NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD (A compaiiy limited by giiarantee and not having a share capi¢al} Company No: 01448366 Charity No: 509251 REPORT AND ACCOUIYTS for the year ended 31 March 2024 NICKALLS ACCOUNTANTS LTD Amble Northumberland NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD CONTENTS Page Company Information Management Committee's Annual Report Stalement or Managemcnt Commlttet's Responsibilities Indepcndent Examiners Report Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet 9-14 Iyotcs to the Accounts NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD COMPANY INFORMATION INCORPORA TION.. The company was incory)oraied under the Companies Act in Enoland and Wales as Northuniberland Theatre Company Liinited, on 13 September 1979. 011 l April 1994, the compai)y chan(red ils i)ame to NTC Toui'ing Theatre Company Ltd. The registered number is 01448J66. OFFICERS.. Ms G Hamblelon (Chair) Mr R Styring Ms K Morrison Mr C Weir Rev J McDennott Mr S Ilowson Ms J Birk¢tt (appointed 30 April 20?)) Ms K Traynor (appointed 30 April 20?3} Mr J Donnelly (appointed 30 April 202J) MrBHoy (appointed JO April ?0?3) Mr PM Harrison (appoinied I Septeinbcr ?0?3) Mr LR Matthews (appoinied 17 October 20?3) MF.MBERS'. Mr B Ellis Cllr J Watson REGISTERED OFFICE: The Dovecoie Centre Dovecole Sireel Aimble Morpeih Norihiimberldnd NE65 ODX BUSINFSS ADDRESS.. The DoveLote Ceiitr¢ Dovecote Street Anible Morpeth Northumberland NE65 ODX ACCOUNTANTS Nickalls Accountants Ltd 4 Bridgc Street Amble Northuniberland NE65 ODR (i) NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The directoys submit their annual report and unaiidited flliancial statements for the year ended 31 March 20?4. The directors have adopted the provisions of the Compaiiies Act 2006 and the Stateniei)l of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" effective in January ?019 in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. Charitable Purpose, Ain)s and Aetivities NTC Touring Theatre Compaiiy's charitable aims are to proinote, maintain improve and advance education particularly by the production of educational plays and the encouragement of the arts, of drama, dance, musir, stnging, literature and art. NTC Touring Theatre Company Ltd.'s mission statement is.. To make professional touring theatre of the highest quality acLessible to those comrnunities who are theatrically disenfranchised through geographi¢, ¢¢onomic, social or transport constraints, theatre which is made in Northuimberland for a national audieiice, Iheatre which is accessible and relevani, is innovative and entertains with integrity and liumour. In addition lo provide the highest quality training and support to T]cw and emergiing theatre praclitioners in the regioii through on-thc-job training opportunities. Public Benefit Tlic directors and nianagement are conimirted lo providing a public beiiefit and have Considered the Charity Comniission's guidaiice in this area. The Company's principal business is to Inake high qliality professional Iheaire accessible to those in theatre-les8 zones, theatrc with a broad appeal, affordable ticket prices and which engages new audiences. Through its training opportunitics lo provide education and skills in the perforniiiig arts to anyoiic over 18 in the region at no Lost. In additioii, this professional iraining benetils publiL audiences and the wider community when the trainees enter the profession full time. In summary, NTC Touring Theaire Company Lid.'s beneficiaries are appropriate lo ils aims and the public benefits froni its work. B¢nefils are ¢videnced and relate dii'ectly to is aiins. The trustees do not consider that any detriment or harni flows from its work. Structure, Governan¢¢ and Management The Company is a chariiable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England as the Northumberland Theatre Company l.imited on 13, September 1979, was established under a Memoraiidiim of Association which established the objects and powers of the company and is governed under its Articles of Association. The coinpany name was changed to NTC Touring Theatre Company Limited on 1st Apnl 1994. The Board of Trustees meet quarterly to i'eview the organisation and discuss action required for the future. The Audit Cojnmittee aTtd Eniployment and Finance Committee meet twice yearly to ensure Ilic smooth running of th¢ organisalion. The Building Committee meet as and when as required. The