TRANGE TOWN Take theOp￿￿￿¥ty STRANGE TOWN Limited by Guaranlee TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED JI AUGUST 2025 CHARITY NUMBER: SC045646 COMPANY NUMBER.. SC330197 STRANGE TOWN TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED31 AUGUST 2025 Charity No- SC045646 Com No- SC3JO197 The TruStee￿DIreCtorS subrnit their report and Financial Statemenis for the year ended 31 August 2025. The Financial Statement5 comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment {Scotlandl Act 2005. the Charities Accounts {Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), the Companies Act ?(X)6. the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Chariiies.. S￿ternent of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Finaftcial Reporting Slandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021. CHAIR'S REPORT The year 2094-2025 marked a peri(xl of consolidation and resilience following a challenging financial year in 2023-2024. During this financial year, the intention of the organisation was to ensure that the Strange Town programme could continue with minimal impact on the young people. Th¢ small core staff team including, the part-time fundraiser, are to be commended for their commitment, creativity and output to meet this aim and accordinsly there aTe many highlights to note. Youili '[ h¢aire and Outr¢ach Strange Town continues to provide high*uality training and mentoring. supporting over i30 young people in Edinburgh through.. Youth Theatre Sirange Town Young Company for ages 18-25 nieatre for Young Audiences - early4areer professionals ￿kIng theatre to secondary schools Holiday Projects for 8-14 year olds The Aciors, Agency. providing professional opportunities for young actors Employment and work experience opportunities for young adults Pr(idLICIIOll5 aiid -fourinLJ Perforniai)ce% There were perfomance opportunities for all atse tsroups of the youth theatre, including sold out perfornian¢es of Christmas shows: The Spark Showcase- a new foTmat of short-fomi devised performances,. introduciion of an auditioned group of 8-?5 year olds; expansion of the Film-making uroup {supported by Edinburgh Airport): sold out show5 of 4-star show The Dttrk Up C'105e by Jack MacGregor'. "a play that has much to say about young people's feelings towards national defen￿ and 'boots on the ground, in these tumultuous times. All Edinburgh Theatre 7 new plays were commissioned. 3 showcases were perfornied in venues acros5 Edinburgh including Seotland's home of new-writing. TTaver5e Theatre. Scottish Storytelling Cenire and Summerhall. The Touring Company revived H¢r by Jennifer Adam a vital piece of new writing about the iTnpaci of the digital world on teenagers. It was incredibly well-received by audiences in an eXtenS￿Ve tour of Edinburgh's secondary schools before public performances at Sutnrneihall. The play has been published by Salamander Street. STRANGE TOWN TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Charity No: SC045646 Co No- SC330197 "I he Actors Agency There were notable successes in the Agency.. actor5 were in films that were showcased in eight intemational film festivals Ruaridh Mollica wa5 nominated for Breakrhrough Perfomiance in Sebastian at the Brilish Independent Film Awards Three projects featuring agency clients were nominated for BAFTA Scotland Awards Tallulah Greive made The List Hot 100. celebrating Scotland'5 most infl￿ential cultural contributors of the yeaT. Client, Gilli Jones spenr the summer in Brigadoon in Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. We had actors involved in feature films, TV drdma's. on stage across the UK. in commercials, short films aftd voice overs. We continue io CO-r¢p clienis wilh London and New York based agencies, whi¢h supports our growing professional reputation and offeis actors further opportuniiies. Our Yiiiiili Floard. met three times and remains an essential platforn for young people to intluence deci5ion- making and improve engagement strategies. Their end-of-year report hiuhlighted key discussions and recommendations for growth. Many of these meeting have been attested by a board tnember. 5trength¢ning the understanding of both the board and young people's priorities. It remains a key aim of the organi5ation to ensure that our a¢tivstie5 are accessible to all. The Access Fund made 85 awards acr0s5 the whole range of participatory activities. I rainin(r EmploJmenL. and Work Experience 7 young people undertook the Stage Managemeni woik-experience piogramme and we continued our partnership with Edinburgh College with two students. Additionally, fomier youth theatre participants joined as volunteers to gain facilithtion experience. SirateiTi¢ Develupmenr Strange Town is an organisation with no long-term, core funding and was impacted by the long tail of Covid. We held a second sirdtegy day in October 9094, which focused on the organisation'5 immediate fjnancial 51tualion. It was a difficult, uncenain and challenging tim¢ with various scenarios being planned for. However, there was collective cooperarion across the core staff team and board, to ensure that StraH4e Town Could weather this financial storm and we were pleased to enter the year 2025-?0?6 in a much more stsble EM)Sition. We are lookin forward to creating and working to a 3-5 year plan. Kai¢ Taylor Api'il ?0?6 STRANGE TOWN STRANGE TOWN TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Charity No.. SC045646 Com an No: SC330197 OPJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES E5tab115hed in 2008, Strange Town is a perforniing arts chariry for thai aims to foster creativity. nurture talent and increase access to opportuniries in the arts for young people of all backgrounds. The Strange Town objectives are to". Créult tx¢iiliig, hlgli quality partlcwoiory ihealrelor willi cliildren andyoungpeople, commi5sioiiing ftewploy.F iliol Capi￿re ihe imtsgiiiailoii (>lttudlences of &ll uges. Ensure uii Inclusive eiivlronmeiil where everjioiie we work wiih is supporled Éhobledio enguKe ndp￿rIlCip￿lÉ. Prnvide cliildren undyotsiiRpeople wiilif4cililies, Ir&ining, ediic&lion ondmeiiiorliig lo leorn, tsMke progress ilieirpoieiiiial. Ivurlure Ihe nertgeiier4lion olorl.