Cahoots Nl Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) Year ended 31 March 2024 The Iruslees. who are also the directors for the purposes of company law. present their report and the financial statements of th¢ charity for the year ended 31 March ?0?4. Referenee and administrative details Regi4tered charity name Cah(K)ts Nl Limited Charity registrgtion number NIC100710 Company registration number N1042024 Principal offiee and registered Unit 3 Offices, I st Floor office Cityside Reiail Park 100-150 York Street Belfas1 BT15 IWA The lrnstees George Bleeks Padraig Covle L)'nne Fleming Ror) Cowan Aidan McGrath Sarah Bell Paula Cairns Gillian Mccolgan Marianne Crossle (Resigned 6 December 2023) (Appointed l October 2023) Key management personnel Artistic Director- Paul McEneaney Company seeretary Paul McEneaney Auditor Muir & Addy Chartered accountsnts & 5tatuiOry auditor 427 Hol}0( Road Belfast BT4 2LT Bankers Ulsler Bank Arches Retail PaTk Belfast BT5 4AF
Cahoots Nl Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Strueture? governvdnce 2nd management Cahoots Nl is a charitable company limiied by guardntee. The company w&s established under a Memorandum of Associalion which esblIShed the objectives and powers of the company and is govemed under lis Articles of Association. In the evenl of the compan). being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £ l. Cahoots Nl continues to maintain good governance. using monthly organisational reports to record. monitor and review financial movement and compan). business on a monthly basis. Review of company policies is carried out as required and. apart from some updating io reflect changes to legislaiion. no major changes look place. The organisalion continues to expand the re-focus of direction sei out in the previous reporting period in sponse to the prevailing economic climate, with emphasis on esiablishing new creative pannershipslco- produciions to ensure conlinued growth. building a sustainable future and - while Northern Ireland remains the core audience- eniry io the global marketplace 1th incre&sed internalional touring. The sustainability strategy involves - project led emph&sis - reduction in Core costs: re-focus on the large Scale produclions for which Cah(x)ts Nl has an eslabli5hed reputation. reduciion in delivery of smaller projecis such as ad hoc workshops- development of creative partnerships and c(Fproductions lo share resources; developmenl of partnerships specifically to promote and realise extensive inlernational touring. income from international iouring will sustain the crealion of new work for the local audience and in turn provide more produci for iouring. development of strategic. imaginaiive new operdttonal practice conceived to grow capacity. sustainability and Tesilience, miligaling risk by enabling self contained eXrienCeS. Objectives and activities Cahoots Nl is one of Northern Ireland's leading professional theatre companies. Since it 'aS founded in 2001 it has been committed to producing original. high qualilj. work for children. some of it staged in conventional thealre venues and some in purpose built or site specific location5. Its work concentrates on COTnbining the visual potential of theatre wilh the age old popularity of magic and illusion. Cahoots Nl continues to slrive to be a major contribuior to the Nl children's arts experience through ils productions and oulreach programme. Each )'ear Cah¢)ols Nl delivers an ambitious. innovaiive and challenging programme. and since ils creation h&s inleracted with 680.831 children and iheir families.
