Cahoots Nl Limited
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report)
Year ended 31 March 2023
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpos¢s of company law, present their report and the financial
statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Reference and administrydtive details
Registered charity name
Cahoots NI Limited
Charity registration number
NIC100710
Company registration number
N1042024
Principal office and registered Unit 3 OtTices, I si Floor
O￿lee
Cityside Retail Park
100-150 York Street
Belfast
BT15 IWA
The trnstees
George Bleeks
Padraig Coyle
Lynne Fleming
Rory Cowan
Aidan McGrath
Sarah Bell
Paula Cairns
Gillian Mccolgan
Key management personnel
Artistic Director - Paul McEneaney
Company secretary
Paul McEneaney
Auditor
Muir & Addy
Chartered accountants & statutory auditor
427 Holywood Road
Belfast
BT4 2LT
Bankors
Ulster Bank
Arches Retail Park
Belfast
BT5 4AF

Cahoots Nl Limited
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Strueturey governance and management
Cahoots NI is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Th¢ company was established under a
Memorandum of Association which established the objectives and powers of the company and is governed
under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to
contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
Cahoots Nl continues to maintain good governance, using monthly organisational reports to record, monitor
and review financial movement and company business on a monthly basis. Review of company policies is
carried out as requir¢d and, apart from some updating to reflect changes to legislation, Do major changes took
place.
Th¢ organisation continues to expand the re-focus of direction set out in the previous reporting p¢riod in
response to the prevailing economic climate. with emphasis on establishing new cr￿tiVe partThershipslco-
productions to ensure continued growth, building a sustainable future and - while Northern Ireland remains
the core audience - entry to the global marketplace with increased inlernational touring.
The sustainability sttategy involves -
project led emphasis - reduction in core costs.
re-focus on the large scale productions for which Cahoots Nl has an established reputation.
reduction in delivery of smaller projects such as ad hoc workshops.
development of creative partnerships and co-productions lo share resources.
development of partnerships specifically to promote and realise extensive international touring.
income from international louring will sustain the creation of new work for the local audience and in
tum provide more product for touring.
dev¢lopmenl of strategic, imaginative new operational practice conceived to grow capacity,
sustainability and resilience, rnitigating risk by enablÉng self contained experiences for scverdl small
groups at a time.
Objeetives and activities
Cahoots NI is one of Northern Ireland's leading professional theatre companies. Since it was founded in 2001
it has been comtnilled to producing original, high quality work for children, some of it staged in conventional
theatre venues and some in Purpose built or sile sp¢cific locations. Its work concentrates on combining the
visual potential of theatre with the age old popularity of magic and illusion. Cahoots Nl conttnues to strive
to be a major contributor to the NI children's arts experience through its productions and outreach programme.
Each year Cahoots Nl delivers an ambitious, innovative and challenging programme, and since its creation
has interacted with 633,734 children and their families.

Cahoots Nl Limited
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Objectives and aetivities (con11n￿ed}
The aims of Cahoots NI are -
to produce high quality large scale work for children to our maiTh slage spaces throughout Ireland and
the network of international festivals specialising in childrens theatre.
to produce work designed to fill the mtddlellarge scale venues in the North of Ireland with a target
audience of children under twelve accompanied by parents/carers-
to capilalise upon the age old popularity of rnagic as an ess¢ntial ingredient in the art of ¢ntertaining
hildren.
to use traditional and new techniques of magic and illusion to create theatre which is truly startling,
where the complicit suspension of disbelief is unavoidably usurped by genuine astonishment.
lo use magic and illusion to fuel a theatrical experience which borrows from circus, dance and
perfonnance art.
to maximise upon the unique 'live' nature of theatre so that the audience experience is as vivid,
memorable and empowering as possible;
to encourage appreciation of the arts and stimulate the artistic creativity of children.
to present, promote, organise and manage plays of cultural and educational value for children.
lo encourage children lo become actively involved in all aspects of the perforniing arts and provide
training and educational facilities and services to this end-
lo coordinate with other providers of children's work in order to raise the profil¢ and status of Childrens
theatre and ensure a strategic approach to ils delivery;
lo develop working partnerships with venues and festivals so that the work is as fully integrated as
possible into their annual programme.
Our Pu
se
Through our theatrical magic. we inspire a sense of wonder, unlock imagination and nurture a love of the
arts in children. In doing so, we create lifelong memories and joint family experiences that make a difference
to their lives.
Our Mission
Protect and promot¢ the right of all children to have access to high quality artistic experiences.
Our Vision
We seek to become a world leader in theatre for young audiences with our brand recognised for delivering
innovative, exciting and high quality experiences whilst always reaching more children and young people.