¥professionols byprovldlngpaihw&ys Inio Urts cdre¢rs. Including offering emplf)yDieiii opP￿rI{￿lI11les lo early career orli.fts. Adwiice uiidpr¢Jmote Ilie importqnce value of ilie ortsfor chlldren andyo4ngpetsple, supporiimg rhe development olllieirskillsfor life work. Through lis activity, the company focuses on the per50llal development of younu people, encouTaging both creative growth and growth as individuals. Open-ac¢e5S to all its activities and projects is encouraoed and maintained, all our activity cosis are subsidi%ed and we also maintairt an ongoing bursary scheme (Access Fund). giving free and discounted places to those from families on low incorn¢s. Based at Oui of the Blue, a mulii-arts hub in Leith, Strange Town delivers activity ihroughoui Edinburgh and offers regular perforyning opportunities of new writino by young. emerging wriiers in some of Ihe city's leading arts venues including the Traverse Theatre and The Scottish Storytellints Centre. Almost everything perfornied by Strange Town is writteTJ by youn. eMe￿ing writers. The company a150 offers paid and voluntary work to young writers. direciors, perfomiers. stage managers. designers and administraiors. Stranoe Town's social media presence concinues to grow. with nutnbers of followers increasin(t weekly on Facebook and InS￿graM. There Is also an increase in vi5itor5 to our website. Strange Town strives to creare work of rhe highesi quality and provide tTaining and Tnentoring, whether as part of a pathway into the arts as a career or io improve life skills through out-of-school dTatna programffte5 for over i30 younts people in Edinburgh.. ,IirL' open io children and young peopl¢ aged 5-18 y¢ar5. Strange Town I i)Lin%) L()llll)£iri%. for young people aged 18-25 year5. AiidieiiLiS.' offering performances co secondary schools in Edinburgh, tOUTing is5ue-based play5 on important topics including sexual harassment and climate change anxiety. lilOI'j iliiency Frnployimeni opporiunilie% for early eareer artists and professionals Through the year our I'(ILirli "I Iiiall'i groups eontinued io meet for weekly sessions. The 3 younger group5 (spanning ages 8-141 perfomied 3 full length plays in December 20?4 written by 3 emertsing wri(ers ai the Scottish Siorytelling Centre, one of the perfor¥nan¢e5 was completely sold out. In 20?5 we iried a new fonnat wirh these groups aiming for one day of performance5 of a series of l O-minute pieces.. Spark showcase. Some were written and devised by the young people ¥ivinu Ihtm space io explore their own ideas. Alongside this new fonnat we introduced a writer5 developtneni programme to offer opportuniiies to writer5 who need to gain more experience before being Teady to wii* l-hour lon plays. We recruited 6 wriiers (who had previously applied to work with us) to work on 10-minute pieces. This group received mentoring and feedback along the way. learning abollt the Specific skills needed to write for young performers and these writers will be encouraged io apply for future writing opportunities wirh us. The perfomiances look place at these group5. home venue Out of the Blue Drill Hall wilh tickets offered to family and friends oil a pay what you can model. We made changes ro an existing youth theatre iyroup this year creating one group which all members of Ihe youth theatre and young Company are welcome to audition tts join so poientially covering ages 8-25. and offering a STRANGE TOWN TRUSTEES, REPORT-continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 chance to practice audition technique. The plan for this group in the long tenn is to vary the cast size to suit the script giving the writers more freedom. and also offer the chance for different metnber5 of our fi'eelance team to work wi(h the group so changing up the opportunities we are able to offer to our young people. freelance practitioners and wriiers. In May 2025 we held audiiions for a new cohort of young actors to join this group in the following year. This mixed age group along with the 2 older youth theatre gTOUP5 {age5 14-181 all perfornied ai the Traverse Theatre in June 2025. Each group worked on developing a new scripÉ with writers before goin8 on to rehearse the show in their weekly sessions. The Improv Comedy group that had run in previous years did not run in the year ending August 2025 as ther¢ was not enough demand, though there was growing demand for our Filtn making groups so we incre￿ed capacity and recruited additional staff to meet this demand. Thank5 to funding from Edinburgh Airport the film groups wer¢ able to purchase some additional and Thew pieces of equipment to improve soutld qualiiy and ease of film5ng. The rilm group creaied various short pieces acr05S the year and shared them with family and friends at screening5 in the Edinburgh Cinema and Video Society builditlg in December '24. April '25 and Jun .25. We contrnued to run our weekly drama skills groups for age5 5-7 and 8-12s where participants can build their skills each we¢k without the commitment to an end of ternj peifomiance. Our IlL'lV wriiiii programme was a focus for us this year, as we are ofien developing scripts for the coming year we agreed that in 25-26 we would produce a series of revivals giving new life to scripts we hav¢ produced previously. This freed up 50tne time and space for the team to l¢)ok at how w¢ best manage our writing schedule in future and firm up our plans and what we are able to offer to emerging writers. We were able to continue our relationship with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and receive a voucher from Ihem io allow us to brinu a number of young people to see shows rn the festival for ng cost to our participants. Our Nniiih boiiil met again 3 times across the year, with a nurnber of new members joining the group. They were encouraged to engage with their fellow participants within session tiTne in a series of 'youth board weeks, acr05S the year. to ensure any i55ue5 were brought forward for discussion. The youth board led the charge on a pilot year of scripis being accessed on tablets or other hand