Cahoots Nl Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Objectives and activities (ClMedI The aims of Cahoots Nl are - to produce high quality large scale work for children to OUT main stage spaces ihroughoui Ireland and inlemationally- to produce work designed to fill the middlellarge scale venues in the North of Ireland. including our home base performance space in Cityside Relail Park. with a target audience of children under twelve accompanied by parents/carerslteachers; to capitalise upon the age old popularity of magic as an essenlial ingredient in the art of entertaining children- lo use traditional and new l¢chniques of magic and illusion to create theatre which is truly startlin where the complicit suspenston of disbelief is unavoidabl). usurped by genuine asionishmenl: to use magic and illusion to fuel a ihealrical experience which borrows from circus. dance and performanc¢ art. to maximise upon the unique 'live' nature of theatre so ihat the audience experience is as vivid. memorable and emp0cring as possible. to encourage appreciation of ihe arts and slirnulate the artistic Creativiry of children. to presenL promote. organise and manage productions of cultural and educational value for children" to encourage children lo become aciivel%' involved in all aspects of the perfonning arts; to coordinate with oiher providers of children's 'ork in order to raise the profile and status of childrens theatre and ensure a slralegic approach to its delivery. to develop working partnerships with venues and festivals so ihat the work is as fully inl¢grated as possible into their annual programme. Our Pu Through our iheatrical magic. we inspire a sense of u'onder. unlock imagination and nurture a love of ihe arts in children. In doing so, we create lifelong memories and joini family experiences make a difference io their lives. Our Mission Protect and promote the right of all children to have access to high quality artistic experiences. Our Vision We seek to coMe a world leader in theatre for young audiences wilh our brdnd recognised for delivering innovative. exciting and high quality experiences whilst always reaching more children and Joung people.
Cahoots Nl Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorf8 Report) (contlnuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Achievements and perforniance CahiK)ts Nl coniinues to produce a b(xly of world-class work for children and families over the financial period l April 2023 - 31 March 2024. The organisaiion's p)rtfolio of sile-specific and commercial partnership work continues to slrengthen, with partners Cits'side Relail & Leisure Park. The Junction Retail & Leisure Park and Historic Ro)al Palaces (Hillsborough Casile). Alongside ihis ihe post-pandemic reintroduction of Iheir large scale 'traditional' Iheatre productions gains strength and momentum both locally (The MAC) and internationally (Off-Broadway and North America). Each project is monitored and evaluated individually, and evaluation reports are availabl¢ on request. The company'5 Output in this period delivered many opportunitie5 for children, their families and $chlS to experience high ql]llY professional theatre creaied specificall), for them. presented in dynamic, accessible ways. In 2023-24 the charity engaged 1th 47.097 children and farnilies in theaires. cuslom built perforniance spaces and outdoor events across Northern Ireland and North America. In this period Cahi)ois Nl gave 160 perforniances and issued 109 artist contracts. In October 2023 Cahoots Nl produced their most artistically ambitious theatre production to date 'The Vanishing Elephant,. The produciion prerniered off-Broadway. presented bv the New Viclory Theaier, with an opening night reception hosted b). Ihe Northern Ireland BUau. The production was named the 'Crilic's Pick, in the New York Times - an incredible and rdre honour for theatre for young audiences. hailing the produclion an 'alluring sClac1e'. An audience meTnber said, .Eeautiful and sad and meaningful and powerful, the besl theatre I've seen on stage in sorne time." In the development of this piece, Paul Mc Eneaney Iravelled to Bangalore, Indi& (July 2023), to develop the theatrical movement language for the piece in collaboration with industry-leading Movement Artist Jayachandrdn Palazhy, Founder of Attakkalari Center for Movement Arts. Plans are in place lo continue this Collabor1ve parthership inlo 2024125. In keeping with our core aim of making artislically excellent theatre accessible to the widesi audiences the company delivered work io children in Belfast who are marginalised by sl0-econOMiC disadvantage free of charge. Several local youth clubs, community Membe and Cit)'side Relail Park staff and their families. many of whom are local to our North Belfast base. were invited io experience productions including 'The Vanishing Elephanv fr¢e of charge. In November 2023, Cah(x)ts Nl were shortlisted for several awards al the Arts & Business Nl Awards, including Arts Organisaiion of the Year. Cr¢alive Community Engagemeni (with the Junction Rethil Park) and Creative Communications (with savi11city5Ide Retail Park). The iniemational touring programme which moved the charity inlo the global marketplace and provided ihe resource5 to create new work at home in Northern Ireland continues to Strenhen post COVID. Cahools Nl's 'The University of Wonder & Imagination LIVE, "ent on a North American tour reaching 26,018 people. The show received hugely positive feedback from audiences and venue partners. One audience member said. "l. &s an adult, had as much of a blasl as the kids did. The energy and creativity was phenomenal." Our relationship wilh our American theatrical agents Holden Arts and Associates continues to strengthen, with plans for future louring conlinuing inio 2024-25.
