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← Harlequin Youth Theatre

2025-06-30-accounts

Harlequin Youth Theatre Trustees’ Annual Report Period From April 2025 to March 2026

HARLEQUIN YOUTH THEATRE

Contents of the Accounts for the period ended 30th June 2025

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 - 10
Report of the Independent Examiner 11
Receipts and Payments Account 12
Statement of Balances 13
Notes to the Accounts 14

Charity Trustees

– Honorary President Christine Kyle

Executive Committee

Committee Members & Trustees

– President David Zochowski

Sophie Aziz

– Vice President Kirsty Duncan

Rebecca Baillie

– Secretary Ruth Baillie

Marc Cowen

– Treasurer Andrew Kyle

Kirsty Duncan

Alison Gill

Kara McQueen

Laura Moir

Kenneth Robertson

Becca Tobias

(From August 2025)

Aimee Mejury

Performing Members (Non trustees)

Mairead McKee

Christopher Ralph

Website and Socials

https://www.harlequinyouth.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/HarlequinEastwoodTheatreForYouth

Contact

enquiries@harlequinyouth.co.uk

Objectives and Purpose

The purposes of Harlequin are:

Our aim as a non-profit organisation is to promote, foster and develop musical theatre for young people within the local community. Since 1977, when the club was formed, Harlequin Youth Theatre has provided an opportunity for young people to perform thus deepening our members passion for theatre and performance to enable young people to grow and develop their skills and confidence. We strive to provide young people with the opportunity to gain experience from working with highly skilled, creative industry experts and to deliver a high standard theatrical experience for our audiences.

The membership for the club includes 100 young people, aged between 9 and 21 from our community as performing members. In addition, there are also over 40 adult members who continue their involvement within the club in a range of supporting roles.

We recognise the immense benefit performing can have on our members mental health from encouraging interaction with peers in a safe space, getting exercise through dance, being creative, enhancing self-confidence and enjoying the positivity that is created by the arts. Dramatic arts are character building and life affirming and the experience a young person gains with Harlequin compliments the skills offered in schools.

We take immense pride in all our members which is reinforced by the family ethos that is instilled within our club. We strive to provide opportunities for young people to express themselves in an environment they enjoy, whilst allowing them to expand their skillset and knowledge of theatre.

Structure, governance and management

Type of governing document

Our constitution has been submitted to OSCR

Trustee recruitment and appointment

Trustees are recruited and appointed in accordance with our constitution.

3

Achievements and Performance

Presidents report reflecting on the 2024 – 2025 session shared with members at our Annual General Meeting

’ – President s Report 13[th] August 2025

As we reflect on another busy and successful year, I am reminded of all of individuals who make Harlequin the fabulous club that exists today. It has been a very rewarding year for me in my first full year as president watching friendships blossom, talents shared and experience our audience’s reaction and praise after our three tremendous productions. None of this would have been possible without the hard work of the committee, production teams and volunteers for contributing their time to Harlequin and allowing us to continue providing great opportunities for our young people to thrive and shine on the stage.

We commenced the year back in August 2024 resuming rehearsals for our senior production of RENT (School Edition). This was an exciting time for us, taking on a new show that we had not performed previously. Blair Ledgerwood-Cruikshank returned to direct the show for us, welcoming him back to Harlequin for the first time since 2018. Nathan Feeney made his senior show debut as musical director and was assisted at rehearsals with the help of Ewan Pringle. Another return to the club was Lorna Dennison as Choreographer and we were delighted to welcome her back to Harlequin for the first time since 2013. Completing our production team line up was Ruth and Rebecca Baillie as co-producers and Anne McLean as costume lead.

Bringing this story to the stage gave our members the opportunity to engage with complex themes and subject matters. We engaged with the Terrance Higgins Trust who delivered a workshop on the history of AIDS and the impact that this crisis had on society. The club reached new heights in terms of technical production and lighting design, giving our audiences a real spectacle along with our incredibly talented cast who delivered in all aspects of the show.

In late August we held new member auditions across all age groups. Approximately 80 young people signed up and attended the auditions making for a very difficult decision for our committee panel. We welcomed 33 new members to the club as we started preparing for our Pantomime production of Cinderella. At the beginning of September, we held a summer fundraiser disco to welcome our juniors back and gave our new members a fun and friendly welcome to the club. My thanks to Aimee, Ross and Ewan for their work in providing the entertainment and games!

In the middle of September during a very busy time for the club, we left our old haunt of costume and prop storage at Eastwood House. We finally moved into our new premises at our unit in Castlemilk allowing for a better space and access for our needs. A special thanks

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to Barry for all the work that went into preparing our new storage facility with shelving and rails. A big thank you to all the members who helped transport the costume rails, boxes and – props taking the perilous, steep, dark and dingy stairs not something we will miss! Moving to our own premises has been a long and anticipated journey for our club and has been made easier with our charitable status. Various funding has been received which has gone into the renovation at the unit and towards our monthly rental. We were successful in achieving a lottery grant earlier in the year which has been a significant help towards our costs and outgoings.