held devices 10 cut down on printing for environmenral Teasons, we found by the end of the year it wa5 creating more problems than it solved so we have returned to printed scripts but compromised that young participants. copies are now double sided to minimize waste. The youth board also created their own Instagrarn account this year ro forni a bridge between the groups. sharing what they are eaeh working on. We also built on the bridge between the youih ix)ard and adult board by inviting members of the adult board to join yguih board meeting5 and hear whar the youih board are inrerested tn ialking about. Our youth board also confirmed there is interest among the young people in the %lLl4Te work- L'NPil-IL'IILi lil(l.Tl Illllllli thai has been offered in previous years. We ran it again in both the aututnn and sprin term5 invitino 6-7 young people age 13-18 to join us on a weekly basis to aSS15t with both makinu and managing set, prop5 and costumes for our youth theatre shows. giving an insight into the work that goes in behind the scenes to make the shows happen. Some of these young people had participated previously with this programme and it was ertcouratsing to see Iheir confidence growing in tsking on these backstage roles. We coniinued our parthership with Edinburtsh College takin¥ ? students to compleie Iheir course work placements wilh our youth theatre. And we have continued to welcome back pasi participants 10 volunteer wilh our oroups io help them gain experience in facilitalinu ses510rts. Onc of our current youch Iheaire participan15 also completed their school work experience programme with us in June 20?5 assisiing with admin in the office. attending sessions and supporting the Leam with the runnino of the Spark showcase day. Our annual l-l()lid.ii l)il't'i11'17iaiicL I>I-(IlLLts took place in the EaS￿r and Summer school holidays offeTinb youn8 performers the opportunity to create their own mini plays from ihe spark of an idea into a perforniance acros5 a short space of lime. The 8-1?5 Easter Piojeci was fully booked. The pieces were shared with invited fatnily and friends at the end of the project. These projects encourage ￿aM building and story 5trncture skills alongside performance opportunities. The I'Liiinii Coinpany continued to meet weekly throughout the year. From Sepiember-December 20?4 ihey worked wilh writer Jack MacGregor. director Steve Stnall and a55lStani Debi Pirie to develop a new play for perfoTmance in March '25. STRANGE TOWN TRUSTEES, REPORT-continued FOR THE YEAR ENDF.D 31 AUGUST 2025 .1 love working wilh StTcinge Town. geiiing io work wirh siich kind and commiltedpeople. brilliont.¥énsé ofcamai'aderie in ihe cust'_ Young Company member Ihere was a In January Steve Small had to relinquish directing duties for medical reasons. Debi Pirie took over as direct(Trr and was assisted by Pollyanna E5S¢. The new script which was called, 'The Dark Up Close.. looked ai the possibiliry of conscription retuming to the UK and was perfomied at the Storytelling Centre ai the end of March 2025 to sold out audiences. li was well received by the audience. The cast enjoyed rehearsing and performing the play and described it as unlike anythin else they'd ever done or b¢¢n in! The current mod¢l of rehearsing a play specifically written for the group for two hours every week with a large group of young people aged 18-25 proved difficult- the members of the group hod mixed levels of commitment and have jobs, are on eourses andlor took oiher acting jobs with oiher drama groups. In oiher words, Ihey were not all able to commit the necessary time required for the show. A new version of the young company is proposed splitting thc gTOUP ITito two- one perfomiance group which reduces the number of perfom)ers and which has to be auditioned for and a skills group where different skills can be explored. During the short April - June term Steve Small returned to lead the group assisied by Katie Fraser who retumed frorn her maternity leave. The group focused on A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM by William Shakespeare. The Strange Town team continues to offer sporadic on demand one io one audition coaching for young people wanting t0 Study ai drama Sch￿1. HER- by Jennifer Adam, the second play for the tOill"IllU Lolllpiini. was revived for a second time and toured to schools froin Sept- Oct '24 including 3 nights at Summerhall. The script for HER was published in (ktober '?4 by Salamander Street publishers and is available here - https."Ilsalamanderstreet.cotnlproductther-by-jenntfer- adam-paperbackl Feedback from pupils on HER '1 really liked ihe perforF*once because li made me ikink about my life and noijusi watching. li wus impÉ7c¢ful. The ueting Ivas bpilliarti ihe team mcide it interesting und engaging Feedback from teachers on HER 'It's ulwuys greai io h(Jvc &rrmers" Living on a Prayer 'Thi5 imagirtuiive YoNih Thealre pi'oduclion grapples Ivith imp(JrioKipoliticol aF7dsocial issiies andi17viles lo col'e tsbotii ondlook oftÉr oll of ourfelloiv beings. Ifwe do so. IheK iherg is hopefor a I￿5 bleak future. The Stars and After "a compuny obviously riven ihrniigh wilh ialent und comniitmenl andpussion" In the Cult of Work The younts company show 'The Dark Up Close, by Jack MacGregor received a 4 star review from AIIEdinburrThTheaire.com company-marcli_?O)i_reviewi The touring company production of HER by JennifeT Adain received a 4 star review in Corr Bliiney https.'Ilcorrblimey.uk120?41101091review-her-summerhall-edinburghl An info pack was produced for schools and a report on the tour has been completed. The scripi for HER was published in October .24 by Salamander Street publisher5 and 15 available llere https.'Ilsalamanderstreet.comlproducilher-by-jennifer-adam-paperbacKI The Aciors. Agency actors (clien151 appeared in films ihai were screened at TTiternational film festivals. including in Sundance, Venice, London. Toitsnio, Helsinki. Milan. Rio and New York. Ruaridh Mollica was nominated as one of the Breakthrough Perfortnance actors for his role in indie feature SEBASTIAN by the BIFAS (Briiish Independent Filin Awards). STRANGE TOWN