Artistic Director is entrusted with the day-to-day running of the company and is responsible for delivering the services specified. (2) NTC TOURING THEA TRE co￿IPANy LTD REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 I￿[ARCH 2024 Risk Management The Tnistees have conducted their own reviews of major risks to which the Conipany is exposed and systems Iiave been developed to mitigate these risks: Anniial review of Strategic risks Quarterly review and updat¢ of Risk register Contribiition of volunteers The Charity makes use of volunteers to support ils PToductions in-house and on lour. Investment Policy The Trustccs are ablc to invest and deal witli monies of the company not in)mediaiely requircd in such rnarnier as they from time to tinie delermine. Performance aiid Review 'Iliis is covered in a separale report iiicluded with these dccounls. Ke celives for 2024 and be ond Reopen the Dovecolc Centre Cineina Expancl our rooin hire Seek out pc)tenlial new funding streams Seek new collaborations Sti'engtl)en links with the local commiinity Expand our arlistic otfering within The Dovecote Centre, eg. promote Art and Music as well as Theatre. Seek out capital funding streains to iinprove facilities within The Dovecotc Centr¢ Continu¢ to d¢velop slaft training plan Continue to provide triiining opportunilies for young emergllig artists and practitioners within the region. The board would like to thaith the staff for their hard worl< during th¢ year. Reserves Policy The trustees have reviewed the charity's needs for reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity commission and it is thc company's aspirational aim to have six nionths reserves to support cessation costs relating to staff and property were the coinpany unable to continue operating. -Ihe reserves policy is revisited annually. (3) NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Policy for Monitoring and Review The level of reserves will be inonitored alonts with the on-going fiiiancial affairs of the organization on a monthly basis, supplemented by annual reviews to ensure the overall level of reserves continues to meet the needs of the organization. The above repoi1 has been prepared in accordance with the accounting and reporting by charities statement of re¢ominended practic¢ applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accord2ll)¢e with the financial repoiting staiidard applicabl¢ in the UK aiid Republic of Irelaiid {FRS102} and in accoi'dance witli the special provision of part 15 of the companies Act ?006 relating to small compaiiies. The above report has been approved by the Directors arjd signed on it's behalf. 29 April 20?4 Gill ian Hambleton Coinpany Registralion.. 01448366 (4) NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD STATEMENT OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE'S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Coinpany law requires the trLtstees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fail. view of the state of affairs of Ihe coinpany as at the end of tl)at yea]. and of the surplus oi. deficit of the company for that period. Iii preparing those accounts the trustees are requll'ed lo.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply Ihein consistently; li. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable ￿]d prudent. iii. state whether applicable accouiiting standards have been followed; iv. state whether applicable statements of recoinmendcd practice have been followed. and prepare the accounts on ihc going concern basis unlcsq it is inappropriate to presume that tlie company will continue its activities. The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting i'ecords whiLh disclose with reasonable (Icciiracy al any tiiiie the tinaiicial positioii of the coinpany and which enable thein to ensure that tlie accoui)l8 coniply with the Coinpanies Act. They are also responsible for sategiiar(ling the asse15 of the organi7thtion and hence tor taking reasonable steps for the prevcnlion and detection of fraud and olhcr irre¥iilaritics. This rcport has bccn prepared in aLCOI'dance witl) tlie statement of Recomniendcd Pr(Iclice Accouiitinu and R.eporting by Charities (i.%siied in January 2019) and iii accordance wilh the special provisions of Part I S of the Con)panies Act 2006 relatii)g to sniall entities. Approved by the directors on 29 April ?024 aiid signed on its behalf by.. Gillian Hanibleton Company Registration.. 