Income | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Direct Production Income | 25,469 | 33,695 | 18,777 | 4,446 | -130 | 20,518 | 23,442 | 16,595 | 20,485 |
| General (Non Production) Income | 3,591 | 4,140 | 1,971 | 3,949 | 16,558 | 13,269 | 2,914 | 2,055 | 1,328 |
| Charitable Fund Raising Income | 1,993 | 1,164 | 207 | 7 | 0 | 140 | 8,582 | 0 | 0 |
| Renovation Fund Income | 2,315 | 7,859 | 0 | 1,124 | 0 | 4,232 | 16,313 | 4,328 | 64,127 |
| Total Income | 33,368 | 46,858 | 20,955 | 9,526 | 16,428 | 38,159 | 51,251 | 22,978 | 85,940 |
| Expenditure | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Direct Production Costs | -9,290 | -12,660 | -7,935 | -2,474 | 0 | -9,865 | -9,463 | -9,820 | -8,361 |
| Gross Profit / Loss | 24,079 | 34,198 | 13,020 | 7,053 | 16,428 | 28,294 | 41,788 | 13,158 | 77,579 |
| General (Non Production) Costs | -18,445 | -16,670 | -12,890 | -13,573 | -12,849 | -11,654 | -12,960 | -12,426 | -7,262 |
| Charitable Fund Raising Costs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -350 | -135 | -8,783 | 0 | 0 |
| Renovation Fund Costs | -1,162 | -4,740 | -6,363 | 0 | 0 | -7,570 | -13,000 | -1,562 | -67,808 |
| Total Expenditure | -28,897 | -34,070 | -27,188 | -16,046 | -13,199 | -29,224 | -44,205 | -23,808 | -83,431 |
| Net Profit / Loss | 4,471 | 12,787 | -6,233 | -6,520 | 3,229 | 8,935 | 7,046 | -830 | 2,509 |
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| BLT PROFIT& LOSS ACCOUNT(DETAIL) FOR PERIOD ENDING: | BLT PROFIT& LOSS ACCOUNT(DETAIL) FOR PERIOD ENDING: | BLT PROFIT& LOSS ACCOUNT(DETAIL) FOR PERIOD ENDING: | BLT PROFIT& LOSS ACCOUNT(DETAIL) FOR PERIOD ENDING: | BLT PROFIT& LOSS ACCOUNT(DETAIL) FOR PERIOD ENDING: | BLT PROFIT& LOSS ACCOUNT(DETAIL) FOR PERIOD ENDING: | 30 | Jun 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income | ||||||||||
| Current Yr | Rapunzel | Christmas with the Princesses |
Shakers ReStirred |
Blood Brothers |
Enchanted Easter |
Abigail's Party | Sunshine on Leath |
Other | Prior Yr | |
| Dec-24 | Dec-24 | Feb-25 | Mar-25 | Apr-25 | Jul-25 | Oct-25 | ||||
| Direct Production Income | ||||||||||
| Ticket sales(online) | 19,497.67 | 4,954.31 | 3,303.71 | 2,089.10 | 3,365.35 | 1,506.98 | 1,735.68 | 1,433.42 | 1,109.12 | 23,402.69 |
| Ticket sales(offline) | -4,629.30 | 57.00 | -3,408.00 | 172.20 | 0.00 | -1,450.50 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | -28.70 |
| Front of house/bar(sales) | 6,453.38 | 1,802.93 | 626.83 | 494.83 | 739.69 | 345.22 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 2,443.88 | 8,390.75 |
| Venue hire(sales) | 2,355.94 | 0.00 | 720.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 50.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1,585.94 | 1,577.50 |
| Sponsorship (sales) | 825.00 | 825.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 350.00 |
| Otherproduction income(sales) | 966.44 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 316.44 | 650.00 | 2.50 |
| Sub total | 25,469.13 | 7,639.24 | 1,242.54 | 2,756.13 | 4,105.04 | 451.70 | 1,735.68 | 1,749.86 | 5,788.94 | 33,694.74 |
| General(Non Production) Income | ||||||||||
| Membershipfees(online) | 3,383.18 | 3,658.94 | ||||||||
| Membershipfees(offline) | 20.00 | 20.00 | ||||||||
| Bank commission and interest | 70.31 | 65.96 | ||||||||
| Other income | 117.35 | 395.00 | ||||||||
| Sub total | 3,590.84 | 4,139.90 | ||||||||
| Charitable Fund Raising Income | ||||||||||
| Charity public donations(offline) | 378.39 | 550.00 | ||||||||
| Charity public donations(online) | 708.00 | 614.00 | ||||||||
| Charityfund raising (offline) | 907.00 | 0.00 | ||||||||
| Sub total | 1,993.39 | 1,164.00 | ||||||||
| Renovation Fund Income | ||||||||||
| Renovation fundgrant income | 2,315.00 | 7,858.88 | ||||||||
| Sub total | 2,315.00 | 7,858.88 | ||||||||
| Income(Total) | 33,368.36 | 7,639.24 | 1,242.54 | 2,756.13 | 4,105.04 | 451.70 | 1,735.68 | 1,749.86 | 5,788.94 | 46,857.52 |
| Expenditure | ||||||||||
| Current Yr | Rapunzel | Christmas with the Princesses |
Shakers Restirred |
Blood Brothers |
Enchanted Easter |
Abigail's Party | Sunshine on Leath |
Other | Prior Yr | |
| Dec-24 | Dec-24 | Feb-25 | Mar-25 | Apr-25 | Jul-25 | Oct-25 | ||||
| Direct Production Costs | ||||||||||