Cahoots Nl Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (conllnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Achievements and perforniance (ctswtinued) Seger51rom Center for the Arts in Costa Mes4 Califomi& one of North America'5 most respected multi- disciplinary cultural institutions. commissioned a co-pri)duciion wilh Cah(x)Is Nl for future delivery in Belfast and North America. Cahools Nl's Artistic D1clOr Paul Mc Eneane%' made a number of visits to the Cenler to develop and clsi the co-production. which will feature a diverse companj. of both Northem Irish and American artists. Inspired by the Broihers Grimm tale 'The Musicians of Bretnen,. Ihis is a funny but moving story about working together to overcome obstacles. The story features a band of characiers. played by actor-musicians thai have a distinct dislikin¥ for each oiher uniil circumstances force them logether to discover they have more in common ihan the). ever kne.. The production was developed in Sepiember 2023 in Cahools, theatre space with the Team from the Segerslrom Center in attendance. Free of charge community previews will be delivered in Belf&st in June 2024 and the produciion will open in California in January 2025. Overview of activities l April 2023 - 31 March 2024: No. Performances: 160 No. Audience.. 47.097 No. ArtlSts.' 109 artist contracts Locations: Northern Ireland (Belfast, Antrim. Hillsborough). New York and Various North America locations. Artistic Prograrnme- Danny Carmo's Mathematieal Mysteries USA Tour - Conclusion of a USA tour of this engaging. educational piece which began in January 2023. Seen by 8.074 people across North America in the reporting period and by over 33,(K)O across the total 13-week tour. The company of two cast and two crew members toured to six venues in the reporting period. including slops in Califomia Washinglon, and Oregon. Feedback from audiences and venues was verj" positive: "Your show was our highest-attended Education sh ow this season. We saw lots of Smiles and heard lots of 'thank you! that w&5 greal, as they ere leaving. Thanks for coming and we look forward to seeing you all again." (Mount Baker Theaier, washinOn) When We Were Wild - Perforniances of new work at the MAC. Belfasi from the 15th-l 8th June. seen by 630 people. Feedback was extremely positive"Absolulely amazin& possiblj. the best 45 mins of iheatre ever. I had no idea it was going to be so emolive." _ Audience Member The Vanishing Elephant - The show seen by 180 people in Cahoots NI'5 free communit). previews in Belfast and ihen bj 4.148 Ople in The New Victorv at Stage 42. off-Broadwav in New York. Featuring themes of migration. displacemenl. friendship and huTn8nity"'s Complex relationship wilh ihe natural world. Ihe story is told through the eyes of a voung bov from B¢ngal and his best friend, Janu. an Indian Elephant. The large-scale production engaged 21 artists from around the world. including Indi& Americ& Austria, Northern Ireland and UK. The show was named the 'Crilic's Pick., in the New York Times. who hailed it an 'alluring spectacle,. The Scarecrow. Night Walk - Prograrnmed bj. Historic Royal Palaces for Halloween at Hillsborough Castle following Cahoots Nl's engagemenls in 2021 and ?0?? TM eni) artists ere emplo)'ed. and over 6,600 people took part in ihe outdoor event. Despiie torreniial 'eather affecting attendance. feedback was positive "Enjoyed a third Halloween with Cahoots NI, thank you.. - Audience Member
Cahoots Nl Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Achievements and perfomanee Santa's Secret Showdown - An interactive Christsnas show at the Jun¢iion Retail and Leisure Park, Antrim. This partnership. back by popular demand. soughi to bring seasonal cheer to schools and ihe local community. Delivered in a custorn converted retail unit. the project was e.xtremely successful. engaging a iotal audience of 1,287 and emploving 14 artists. 