01448366 (5) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE UNAUDITED FINAP4CIAL STATEMENTS OF NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 l i'eport to the cl)arity ti'ustees on my examination of the accounts of tlie compaiiy for the year ended ) l March 2024, wliich are set out on pages 7 to 14. Responsibilities And basis of report As the charity's trustees of the company (and also ils directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for tlie preparation of the accounts in accordance witli tlie requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accoiints of the company are not reqiiired to be audited under Part 16 of the ?006 Act and are eligible for indep¢ndent cxaminalion, I report in respect of Iny exam inatioii of your chai'ity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act ?01 l (tlie '2011 Act,). In carrying out iny exainination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Con)mission under section 145(5)(b) ot the ?011 Act. Indepeiidenl examiner's report Since Ihe company's gross inLome exceeded £?50,000 your examiner musl bc a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 201 l Act. I vonfimi that l am qualified to undertak'e the ¢xaminaiion beLause l am a nieinber of ICAF.W. which is one of the listed bodies. L have completed niy examinalion. I confirni that no rnalters have come to my attention in connection with the examinalioii giving me calise to bclieve.. a¢countiiig records were not k'epl in respect of Ihe conipany as required by scction 386 of the ?006 Act. or the accounts do not accord with those ()ccounting records- or thc accounts do iiot comply wilh the aLcounting requircmcnts of seLtion 396 of tlie 2006 Acl other than any i'equii'eiiieiil thal the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is nol a Inatter ¢on%idered as pan of an independent examiiialion. or the aL¢ounls have not bccn prepared in accordaiice wilh the methods and principles of the Statement ot Recommended practice tor accounting and reporting by charities [appli¢able lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Il¢porting Slandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)]. I have no conceins and have come across no other matters in conne¢tion with the examinalion to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the a¢coiLnls lo bc reached. The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial stateinenls. The charity's trustees considei- that an audil is iiot required for this year under section 144(2) of the Chai'ities Act 2011 (the ?0 I l Act) and that an independent examination is needed. I c,l_riL:'i41................. Mrs P Grahamslaw ACA NÉckalls Accountants Ltd 4 Bridge Street Amble NE65 ODR Date.. 29 April 2024 (6) NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD CONSOLIDATED ST A TEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES {Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Reeognised Gains and Losses) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total *0?4 Tolal ?02) INCOMFNG RESOURCES Incopning resources.fF-om genei'aiedfilnds Donations and small grants Activitiesfoi. genei'ciling Jiinds 4,156 4,156 5,747 Tra(ling opcrations Intei'est reccived 48,26? 60,80) 33 Inconiing resoui'ces.[i'om ¢'hai'ilabl¢ aeiivilies 51,455 51,455 58,150 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 5?,451 51.455 103,906 194.718 RESOURCES EXPENDED Cosls of generating ￿nds Governance costs 73,609 4,888 53,315 126,9?4 4,888 ?17,?63 3,954 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENf)F.D 78,497 131,81? ??1?17 NET INCOMING/OUTGOING) RESI)IJRCF.S BEFORE TRANSFERS (?6,046) (1.860) (27,906) (96.499) TRANsfER BE'I'WEEN FUNDS NET MOVEMENT IN FLfNI)S (26,046) (1,860) (27,906) (96,499) Reconciliation of.funds TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD 96,904 12,000 108,904 205,403 TOTAL FUNDS CAEUUED FORWARD 70.858 10,140 80,998 108,904 The statement of financial activities iiicludes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources an(1 resources expended derive froni continuing activities. (7) NTC TOURING THEATRE COLWANY LTD BALANCE SHEET AS A T 31 MARCH 2024 Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Total 2023 FIXED ASSETS 108,442 115,762 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bal￿ and in hand 5,464 5,464 19,374 7,615 30,786 10,140 14,698 10.140 24,838 38,401 CREDITORS.. Amounts falling due within one year 10,853 10,853 9,981 