| Front of house/bar(purchases) | -3,018.44 | -719.19 | -239.09 | -162.65 | -400.75 | -234.84 | -39.20 | 0.00 | -1,222.72 | -3,777.95 |
| Stage and set | -1,859.20 | -1,015.55 | 0.00 | -19.00 | -54.38 | 0.00 | -530.27 | -240.00 | 0.00 | -1,671.99 |
| Lightingand sound | -1,466.98 | -1,466.98 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | -321.71 |
| Rights,licences and scripts | -1,235.89 | -55.00 | 0.00 | -282.90 | -225.52 | 0.00 | -289.71 | 0.00 | -382.76 | -1,041.03 |
| Costumes andprops | -763.53 | -383.83 | 0.00 | -157.79 | -141.99 | 0.00 | -79.92 | 0.00 | 0.00 | -2,455.12 |
| Advertisingandpromotion | -695.79 | -248.96 | -74.46 | -95.97 | -114.95 | 0.00 | -74.48 | -86.97 | 0.00 | -614.07 |
| Artist fees | -250.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | -250.00 | 0.00 | -2,600.00 |
| Venue hire | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | -80.00 |
| Travel and accommodation | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | -50.00 |
| Other costs | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | -48.00 |
| Sub total | -9,289.83 | -3,889.51 | -313.55 | -718.31 | -937.59 | -234.84 | -1,013.58 | -576.97 | -1,605.48 | -12,659.87 |
| GROSS PROFIT / LOSS | 24,078.53 | 3,749.73 | 928.99 | 2,037.82 | 3,167.45 | 216.86 | 722.10 | 1,172.89 | 4,183.46 | 34,197.65 |
| General(Non Production) Costs | ||||||||||
| General maintenance | -5,920.74 | -2,800.28 | ||||||||
| Heat and light | -4,458.33 | -5,888.65 | ||||||||
| Insurance costs | -1,948.99 | -1,921.36 | ||||||||
| Water and utilities | -1,685.93 | -1,584.13 | ||||||||
| Depreciation costs | -1,166.66 | -700.68 | ||||||||
| Telephone and internet | -626.68 | -584.46 | ||||||||
| Website costs | -604.80 | 0.00 | ||||||||
| Stage and set | -554.69 | -277.33 | ||||||||
| Rates andprofessional fees | -385.00 | -1,179.40 | ||||||||
| Lightingand sound | -283.77 | -420.78 | ||||||||
| Rights,licences and scripts | -263.12 | -518.46 | ||||||||
| Software costs | -214.80 | -201.60 | ||||||||
| Bank charges and interest | -186.77 | -237.19 | ||||||||
| Other costs | -145.00 | -316.09 | ||||||||
| Advertisingandpromotion | 0.00 | -40.00 | ||||||||
| Sub total | -18,445.28 | -16,670.41 | ||||||||
| Renovation Fund Costs | ||||||||||
| Renovation fund(cost) | -1,161.84 | -4,740.00 | ||||||||
| Sub total | -1,161.84 | -4,740.00 | ||||||||
| Expenditure(Total) | -28,896.95 | -3,889.51 | -313.55 | -718.31 | -937.59 | -234.84 | -1,013.58 | -576.97 | -1,605.48 | -34,070.28 |
| NET PROFIT / LOSS | 4,471.41 | 3,749.73 | 928.99 | 2,037.82 | 3,167.45 | 216.86 | 722.10 | 1,172.89 | 4,183.46 | 12,787.24 |
| By Performance(B/f Prior Year) | 4,368.30 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 196.09 | ||
| By Performance(Total) | 8,118.03 | 928.99 | 2,037.82 | 3,167.45 | 216.86 | 722.10 | 1,172.89 | 4,379.55 |
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| BLT BALANCE SHEET REPORT AS AT: | BLT BALANCE SHEET REPORT AS AT: | 30 Jun 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||
| Fixed Assets | Current Yr | Prior Yr |
| Office Equipment and IT(Cost) Office Equipment and IT(Accum Depn) Fixtures and Fittings(Cost) Fixtures and Fittings(Accum Depn) |
754.82 -754.84 11,666.60 -3,969.38 |
754.82 |
| -754.84 | ||
| 7,006.80 | ||
| -2,802.72 | ||
| Sub total | 7,697.20 | 4,204.06 |
| Current Assets | Current Yr | Prior Yr |
| Trade Debtors | 650.00 | 50.00 |
| Income Accrual | 0.00 | 618.06 |
| Business Current Account(Old) Business Current Account(New) Business Savings Account |
16,510.86 3,417.62 4,947.59 |
15,860.95 |
| 5,690.82 | ||
| 4,877.28 | ||
| Sub total | 25,526.07 | 27,097.11 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 33,223.27 | 31,301.17 |
| LIABILITIES | ||
| Future Liabilities | Current Yr | Prior Yr |
| Accruals | 0.00 | 549.27 |
| Barclays Bounce Back Loan | 3,833.21 | 5,833.25 |
| Sub total | 3,833.21 | 6,382.52 |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | 29,390.06 | 24,918.65 |
| EQUITY | ||
| Future Liabilities | Current Yr | Prior Yr |
| Net Profit/Loss(Prior Years) Net Profit/Loss(Current Year) |
24,918.65 4,471.41 |
12,131.41 |
| 12,787.24 | ||
| Sub total | 29,390.06 | 24,918.65 |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | 29,390.06 | 24,918.65 |
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