Cahoots Nl Limited
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Achievements and performance
Cahoots NI continues to produce a body of world-class work over the financial period l April 2022 31
March 2023, strengthening the organisalion's portfolio in their groundbreaking site specific work while
beginning to reintroduce theiT large scale 'traditional' theatre productions post-pandemic. Each project is
monitored and evaluated individually and evaluation reports are available on request.
The company's output delivered many opportunities for childr¢n and their families to ¢xperience high quality
professional theatre, created specifically for them, presented in dynamic, accessible ways. In 2022-23 the
charity engaged with 62,416 children and families ITh theatres, custom built, immersive sets and outdoor
events across Northern Ireland and North America. In this period Cahoots gave 407 perforniances and issued
106 artist contracts.
In keeping with our COTe aim of making artistically excellent theatre accessible to the widest audiences, the
company delivered work to children in Belfast who are marginalised by socio-economic disadvantage fre¢
of charge. Several local youth clubs and community rnembers under the North Belfast Interface Network
were invtted to experience productions including 'The Ghost House, and 'Cinderella' free of charge. Citysid¢
Retail Park staff and their farnilies. many of whom are local to our North Belfasl base, were also invited to a
special preview perforniance of 'Th¢ Ghost House, free of charg¢.
In September 2022 Cahoots Nl were shortlisted for several awards at the Arts & Business NI Awards,
including Arts Organisalion of the Year, Staff Engagement, Brand Sto￿ellIng and Crealive Community
Engagement (Winner), for their work with Savills/Cityside Retail Park and the New Sponsor Award for their
work with Rushmere Shopping Centre. Savills also won the Special Rccognilion Award at the Property
Management Marketing Confcr¢n¢¢ in London in recognition of our partnership in March 2023.
In October 2022 Cahoots Nl produced a radically innovative and artistically ambitious immersive experience,
with a trailblazing walk_through production, 'The Ghost House,. The production proved a huge success and
inlroduc¢d theatre and dance lo families who may not usually engage in the arts. 590/0 of feedback leaving
audienc¢ members indicated they had never seen a Cahoots show before - a pleasantly expected decrease
from the figure of 83 /0 following 'The Grimm Hotel, the pr¢vious year, indicating increasing brand loyalty
in our North B¢lfast base.
Also in October Cahoots Nl produced a Halloween event at Hillsborough Castle, having previously created
a small section of the popular annual event in 2021. This time Cahoots NI took on full ownership of all
performance sections of the event. and feedback was hugely positive - "I have to say absolutely incredible.
Loved every secondltl Audience Member
In December 2022 Cahoots delivered 'The Elfs Christmas Emporium, at The Junction Antrim, in a custom
converted disused retail unit. This was our fourth collaboration with ihe centre and feedback was highly
positive - "such a lovely surprise and a really happy and magical event!" Audience Member
Cahoots NI also produced main stage musical 'Cind¢rella . The Midnight Princess, at the MAC, Belfast, their
first large scale Christmas co-production since the COVID pandemic.

Cahoots Nl Limited
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (contlnued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Achievements and performance (contirttsedj
Th¢ international touring programme which moved the charity inlo the global marketplace and provided the
resources to create new work at home in Northern Ireland, continues to slowly re-emerge post COVID.
Cahoots Nl's 'Secr¢ts of Space, went on a North American tour from February-may 2022, reaching almost
17,000 people. In January 2023, 'Danny Camo's Mathematical Mysteries, set off for its third North American
tour. In the reporting pLYiod the show was seen by over 25,000 people and received hugely posittve feedback
from audiences and venue partners. Our relationship with our American agents Holden Arts and Associates
continues to lo strengthen, with plans for fvture touring continuing into 23-24.
In March 2023 Cahoots Nl's Artistic Director Paul Mc Eneaney visited th¢ Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa,
California, one of North America's most respected multi-disciplinary cultural institutions. Orange County's
largest non-profit arts organisation, the Cent¢r fea￿reS six impressive venues ranging including a 3,000 seat
theatre, 8 2,000 seat concert hall, a 300 seat studio theatre and more. The Center have presented a number of
our previous works and they are working towards commissioning a a co-production wilh Cahoots Nl for
futur¢ delivery in Bclfast and North America. Inspir¢d by the Broth&s Grimm tale 'The Musicians of
Bremen,, this is a funny but moving story about working together to overcome obstacles. The story feattJr¢s
band of characters, played by aclor-musicians that have a distinct disliking for each other, until
circumstances force them together to discover they have more in common than they ever knew. This type of
co-production would be an exciting f￿st for both parties.
Throughout the 22-23 p￿10d, Cahoots NI also held development sessions with contemporary dancers in
Birniingham for 'The Ghost House, (7 artists engaged) and with Puppet Designcr and Dircctor Helen Foan
for 'The Vanishing Elephant,. which will be developed in Belfast befor¢ transfeTring to The N¢w Victory
Theater on the iconic 42nd Street in New York (5 artists engaged).
Overview of activities l April 2022 - 31 March 2023:
No. Perforniances:
No. Audience
No. Artists".
Locations-
407
62.416
106 artist contracts
Northern Ireland (Belfast, Antrim, Hillsborough) & North America.
Artistic Pro
amme -
Secrets of Space - Conclusion of USA tour of thts engaging, educational piece which began in February
2022. Designed to encourage creativ¢ learning and understanding of STEAM concepts in an imaginative
way. Three artists were engaged in the North American lour, and in this April - May section, the show was
seen by 10,300 people in California, Las Vegas, New York, Pennsylvania and more. In total the tour w&s
seen by 16,983 people.
The Imaginarium - In partnership with The Junction R¢tail & Leisure Park, Antrim, an inventive outdoor
family perfonnance in Antrim Castle Gardens as part of Garden Show Ireland. Supported by Arts & Business
NI. the interactive piece was p¢rformed in Cahoots Nl's circus tent. Feedback was highly posilive and the
perfonnance was seen by 900 people.
The Ghost House - Cahoots NI'S ground-breaking immersive theatre experience, perfornied in a custom
built set in a previously disused 12,000 sq. foot warehouse for Halloween 2022. as part of the Belfast
International Arts Festival. 3,617 people saw the perforniance (885 mor¢ than predecessor'The Grimm Hotel,
in 2021) and feedback was exceptionally positive. Thc project engaged 22 artists, as well as a team of
volunteers.