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILI"I'IES I1?,287 10,140 122,4?7 144,18? CRF.DITORS.. Amounts falling due aftei. Inore than one year 41,429 41.429 35,278 Nb.T AS8ETS 70,858 10,140 80,998 108,904 TOTAI. FUNDS 70,858 10,140 80,998 108,904 For the financial year ended 31 March 20?4 Éhe company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Coinpanie.s Act 2006 relating to small coinpanies. No member has deposited a notice, pursuant to section 476, requiring an aiidit of these accounts. Directors, responsibilities.. I'he directors aLkiiowl¢dge their responsibilities for ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the coinpany as at the end of the financial year and of its iiicoming resources and application of rcsoiirces, including its income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance with the requircments of sections 394 and 395 and which othenvise comply wilh the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts, so far as applicable lo the company These financial stalements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small Companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 Gillian Hambleton Company Registration 01448366 29 April 2024 (8) NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD NOTES TO THE Accouf+lTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 MEMBERS, LIABILITY The organisation is a company limited by guarantee and iiot having a share capital. The company is limited in thai every member undertakes to contribute such amount, not exceeding £ I, as may be required in Ihe evei)t of the company being wound up while he or She is a member, oi. within 12 months afterwards, towards the cosl of dissolution aiid the liabilities incurred by the company while the contributor was a Inember. ACCOLfNTING POLICIES The principal accounting policies are siiimmari7.ed bclow. 'Ihe accounting policies have been applied Coiisislently throLighout the ycar and in the preceding year. Basis of ALcounting The accounts are prepared iii accorddnce with applicablc acLuunling .8tandcirds in acLordance with the Slatement of ReLoinniendcd Practice Accounting and Reportino by Cl)ai'ities issued in July 2014, applicable UK AcLounting Standards, Finaiicial Reporting Slandai'd for Smallei. Eiitilics (effeclive January 2019) and the Coinpani¢s Act 2006. Incoming resources All incoming rcsources are incliided in Ilie Statemcnt ot Financial ALtivitics when Ilie Cliarity IS entiilcd 10 the inconie aiid the aimount can be quanlificd witli reasonable accuracy. 'fhe followiiig specific policies are ai)plied lo parliculiir categories ot- incoiiie Voluntary income is rcccived by way of donations and gifts and is includcd in fiill iii the Statemenl of Fiiiaiicial Aclivilics wlien r¢¢¢ivable Investinent inconie is it)cluded when receivable Resources expeiided Expenditure is rccognised when a liability is iiicurred. Fuiiding provided through Contractual agreements and p¢rforniance related grants are recognized as good% or services are supplied. Other grant payments arc recognized when a Coiistructive obligation arises that results in the paymcnt beiiig unavoidable. Costs of generating funds are those cosis incuTred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds. Governance costs include those incurred in the governance of its assets and are primarily asso¢ialed with constitutional and sta￿tOry requirements. Support Costs include central functions and have beeii allocated to activity Cost categories on a basis coiisislent WLth the use of resource5, e.g. allocaliiig office property costs by floor areas, management and human resources costs by the number of staff, and fmance and IT costs by work done. (9) NTC TOURING THEA TRE COMPANY LTD NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Fixed assets Deprecialion is provided on each asset over its effective working life so as lo write off that asset to its estimateil realizable value. The rates of depreciaiion charged are.. Freehold Property Motor Vehicles Eqiiipment and fixtures ?O/o straiohl line ?0 % strai(Jhi line ?OO/o Strdi(yl)I liiie Cashflow Statenient The company has tak.en advantage ot thc ¢xempiion coniained in Financial Reportino Standard I from producing a cashflow statement on the ground5 that it is a small company. 