'Brilliant fun: something we were all able to enjoy together. - Audience Melnber The University of Wonder & Imagination LIVE - North American tour of a piece originally created on Zoom in COVID-stricken 2020. and noH" adapted as a live stage show a significant success story for the crealivity shown by Cahwts Nl in the pandemic years. The show toured for three months, reaching 26.018 people. Lone Tree Ans Center in Colorado seni a message lo Cahoots Nl's theatrical agents Holden and Arts Associates 10 say "It w'as so, so, so good. We want them back "heneVer we can have ihem. If something else Ihey're doing is coming. ple&5e lei us know. we are in. Fingn¢ial review The company is a non-profit making organisaiion. The results are set out in detail on page 13. The company had net incoming resources for the N'ear of £51.63). The surplus of income over expenditure will be reinvested in the development of new projects to allow the charity io proN'ide an extensive programme of work which is in¢re&sing in scale and internaiional renown. Reser%'es poli¢y The directors have examined the charity's requirements for reserves in light of the main risks to the funding of the organisation. Unresiricted free reserves are currenily £157.439. and this level of reserves would be sufficient to fund the organisation's running cosis for a period of four months al current levels of spending. The directors consider this level of reserves to be adequate to meet the n¢e(Ls of the charity. During the year transfers were made inlo several designated funds from the general fund. as detailed in note 16. The direciors designate these funds for specific produclions and aclivilies io ensure that adequate financial resources are available for ihe planned activities of the Charity. Plydns for future periods In the year April 2024 - March 2025 Cahoots Nl will offer- new. world class productions in large scale iheatres. speclacular siie-specific perfonnances- new writing for development and production" dynamic and unique outreach and education OPEK)rtunilies: internalional touring: established and new l¢Kal and international c¢Fproductions and partnerships; projects that cross artforni boundaries.
Cahoots Nl Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) fcontlnu•OJ Year ended 31 March 2024 Plans for future periods Icomdnued) Productions & Development The Musicians of Bremen LIVE - development. rehearsals and free preview perfomiance5 for Community Groups and schools in Cityside Reiail Park Belfast, June 20?4. The Vanishing Elephant - performances in the Grand Opera House. Belfast as part of Belfast International Arts Festival. Oclober 2024. The flagship eveni of the prestigious Festival, and the cover image of their brochure. The Sorcerer's Apprentice - a spectacular Christmas production in Cityside Retail & Leisure Park, Belfast - Development, rehearsal and performances for schools and families in December 2024. The Musicians of Bremen LIVE - perforniances of ihe international co-produciion in the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Costa Mes& Californi& Januar¥'lFebruary 202). The Vanishing Elephani 10 venue North American Tour - an initial E&8t Co&st lour of thi5 large scale production in Februarylmarch 2025 followed by a run in London's prestigious Southbank Cenler in Maj. ?0?5. an exciting first for the company. Development of 'Janu' _ a ne non-verbal puppeirn, and dance piece in collaboration with Attakkalari Centre for Movemeni Ans based in Bangalore. India. Trustees, responsibilities statement The truslees, who are also directors for the purw)ses of company law. are sPonSible for preparing the trustees, report and the financial staiements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Siandards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Praciice). Company law requires ihe charity trustees to prepare financial ststements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state ol affairs of ih¢ chariLible company and the incoming resources and application of resources. including the income and expenditure. for that periijd. In preparing these financial statements. the trtee5 are required to: select suilable accounting wlicies and then apply them consistenily" observe the methods and principles in ihe applicable Charities SORP: make judgments and accounting estimates that are re&sonable and prudent. prepare the financial slatements on ihe going concern basis unless il is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The trusiees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's Irdnsactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy al any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure ihai the financial Statemen complv wilh Ihe Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity. and hence for taking reasonable steps for ihe prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.