TRVSTEES, REPORT-continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Three projects featuring ALTrency clients were nominated at the BAFfA Scotland 2024 awards.. Blackwool (Short filinlAnimaiion WINNER). Shetland (Television scripted) and Annika (Actress Television) and Say Noihing was nominated ai the BAFTA TV Awards in ihe International category. Kensuke's Kingdom was nominated for a BAFTA (Children's & Family Film} Award. Mia McKenzie was nominated for a TV Time5 Award in the Favouriie Young Actor category, for her role in BBC drama Rebus. Two shows featuring Agency clients were nominated for R TS Programme Awards in the Comedy Drama category.. Boarders and Ludwig. Rebus won at the RTS Scotland programme awards in 3 categories- Best Drama. Wriier, and Director.. Scripted. The Primrose Railway Children, featuring an Agency client, won in the Children's category. Ludwig was also n(Trminated for a National Television Award in the New Draina category. Tallulah Greive made rhe Hot l 00 List in Scottish publication The List. The annual list celebrates the most influential Scottish cultural contributors of the pasi year. Aaron MacGregor won the Junior finals of West End Calling, the nationwide competition for aspiring musical Iheatre perforniers and perfortned at the Lyric Theatre in ihe West End. Gilli Jones who was cast in Regent Park's Open Air Theatre production of Brigadoon, performed a song from the show at the WhatsOnStag¢ AwArds at the London Palladium. A150 duTing this year we had actors appear in or ger casvshoot as featured roles in feature films Sebastian {Beies SauvageslBaTry CrerarlHelsinki Filmi OylLemming Film., lead role. cinema release). The Roses {Searchlioht P2Cturc51SunnyMarchlSouth of the River Picwresl. The Damned IProtagonisVWild Atlantic/ElaiionlLey Line Eniertainment). CC Etnily (Focus Featureslworking TitlelParkville Pictllres). Glenrothan (Gold Rush Picture511nfiniry HilllNevisionl. The Educatioii of Jane Cummin (tka Miss Pirrie and Miss Woods., HeimatfiltnlDsehoini Venischr Filmproduktionlsylph Produciionsl. Child R (Raw Thread Piciures),). Faraway Home (Powerscourt Piciuresl. Jack of Spades (codenatne for Amazon MGM feature}, A Coli Is My Passport (Severn Sereen for OrionlAmazon MGM), The Wolf Will Tear Your Immaculate Hands (Hobabweed ProduttionslQuiddity FilmslResolve Media)... .and as main cast or fealured roles in TV dramas Visionquest {Marvel}. Black Mirror (Netflix), Say Ngthing IFX Produciionslcolor Foree), The Frallchise (HBO), Generaiion Z (The Forge for Channel 4), Ludwig (Big Talk Studios for BBC), The Primrose Railway Children (BBC). Karen Pirie (World Product￿on￿lTvl, Sutnmerwaier {Freedom S¢ripied/Channel 4). Departtneni Q {Netflix), The Jetty IBBC). Boarders IS? & S31, My Lady Jane {Amazon Siudios}, The Dumpints Ground (BBC Childrens). An t-Eileanrrhe Island (Black Camel for BBC Albal. Down Cemeter). Road {60Forty FilmslApple Siudios). The Buccaneers S? (The Forge Ent¢rtailltnent for Apple TV). Mint (BBCIHou5e Produciion}, The Ridge {Great Southern Televisionloblelsinner Filrns for BBC Scotland & Sky New Zealand Originals). House of David S? (Nomadic Picture51Wonder ProjecilAmazon Siudiosl, Crookhaven (BBC), Prodigies (Sisier Pictures). House of ihe Dragon {HBO), Sterling Point (Amazon Siudiosl, Blood Of My Blood (Left Bank). Theatre projects of note Ihat our aciors performed in included Matbeth (West End transfer). Brigadoon {Regent5 Park Open Air Theatre}, Lear (Raw Material ArtslNational Thearre of Scoiland). The Whistling (Mill Theatre Sonning}. Coram Boy (Chichester Fesiival Theatrerrhe Lowry, Saiford). We Will Hear The Angels (Magnetic Northl, Th¢ Seagull {Royal Lyceumlchichester Festival Theatre), Clarkston (Wessex Grove). Mary Queen of Rock {Edinburgh Fringe). Club Life (Edinburgh Fringe), Her {wiih our own Touring Company). Other various short films. comtnerci&ls. voiceovers and online films also feaiured our aciors. Our Agency Director (Tave ialks ro aciii)g students in colleuesl Jollth Ilieaires abtsiit Ilie indusiry and the role of ai) Agent. Tl)e Agencv wag nominated for agency of Ihe year by ihe Edinburgh TV Award5 20?5. Through the year there was continued demand for our Access Fund, 85 separate bllr5ary awards were made providing free or discounted places tts i9 participanrs in Youth Theatre,. l? participants in Holiday Projects,. ? in rhe Young Company- and ? young actors from the agency were supported as well. STRAf+4GE TOWN TRDSTEE.S' REPORT-continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED JI AUGUST 2025 FINANCIAL REVIEW Strdnge lown is noi currenily mul¢i-year core funded and therefore has been in ihe majority dependent on gerterating income through irs activities which are budgeted to cover the costs of the octivity plu5 running cost5. The Trustees have always given full consideration to what is achievable with the resources available and sought to raise funds ihar could create an organisation ihai will have greaier impoct amongst families and young people across Edinburgh and Scotland while operating on a financially 5usrainable basis. li remains a prime focu5 of the Charity to target tnulti-year funder5 to provide greater stability and certainty to the rinancial planning and development of Strange Town, a5 well 8s geneTate further sustainable donatlOll5 through Friends of Strange Town. l( continues to be a tough funding environmeni, however in the year Strange Town maintained its track record in securing fundino from new and existing funders. to enable the delivery of it5 programme the Tru5tee5 are extremely graieful for all the granls and donations received (which are listed in Note i to the financial siatements). The Trustees consider that the year ended 31 August 2025 was again a successful balance between (he levels of activity achieved and rareful financial managetnent. The onooing use of our restricted funds in relation to bursaries allowed the cotnpany to Continue to offer affoTdable pricing to encourage access while the restricted Agency funds put valu¢ back into th¢ Gommunity of participants as well as providing an important ga￿WaY to acting as a career. The increase