3 INCOMING RESOUKCF.S Unrcslricted Funds Restri¢ted Funds Toi(Il 20?4 Total 2023 Voluntary income F)onal'ions and small grants NTC Friends Sub8cription 3,559 597 3,559 597 5,060 687 Trading opcrations Box Office Income Premises Hire 'rheatrc Tax Relief Insiirance Claim Small Claims Refund 18,699 1,677 22,992 18,699 1,677 22,992 26,475 3,360 7,174 23,794 4,894 4,894 48,26? 60,803 Interest receivable Bank interest receivable 33 33 18 33 33 18 Incoming resources froin charitable activities 51,455 51,455 58,150 (io) NTC TOURING THEA TRE COMPANY LTD NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 RESOURCES EXPENDED Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 Total 20?3 Costs of generating ￿1]d$ Project costs Statring costs TTavelli]ig expenses Pren)ises cosls Office runniiig costs Consultancy Losts Repairs and maintenance costs General expenses Depreciation 9?8 3),764 2,309 36.411 16,904 37,339 88,961 50,8$1 1,5?4 15,572 4,436 10,857 18,836 1,682 9.045 2,309 15,972 4,036 567 2,805 808 12,419 4,036 567 808 12,419 73,609 53,315 1 ?6.994 ?17,263 Governiince costs Professional fees Baiik charges Bank. inlcrest 730 958 730 958 892 986 4.888 4,888 3.954 STAFF COSTS ANDNUMBERS During the fmancial year the company had a rnaximurn of 5 employees and their remuneration was made up as follows'.- 2024 2023 Salary, pension and national insurance 50,668 50,851 No eniployee received emoliiments of inore than £60,000 (I i) NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FIXED ASSETS Property Motor Equipment and Veliicles Fixtures Total Cost As at l April ?0?3 Additions in the year 105,717 4,315 14,995 35.318 784 156,OiO 5,099 As at 31 March 2024 110,032 14,995 36,102 161,129 Deprecialion As at l April 2023 Charge foi. the year 6,030 ?.200 5.998 ?,999 28,240 7,2?0 1?,419 As at J l MarLh 2024 8,2iO 35.460 Net book value As at 31 March ?0?4 101,802 5,998 642 108.442 Nel book value As at 31 March 20?3 99,687 8.997 7,078 115.762 ?0?4 2023 DEBTORS Accrued Income Prepayments Other debtors 4.924 540 4,090 3,5?5 5.464 7,615 CREDITORS.. amounts falling due within one year Trade ¢reditor5 Accrued Charges Taxes and social security Bounceback Loan 718 3,200 1,9i5 5,000 3,854 1,127 5.000 9,981 (12) NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 ?0?3 CREDITORS.. ainounts falling due within one year Boiinceback Loan oiher Loan 32,429 9,000 35,278 41,4?9 35,278 10. STATEMEN'I, OF FUNDS At l April 2023 Income Expenditui'e Transfer Ai 31 Mar ?0?4 Dcsignaled reserves Undc8ignated reserves 96,904 52,451 78,497 70,858 TOTAI, UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 96,904 5?,451 78,497 70,858 At l April ?0?3 Income Expenditure At 31 Mar 2024 Reslriclcd funds Tlie Adderslone Foundation Northumberland County Council Northumberland County Council Carroll Savage 1989 Willan Tnist Northern Angel Fund for Berwick Ray Wind Fann CIC sniall grants Sir James Knott Trust Joseph Strong Fraser Trust The Arts Council Hadrian Tnist Garfield Weston Foundation Capheaton Parish Council Amble Town Council The Smith (Haltwhistle & District) Charitable Trust 6,000 1,000 5,300 1,315 7,000 5,300 1,315 2,300 10,000 10,000 1,840 1.450 1,840 1,450 5,000 1000 15,000 1,000 8.000 250 500 5,000 1,000 1,000 15,000 1,000 10,000 250 500 1,000 2,000 500 500 TOTAL RESTRICTED FifNDS 51,455 53,315 10,140 (13) NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 I I. REMUNERATION OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE There was no ren)uneratioii, or other benefit, paid to the board of directors, or people connected with them. in the finaiicial year ended 31 March 2024. 12. RELA TED PARTY TRANSACTIONS There were no transactions undertaken by, or on behalf of the company, in which a member of the board of directors or coimected person had a iiialei'ial interest, diiring the financial ycar ende(l i I March 2024. 13. COMPANY LIMITED BY CJUARANTEE Coinpany Liinited by Guarantee 'fhe charily is incorporated under the Coinpanies ACÉ 1985 and is lim ited by guaranlee, eacli meinber haviiig undertaken lo contribiite sucli ainoun15 not exceeding £ l as may be reqLiired in the event ot thc compdny being wound up whilst he or she is Still a membcr or within one year thercafter. Tliere are currently 12 nicinbers of the company (2023 - 1 I members} (14} www.northumberlandtheatre.co.ukk # **2023/24 COMPANY REPORT** **NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY LTD** ## **‘Frankenstein’ Amble Performance and Duns PlayFest, May 2023** Cast: Philip Harrison, Louis Roberts, Alice Byrne Director: Gillian Hambleton Assistant Director: Louis Roberts Writer: Philip Harrison