Cahoots Nl Limited
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (continued)
Yearended 31 March 2023
Achievements Y4nd performance (continued)
The Scarecrow Night Walk- Programmed by Historic Royal Palaces for Hallow¢¢n at Hillsborough Castle
following Cahoots Nl's engagement in 2021. 18 Artists W¢T¢ employed. and over 5,227 people took part in
the outdoor event. Feedback was hugely positive and Hillsborough Castle are keen to collatK)rate with
Cahoots NI in 2023.
The Eirs Christmas Emporium - An immersive, interactive Christmas show for customers of The Junction
Retail and Leisure Park, Antrim. This partnership. back by popular demand was created to bring seasonal
cheer to schools and the local community using the shopping centr¢. Delivered in a custom converted, disused
retail unil at The Junction, the project was extremely successful. Th¢ production engaged a total audience of
3,000 and employed 5 artists.
Cinderella - A Co-production with the MAC, Belfast, on their main stage for families at Christrnas. The
show was seen by 14,100 people and feedback was thoroughly positive. The large-scale musical production
engaged 20 artists and positive partnerships with new collaborators.
Danny Carmo's Mathematical Mysteries USA Tour
Seen by 25,272 people across North Amcrica
between January-march 2023. Th¢ company of 2 cast and 2 cr¢w members toured to 22 venues in this period,
iThcluding stops in Florida. Califomia, New Jersey, Texas, Michigan and Georgia. The tour continues into
April 2023.
Financial review
The company is a non-profit making organisatioll. The results are sel out in detail on page 13. The company
had net incoming resources for the year of £48,118. The surplus of income over expenditure will be
reinvested in th¢ development of new projects to allow the charity to provide an extensive programme as the
theatrical s¢ctor recovers from thc impact of COVID-19.
Reserves policy
The directors have examined the charity's requirements for reserves in light of the main risks to the funding
of the organisation. Unrestricted free reserves are currently £215,192, and this lev¢1 of res￿e5 would be
sutTicient to fund th¢ organisation's running costs for a period of four months at curreTht levels of spending.
The directors considw this level of reserves to be adequate to meet the needs of the charity.

Cahoots Nl Limited
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnuod)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Plans for future periods
In the year April 2023 - March 2024, Cahoots NI will offer -
New, world cl&%s productions in theatres for families.
Immersive, live perforniances;
Spectacular outdoorlsite specific performances.
new writing for development and production.
dynamic and unique outreach and education opportunities-
international touring.
cstablished and new co-productions and partnerships;
Productions & Development
Danny Carn]o's Mathematical Mysteries - Conclusion of North American Tour.
The Musicians of Bclfasl (Working Title) - Development of new work:
When We Wer¢ Wild - Perfonnances of new work at the MAC, B¢lfast"
The Vanishing Elephant - Development, Rehearsal and Belfast Community Engagement Preview5.
The Vanishing Elephant - Perfomiances in the New Victory Theater, New York.
Halloween al Hillsborough Castle - Outdoor event-
Christmas at Cityside, Belfast, Development, Rehearsal and Interactive Production;
Christmas al The Junction, Antrim Interactive Production for schools and families.
The University of Wonder & lrnagination - I I week North Arn¢rican Tour.
Trnstees, responslbilities statement
The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are resy)nsible for preparing the
trustees, report and the fiThancial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom
Accounting Sthndards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and
fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming resourc￿ and application of
resources, including the income and expenditure, for that period.
In preparing th¢s¢ financial statements, the trustees ar¢ required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charilies SORP.
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that
the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain
the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any lime the financial position of the
charity and enable thetn to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They
are also rcswnsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Cahoots Nl Limited
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Small company provisions
This report has b¢¢n prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entiiled to the small
companies exemption.
The trustees, annual report was approved on 6 September 2023 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees
by..
,nean¢y
ty Secretary