in unrestricted funds the year was broadly in line with budget and maintains reserves around the stated policy in order to give a platfomi for building a suscainable future as we work ihrough th¢ difficult funding environment in the arts. RISK MANACEMENT A risk assessment exercise with all Board members took place in 2019 and a revised overall risk fTatnework was established 10 focus on (he plans and procedures required to mitigaie identified rTsks. The fratnework was fully reviewed and updaied in year ended 31 August 2029 and was subject to ongoing annual review by the Board in the year ended 31 Augusi 2025. RESERVES POLICY The Trustees aim to Inaintain reserves at a level which equates to approximately three monihs of running costs and office expenditure. with any surplus to be spenl on charitable activities. The Trustees consider thai in nomial circumsiances a level of three Tnondis is Sufficient given the income generating nature of the charitable activities. At the end of the year ending i l Au8USt ?0?5. unrestricted reserve5 were ju5L below the target level of three month5. PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS We have planned another stratetsy day forAutumn 2025 and are looking forward io being able to share discussions and thoughts with the staff board with a generally more posiiive outlook. We plan io keep our youth theatre activity consistent for the coming year, maintaining our Trew auditioned for group, and ¥iving all groups I full-length perforniance opportunity per year, aiming to colltinue our relationship with Scoitish Storytelling Cenire and Traverse Theatre. as well as our new showcase model for the yOiLnuergroups though we may revisii the venue this showcase is perfonned al. We will contillue to run our new Writers Development Progiamme alongside this and plan to grow the Programme to include ? writer5 to work with our film groups. It has been agreed to revive existing Stranue Town plays aeross the year 2025-20?6 which will give us a longer lead in timc to thc next round of new plays to be written foi ?0?6-?027 so we plan io finalise a schedule for this and wort( will begin on recruitment and developints these new plays. We are delitwhted to have received funding for our Work Experience prooramrne acros5 the alltumn term and plan to work with local schools io increase interesi in this offer as well as offering more time to the participant5 to build their skills. We also look forward io continuing our relationship with EdinburJ Colleoe and supportinu any Strange Town members who wish to volunteer with us io gain more experi¢n¢¢. STRANGE TOWN TRUSTEES. REPORT-continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Our youih board will aim to meet 3 or 4 times across the corning year with an oppgrtllnity foT new membeTS to join ai the start of the year. We plan to work with them on themes for upcominu Shows. developing a connectio with our Adult Board and gain their feedback across the year on how things are njnning generally as well as any specific iiems that come up across the yeaT. We plan to adjusi the age ranges offered through our holiday projects to better meet the high demand in the I l. 14s age range and ensure no young people hove to miss Qut on this opportunity. Due to the increase in interest in audition coaching we offered more sessions in regular slots over a set period of lime in early '25. This saw an increase in the number of sessions and income to Strange Town. The Young Company will spend the first six weeks looking ai audition techniques and che members will then be offered the ¢hance to audition for a new Show, 'Aphrodite Rouue, by Eleanor Mcmahon. This will be performed at the end of March .26 (venue TBC). Those who audiiion unsuccessfully will be a part of a skills group and will benefit from different leader5 giving them opportunities io iry out new skills. Afier the performances in March the two groups will come back together as one group for the April- June block of classes. HER by Jennifer Adam will be revived for a third iour with additional funding from Ihe city of Edinburgh Collncil and will tour schools Septernber - Octs)ber 20?5 wilh public perfonnances at the end of the tour Ivenlle TBC). Schools will be seni an info pack and thanks 10 the additional funding from COEC a copy of the script will be given io every COEC school. We continue to aim to increase ihe diversity across all our areas of activity: ID particular the Youth Theatre and Actors. Agency. We will also coniinue io endeavour to further streamline nllmbers in the Agency as workload increases: to make this a more manageable client base and to ensure we are providing actors with the support they need in an etTe¢iive way. Our Agjency DirectOT aims to continue to proactively develop networking opponuniries to funheT raise the profile of the agency within the industry and ensure our aciors are bein¥ presented with the best perfornian¢e opportunitie5. The ideal is still to be able to increase the agency staff base to three in order to facilitate this. We plan to further promote our Friends of Strange Town support schem¢ to forniali5e regular donations to the harity- We also plan to continue holding an annual straiegy day for ihe board and some team members. The Trustees have reviewed and approved a budget for next year which is based on reasonable prudent assumpiion5. After careful consideration of Ihose reports and th¢ level of reserves a5 at i l August 2025 the Trustees confirm that there is no reason to believe thai the charity will not have sufficient funds to tneet it5 workin capital requirements for at least the nexi twelve months and as such the Financial Statetnents have been prepared ort a going concern basis. 