Set design: Louis Roberts, Philip Harrison Costume Design: Louis Roberts, Philip Harrison, Alice Byrne Music: Jacob Harrison Stage Management: Cast This show welcomed back Philip Harrison who appeared in both Jekyll and Hyde and The Wind in the Willows and who also wrote the show. The show also starred NTC Artistic Director Louis Roberts and NTC Associate Director Alice Byrne. We performed a preview of the show at the Dovecote Centre on Tuesday the 2nd of May and then gave our first official public performance at Duns PlayFest on the 3rd at The Volunteer Hall in Duns. The festival were delighted with the show and have invited us back to take part in the festival next year. This performance marks our 2nd time at Duns PlayFest and it would appear to be a long standing arrangement. ## _**“Hi Louis,**_ ## _**It was delightful to have your amazing company as part of the festival! We wish you all the best for your tour and look forward to seeing you next year!”**_ Sara Best, Festival Coordinator. ## **‘Frankenstein’ Durham Fringe Performances 27th and 29th July** Cast: Philip Harrison, Louis Roberts, Michelle Bayly Director: Gillian Hambleton Assistant Director: Louis Roberts Writer: Philip Harrison Set design: Louis Roberts, Philip Harrison Costume Design: Louis Roberts, Philip Harrison, Alice Byrne Music: Jacob Harrison Stage Management: Cast This show welcomed back Philip Harrison as The Monster who appeared in both Jekyll and Hyde and The Wind in the Willows and who also wrote the show. It also featured NTC Artistic Director Louis Roberts as Victor Frankenstein. NTC Associate Director Alice Byrne was unable to reprise her role as Elizabeth due to prior commitments with Durham Shakespeare Festival and so Michelle Bayly was cast in the role. This is Michelle’s first time working with NTC. The festival were delighted with the show and have invited us back to take part in the festival next year after a sell out performance on the Saturday evening. ## **‘Frankenstein Autumn Rural Tour, 25th August - 6th October. Supported by Arts Council England** **C** ast: Philip Harrison, Louis Roberts, Michelle Bayly Director: Gillian Hambleton Assistant Director: Louis Roberts Writer: Philip Harrison Set design: Louis Roberts, Philip Harrison Costume Design: Louis Roberts, Philip Harrison, Alice Byrne Music: Jacob Harrison Stage Management: Cast NTC were fortunate enough to receive £15,000 Arts Council Funding towards the show (which was a relief!), as well as £1450 from The Community Foundation Tyne and Wear, which enabled us to produce an extended version of the show for a tour during the Autumn. The show welcomed back the same cast as the Durham Fringe production. However, the extra funding gave us chance to expand the production and explore the themes more thoroughly. It also allowed us to extend the piece from a one-act to a two-act piece for our audiences. The tour consisted of 23 performances with at least 3 new venues and was unanimously well received by our audiences. ## **A Christmas Carol rural tour, 1st December - 24th December** Adapted by Stewart Howson from the novella by Charles Dickens. Cast: Louis Roberts, Melanie Dagg, Dean Logan (Dean replaced by Nathan McGowran due to illness). Director: Gillian Hambleton Music: Lucy Desbrow Costume Design: Louis Roberts & Gillian Hambleton Set Design: Louis Roberts NTC produced the show ourselves, using 2 of the actors from last year - Melanie Dagg and Louis Roberts, sadly Nathan McGowren from last year was initially unavailable so we are welcomed back Dean Logan who appeared in ‘The Wind in the Willows’. Lucy Desbrow very kindly offered to do the music for free to keep costs down and the show was designed by the cast with the assistance of Gillian Hambleton. The show was re-directed and performed in traverse (on two sides) to give it a more immersive feel, and more sound and lighting was added. The show was incredibly well received by audiences however it was not without it’s problems. Sadly, Dean Logan was forced to step down from the tour after suffering a seizure on the 17th of December after the Sherburn performances. Fortunately for NTC, Nathan from last year was able to step back into the role, having just finished panto. We re-rehearsed the show and he stepped in after a day’s rehearsals, which was quite a remarkable achievement. Dean has since recovered from his seizure and is doing well, although was understandably frustrated at the whole situation. NTC agreed to pay Dean his wage in full for the production as the incident was beyond his control. ## _**“Brilliant performance last night at Capheaton Village Hall, A Christmas Carol was the perfect way to start our Christmas.