10 STRANGE TOWN TRUSTEES, REPORT-eontinued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 STRUCTUR GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT COVERNING DOCUMEf4T Stran¥e Town is constituied as a Company limited by gUaran￿e in Sco¢land which was founded in 2007, and incorporated under ihe Compani¢s Act ?006 with the Office of the Scoiiish Chariry Regulator on l June 2015. The organisaiion is an incorporated body having charitable status under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotlandl Aci ?005 and is governed by the Board of Trustees. The Charity was established under a Memo and Articles dated 18 Febtuary 2015. Charity No: SC045646 Company No: SC330197 RECRUITMEIYT. APPOINTMENT AND TRAININC OF TRUSTEES The Memo and Articles allow for the further appointment of any person who is willing to aci a% a charity Trustee by way of a resolution passed unanirnously at a Trusiees, meeting. The Tru5tee5 meet quarterly to deterniine strategy. policy and other considerations as well as managing the assets of th¢ charity. Our current Trustees received appropriate piofe55ional training on th¢ requirement5 of good governance io ensure that they act consistently and diligently in their duties and responsibilities. The Board has a strong rnix of relevant knowledge including expert15e in digitsl marketing and software developmeiit. DECISION MAKING 'rhe Trustees of the Charity are responsible for the Charity's decision making. The Trustees. who are th¢ Directors of the Charitable Company for ihe purposes of comparty law, who served during the year and since the year end are.. Andrew BakerCA Robert Davidson Kate Taylor Catherine Ward-stoddart Bob Giulianotti Kate Bayn¢ {retired on 5 May 2025) Serden Salih (appointed on 2? November 20251 Janine Marvin {appointed on 12 February 2026) Company Secretary.. MuTray Jack The day-to-day manageTnent of the charity has been d¢l¢gated to the Joint Executive Directors, Steve Small and Ruth Hollytllan. REGISTERED OFFICE Oiit of the Blue i6 Dalmeny Sireet Edinburgli EH6 8RG INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Sarah Hollis CA Hollis Accouiiting Limited J Melville Crescent Edinburgh EH3 7HW BANKERS Royal Bank of Scoilai)d 14?.144 Princes Sreet Edinburgh EH? 4EQ STRANGE TOWN TRUSTEES. REPORT-con¢inu¢d FOR THE YEAR ETriDED 31 AUGUST 2025 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Tiustees. annual report and the financial Star￿￿ents in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Stsndards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in Scotland requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the siaie of affairs of the Charity and of the in¢oming resource5 and applicaiion of ¥esourc¢s of the Charhty for thai period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trusiees are required to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consisienily.. observe the methchts and PTin¢iples in the Charities SORP: make judgmenis and estimates that are reasonable and prudent- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements,. and prepare the financial statements on the going toncem basis unless it is inappropriate to presurne that the Charity will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper a¢¢ounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable ihem to ensure that the financial 5tatetnents comply wilh the Charities and Trusiee Investment (Scotland} Aci 2005, the Charities Accounts {Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as ainended), the Cotnpanies Aci ?006 and the provision5 of the Charity'5 con5titutionlMetno and Anicles. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of Ihe Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and d¢ieeiion of fraud and other irregularities. This rerx)rt has been prepared in ac¢ordance with the special PTovisions for small companies under part 15 of the Cotnpanies Ac(2006. Approved by the Twstees and signed on their behalf by= Andrew Baker Trustee Date 18 May 2026 12 STRANGE TOWN INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 I report on the accounts of (he Charity for ihe year ended 31 August 2025 which are set out on pages 14 10 21. Respective responsibilities ofTrustee5 and ExamiN¢r The Chaiily's Trustees (who are also the Directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the iemis of the Companies Act 2006. the Charitieg and Trustee Investmeni (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Chaiities Accounts (Scoiland) Regulations 2006. The Charity's trusiees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1} (a) to {c) of the Account5 Regulations does nor apply and that an indep¢ndent examiftation is needed. It is my iesponsibiliiy to examin¢ the accounts a5 required under section 44(1) (c) of the Charities Act and to State wheiher particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's Statemenl My examination was carried out in accordance with Regulation I l of the Charities Account5 (Scotlandl Regularions 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and comparison of th¢ a¢counts presented with those records. li also includes consideration of any llnu5ual items or disclosures in the a¢¢ounts, and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an Audit, and consequently I do not expre55 an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent Examiner's Statement In the course of my examination. no maiter has come to my attention I I I Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requiieTnents-. to keep charitable records in accordance with section 386 of rhe Companies Acr 2006, Section 44(1) (al of the ?005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. and ro prepare accounts whieh accord with the aceounring records and comply with the a¢¢ounting requiremenrs of the Companies Act 2006, section 44{11 (b) of rhe 2005 Acf and Regulation 8 of the ?006 Accounts Regulations have not been mei. or (21 to which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper und¢rstanding of the atcounts to be reached Signed.. Sarah Hollis CA Hollis Accounting Limired 3 Melville Crescent EDINBURGH EH3 7HW 13 STRANGE TOWN STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2025 Unrestricted Funds Restritted Funds Total 2024 Notes INCOME Income from doD8tions and legacie5 Donations Income from charitable activities Youth Theatre classes Aft¢r School Drama classes Holiday and S¢hool projects Agency- gross income PerfoTmance related tsTanlS Ticket income from perfomianees Income frorn other trading 3etivities 19.173 19,173 6,570 570 71.935 71,935 62,151 2,730 11,483 191.669 294,459 80,126 98,116 8,400 9,605 2,730 11,483 102,790 17,990 8.400 9.605 7,867 88,793 89.768 7.912 9,276 7,867 245.735 334,528 95.2) I 184.999 7.912 9,276 TOTAL INCOME 294.7?4 i40.966 635,09Q 221.719 ?71.795 493.514 EXPENDITURE Expenditure on raising funds Expenditure on charitable activities 4,5,6 30.302 252.003 30J02 562,430 21.212 2?6.2(x) 21,212 489,065 310,427 262.865 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 28? 