**_ _**Always a great night with such talented people.”**_ - Audience Feedback, Capheaton Village Hall. ## **Upcoming shows for 2024/25** Bue SHERLOck; ## **The Dovecote Centre** The Dovecote centre has continued to grow as a community hub for Amble throughout 2023/24 and we now have several regular room hires: Baby Bloom Classes, Northumberland Inclusive Health Services, Tiny Talk Baby Group and Boogie Bounce Fitness classes. ## **The Amble Cinema Club** Working alongside NTC Trustee Jim Donnelly, NTC have been running our monthly Cinema club showing a varied selection of movies throughout the year, with average attendance between 30-40 and steadily rising. 06 ~~_~~ ## **Dovecote Street Arts** NTC have been working alongside Dovecote Street Arts CIC. A social enterprise startup founded by local artists Jim Donnelly and Luke McTaggart ot provide a wide array of events such as: ## **The Dovecote Street Show** The Dovecote Street Show was a survey exhibition of painting, printmaking, photography and sculpture from across Northumberland and the wider North East, right in the centre of Amble. The exhibition ran until the 1st -28th of May and was experienced by over 900 people. We are hopeful that we may be able to gain some funding to have a permanent exhibition space in the centre all year round. ## **‘Crits’ at The Dovecote Centre** Taking place from 7-9pm, these sessions offer the chance for artists, professional and amateur alike, to come together along with interested members of the community to discuss their work in a positive and supportive setting. ## **Portraiture Workshops** ## **Cultural Assembly Meetings** “ _**Are you an Artist, Creative Freelancer or Cultural Professional? Do you think there is a gap in arts development in Northumberland? Do you want to make your voice heard in a meaningful way?”**_ “These meetings focus on key issues, such as studio, workshop and exhibition space, as well as on professional development opportunities and local authority support. There will be the chance for all attendees to speak about, amend and vote on resolutions addressing each of these topics. The outcomes will be compiled into a report, subject to review from attendees, that will then be made publicly available and used to raise awareness amongst the region’s cultural and political leaders. We will also be using this meeting as an opportunity to collect demographic information about the culture sector that can support future funding applications. NTC — 08 ~~=~~ ## **In conclusion...** “It has been a challenging but ultimately very rewarding year. We were fortunate enough to once again receive support from Garfield Weston, Arts Council England and several other Trusts and Foundations, By supporting our core and artistic costs, their funding has allowed NTC’s staff to continue the vital administrative and creative work that supports engagement with the arts in our underserved communities. With regards to our touring audiences, we hope our productions continue to encourage intergenerational audiences to come together, and we are optimistic that events at our community hub ‘The Dovecote Centre’ will continue to allow the local community to engage with creative activity, increase community cohesion, establish local economies and by engaging with volunteers to deliver these performances and activities, increase residents’ skills sets. Long term, such activities can regenerate neighbourhoods, and lead to improved physical and mental well-being among residents. In terms of challenges for the coming year, NTC requires core funding to enable us to continue to build on the success of our recently updated and more sustainable business plan and our adaptive resilience. Funding from very generous Trusts and Foundations who recognise the importance of NTC’s work has allowed us to continue to provide artistic content for our audiences but we are aware that this is an ongoing process for the longer term sustainability of NTC. NTC would like to thank all of our Trustees, Volunteers, Funders and audiences for another fantastic year! We look forward to what 2024/25 will bring! Many thanks and kind regards, Lewis Matthews, Artistic Director. NTC Touring Theatre Company Ltd