305 310.427 592.732 247,412 262,865 510,277 NET INCOME I (EXPENDITURE) 12,419 30,539 42,958 125,693> 8.930 (16.763) NET MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS i0,539 42.9S8 (25.693) 8.930 {16,763) co TOTAL FOR WARD CILI TION FUNDS F FUNDS BROUGHT 53,087 27,085 80,172 80.305 16.630 96,935 TRANSFERS 5.402 5.40? 1.525 TOTAL FORWARD FUNDS CARRIED 10,11 60.1(H 63.026 123.130 53,087 27,085 80.172 The staiemeni of financial activiiies include5 all oains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure relate to continuing operation5. 14 STRANGE TOWN BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025 Company No:SC330197 2025 2024 Note5 CURRENT ASSETS". Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 589 181,394 40.549 66.579 CURRENT LIABILITIES-. Creditors.. Amounts falling due within one year 58,853 26,956 NET CURRENT ASSETS 123,130 80,172 NET ASSETS 123,130 80,172 THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY RestriLted income funds 63.026 27.085 Uniestricted income funds 10 60,104 53.087 123,130 80,172 Foi the year ended 31 Augusr 2025 (he ¢ompany was entitled to exemption frotn audit under section 477 of the CotHpanies Act 2006 relaiing to small ¢gmpanies and it5 memkrs have not Tequired the company io obtain an audit of its financial ststements for the year in a¢¢ordance with section 476. These financial statements have been prepared in ac£ord3nce with the special provision5 of Pan 15 of the Companies Act relating to small Companies and constitute the annual accounts required by the Companies Act 2006. The Directors acknowledge their re5ponsibilitieg for complying with the requirements of the act with r¢sp¢ct to accounting record5 and the preparation of accounts. The Financial Statemenis on pages 14 to 21 were approved by the Trustees and authorised for issue on 18 May 2026 and are Signed on their behalf by.. Andrew Baker Trustee 15 STRANGE TOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basls of Preparation The Financial Siatements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance wilh Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of RecomTnend¢d Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 2pplicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021 (effective I January ?015)- (Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) accounting S￿IdardS. the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulation5 2006 (as amended) and the Compani¢s Aci ?006. Strange Town meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Going Concer No material uncertainties that may casi significant doubt about the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concem have been ideniified by the TTUStees. and the financial slaternents have therefore been prepared tsn a going concern basis. Fund5 In line with the Statement of Recommended Practice. all income and expenditure 15 dealt with through the Statement of Financial Acliviries. Funds are classified as either Restricted 01 Unrestiicied funds, defined as follows.. Restricted funds are funds which Can only be used for particular restiicted purposes within the objecis of the Chariiy. Restric¢ions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Unrestricted funds are funds which are expendable ar ¢he discretion of the Ttust¢e5 in furtherance of the general object5 of the Charity. Designated funds represent Unrestricted funds set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes ill the furtherance of the (Teneral objects of the Charity. There are Currently no desitsnaied funds. Income Income 15 iecognised when it is receivable. the Charity has enlitleTnenl to it, and it is quantifiable. Fees for classe5 and holiday projecrs are slated before deducting bursarie5 tsranted by the Chariry. Expenditure Expenditure is included in ihe Staiement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis. Expenditure on raising funds includes expenditure incurred in relation to bringing donations and general grallts into the Charity. such as time spent on applications. Charitsble expenditure cornprise5 those ctssis incurred by the Charity in the delivery of activitie5 and services undertaken to further the purposes of ihe Charity. It includes both Costs that can be allocated directly to 5u¢h activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support thern. Governance costs include those incurred in Ihe governance of the Charity and its Èssets and are primarily associated with constitutional and siatuiory requirements. VAT The Charity is nor re¢*is(ered for Value Added Tax and accordingly expenditure includes V A T where appropriate. 16 STRANCE TOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 202S EMPLOYEES The average number of staff employed by the organisation during the year amounted to.. 2025 2024 No. Operational Adminisirative Total The aggregate payroll cos(s of the above were.. Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs 142,472 9.411 4,219 156.102 133.503 3.613 4,005 No remunerdtion or expenses were paid ro the Trustees in the period for their role as T￿Stee% {2024- nil). No ernployees received employee benefiis of more ihan £60,(X)012024- nil). GRANTS & DONATIONS 2025 2024 During the period grants were received from the following sources.. Ineome from chgritable activities Thrive Edinburgh (NHS Lothian) The Backstage Trust Garfield Weston F(Fundation E5mee Fairbairn Yollthlink Award5 for All Craer Trust Scoltlsh Children5 Charity StatTord Trust Dr Guthrie'5 Association Tillyloss Trust Russell Trusi WCH Dr Summers New Park Education TNst Sir lain Stewart Noel Coward Trnst F.dinburgh Airport Mitchells Robertson Cordis Trust Walker Shoolbraid JK Young JTH Charitable Trust The Society of WRI Foyle Foundation 75.000 20.000 20.000 12.000 80,126 8.400 6,900 6.000 4.600 2,500 2.000 2,000 2.000 2,000 1,500 1,500 1.218 1.050 1.000 1.000 1.000 1,000 500 1,000 1,000 990 15,000 184,999 98.116 STRANGE TOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 During the period donations were received from the following sources". Income from donations and legacies John & Margery Naylor Nancie Massey Mr & Mr5 Hollyman Ms M Berry Foundation Scotland Mr A Rowland Coram Trust Other (including Gift Aid reclaim) 5.485 3.000 1,225 500 500 185 5.000 i?0 1,000 450 8.278 19.173 6,570 Income frorn all sources totalled £635,6901?0?4 - £49i.514) of which £294,724 {2024 - £2?1,719) wa5 unresiricted and £340,9661?024 £271.795) was restricted. Donations received from Trnstees totalled £2.00012024- £nil). TOTAL EXPENDITURE Statri Freclanee eosts Other Costs (note O) Govern8nce cost5 Support costs {Thote 5) Totsl 2025 Expenditure on raising funds ?9.768 534 30.302 Expenditure on charitable activities 240.365 300,519 750 20.796 562,430 270,133 301,053 750 592.732 Siaffl Freelance costs Other costs Governanee ctssts Support costs (note 51 Total 2024 (note 6) Expenditure on raising ￿ndS 20,844 367 21.212 Expenditure on charitsble a¢tivit1¢5 2il 171 238.72? 750 18.423 489,065 252.015 239.089 750 18.423 510277 GoveTnance costs ale an amount payable ¢0 the independertt examiner inclusive of VAT. for the review of the financial statements. Expendiiure on rkising fund5 illclude5 an allocation of full-time siaff costs, this is reviewed by the Trusiees 10 agree a suitable apportionment. Expendiiure ioialled £59? 7321?024 £510,?77) of which £?8? 305 (?0?4 - £247.412) wo5 unrestricted and £i10,4?7 {?0?4 - £?62.865) was r¢stritted. STRANGE TOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 SUPPORT COSTS 2025 2024 Premises expenses General office expenses 15.881 4,915 14,339 4,084 20,796 18,423 Premises expendiiure relates to office space rented at Out of the Blue Drill Hall from Out of the Blue Arts & Education Trus( (Charity No. SC O??812). OTHER COSTS 2025 2024 Bursaries grdnted (Restricted) Accors Agency fees paid (Restriciedl Markecing (Expenditure on raising funds) Perfomiance production cosis Workshop space and school rental for classes Other 9.680 245.735 534 6,864 21,619 16,6?1 8,151 191.669 367 4,612 19,672 14.618 301.053 239,1)89 DEWTORS 2025 2024 Bike2WoTk Schem¢ Agency Commission 589 1,549 589 40,549 CREDITORS.. AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Agency fees Deferred income Accruals 29,774 16,040 14.730 S8￿53 26,956 Deferred income consists of Theatre classes fees for the September to December 20?5 t¢mi received in advance l£16.040 - 2024.. £14.730) 19 STRANGE TOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continlked FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS The income funds of the Chari(y include Restric￿d funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations held on tNst for specific purposes.. Movement in funds Balance brought forward Balance at 31 August 2025 Income Expenditure Transfers Bursary Funds (Discounted and Free Pla¢¢s) B ￿ndan O'connor Bursary Thrive Edinburgh Siaue Management Iyouthlink) Agency 8.400 {9,680) 4.975 3,695 4,585 22,500 (5.012} 150.0001 427 75.000 47500 11.831 245.735 245.735 27.085 340.966 310,427 5.402 63.026 Movement in funds Balance brought forward Balance at 31 Augus1 2024 Income ExpenditLtre Transfers Bursary Fund5 IDi5COUllted and Free Places) Brendan O'connor Buisary Thrive EdinbuTgh Agency 6.626 1.525 4.585 5.419 4.585 22.500 80.126 191,669 (63.0451 191,669 16,630 271,795 262,865 1,525 Agency- Strange Town represenis 51 young aciors. many of whom regularly participate in the company's peiforniance projecis to enhance and develop iheir skills. Since the ageney's launch in 201 l. its repuiaiion has own and members have been cast in national and intemational TV productions, feature films. shons, commercials and professional staoe produciions. The resiricted income relates io amounts received and adininistered by Strange Town but due and paid ro the actors casi. The Brendan O'connor Bursary is used io support emerging young aciors in need of financial assistance when applying io drama schools. Funds were returned during the year in Order to be directly administered by the family of Brendan O'connor. Thrive Edinburgh - the funding is held specifically for the Theatre for Young Audiences (TY Al sirand of OUT work and is supponing a number of newly Commissioned issue-based plays to be toured io schools. The first play 'Storni Lantern, toured in September ?0?? {revival in Mayljune ?0?4} while the second 'HER' toured in February ?0?3. the third play 'AND...AND...AND' toured in Septetnber and Oclober ?0?3. This year saw a 5llccessful revival of 'HER' in Septetnber and October ?0?4. 20 STRANGE TOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- tontinued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 10. UNRESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS Movernent in funds Expenditure Balance brought forward Income Transfers Balance at 31 August 2025 Unrestricted funds Designaied funds S3,087 294,724 (282,3051 (5.402) 60,104 294.724 282JOS 5.402 60,IIM Movement in funds Expenditure Balance brought forward Income Transfers Balance At 31 August 2024 Unrestricied funds DeSIgna￿d funds 80,305 221,718 1?47.411) {1,5?5) 53.087 80,i05 2?1,718 ?47,411) 1.595 53,087 The company gained Charitable Status on the l June 2015 and the Trustees have decided oiven the modest level of unrestricted funds not to designate any fitnds at this stage. this will continue to be considered further during the current financial year. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Unrestricted funds Re5tricled runds Total 202S Fund balances at 31 August 2025 are represented by.. Cash Other net current assetsl(liabilitiesl 118,368 58,264 63,026 181J94 $8.264 63,026 123,130 Unrestricied funds Restricied funds Toral 20?4 Fund balances ai i l Augusr ?0?4 are represenied by.. Cash Oiher net curreni asSe1￿(lIabIlIt1esI 39.494 13,593 ?7,085 66.579 53.087 27.085 80.172 21