Our fundraising efforts continued in December as we visited The Avenue shopping centre to entertain the Christmas shoppers with some festive singing. My thanks to our performing members involved and our adult members who supported the singing! The funds we raised were split between the Trussell Trust and our 50[th] anniversary fundraising pot.

In January we returned to Eastwood Park Theatre for our annual Pantomime, Cinderella written by Alan McHugh. Alasdair Hawthorn directed along with Karen McKay as musical director. Lorna Dennison stayed on as Choreographer following her work on RENT. Joanna Dougall was our producer supported by Richard Kelly and Anne McLean continued as costume lead. This was our third January pantomime and the first show for many of our new performing members making for a large cast with the stage bursting at the seams! Our annual “Christmas” party followed at the end of January with another big turnout of members enjoying a very fun night of games and dancing. Another thanks you to Ross, Aimee and Ewan for their help.

In addition to putting on our own productions we also held two club outings. We went to see Aladdin at the Theatre Royal in November and then a trip to the Kings Theatre in April to support our members Rory, Sean and Melody in the UK Amateur premier of Les Misérables.

At the end of February our Junior section was back getting ready for their production of Bugsy Malone. Our production team were made up of largely committee members with Kirsty Duncan Directing, myself as Musical Director, Kirsty Dougall as Choreographer and Christine Kyle as producer. We welcomed Lorraine Kyle to complete our line up as assistant producer and Christine also oversaw the costume team for the first time adding to her list of many jobs she has undertaken over the years!

The club held another charitable fundraiser at the end of March in Clarkston Halls. The event this time round was a Family Quiz Night with a little extra surprise of a flashmob vocal entertainment provided by some of our adult members. A huge thank you to everybody who contributed to the success of this night raising a significant amount of funds for the club that we will use in 2027 as we celebrate our 50[th] anniversary.

5

As we enter the 2025-26 session, I would like to thank all the committee, volunteers and chaperones for all their help in the successful running of the club. A special thank you to Geraldine Ralph for her help and support serving as my Vice President, who leaves the committee after a significant 5 years of service to Harlequin. Thank you also to Kirsty Dougall who leaves the committee as performing rep however I know both will not be travelling far as their contribution to the club continues within costume and choreography. So, now let us look forward to the 2025- 26 session which I’m sure will be as exciting and rewarding as our last 48 years.

David Zochowski President Harlequin Youth Theatre

President’s Report on Productions and Charitable Activities from – April 2025 March 2026

In our Spring term, we were well underway with rehearsals for our production of Bugsy – Malone . This was performed to packed out audiences at Eastwood Park Theatre from 4[th] 7[th] June 2025. This was a production that allowed our junior members to thrive in a show – steeped in Harlequin history our sixth time taking this show to the stage. Our cast enjoyed performing this funny and entertaining show and benefitted from learning music and choreography from the golden age of musical theatre in a production perfectly suited for youngsters.

The club decided to adapt from our normal scheduling to combine our junior and senior section for a production at East Kilbride Village Theatre in October of 2025. The selected – show of choice was another Harlequin favourite Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat . Our production team were largely made up of members of the club who had performed in this show when they were younger, highlighting a special Harlequin legacy as we foster the future generation of performers. The show was cast and rehearsals began in June, then returning after the summer holidays in August through to show week which was performed over 6 performances between 21[st] and 25[th] October 2025. This was our first time bringing our combined membership to The Village Theatre and we look forward to returning in 2026.

On the 1[st] November 2025 we held a Halloween Disco for our performing members to enjoy a social and fun evening following friendships that were blossomed during Joseph show week. Our fundraising efforts continued towards our 50[th] anniversary and our members benefitted from an enjoyable party celebrating with their friends. Our annual ‘Christmas’ party was held in January 2026 which is always a highlight in the Harlequin calendar.

6

In February 2026 we held a Family Bingo fundraiser which helped raise significant funds towards celebrating our 50[th] anniversary in 2027. Over 150 members and their families enjoyed an entertaining and enjoyable evening at Clarkston Halls.

In 2024, the committee had secured rights to perform Grease and the decision was made to bring our senior section back to Eastwood Theatre in March of 2026. Our return to a spring production at Eastwood was a welcome return for the club. With ticket sales over – 95%, our audiences loved coming to see our performances over five shows between 11[th] 14[th] March 2026.

Our next production will be at Eastwood Theatre at the beginning of June 2026, with the club receiving the rights to perform Matilda Jr . Rehearsals are underway and our cast are – very excited to bring Roald Dahl ’s story to the stage between the 3[rd] 6[th] June.

David Zochowski President Harlequin Youth Theatre

Future Productions

– June 2026 Matilda Jr.

– October 2026 Combined Junior and Senior production

– March 2027 Senior production

– June 2027 Junior production

October 2027 - Combined Junior and Senior production

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Impact

Our impact can be measured by the reaction and high praises from audiences who come to watch our productions.

We are a member of NODA, National Operatic and Dramatic Association, who regularly come to support our shows. Please find some recent extracts from NODA representatives who publish show reports:

– Cinderella (Pantomime) January 2025

This production was well executed and enjoyable and that was only possible because of every single cast member’s effort. Well done again to the Committee, Production Team and wider Harlequin club and crew for another excellent Panto.

The energy and enjoyment from each member of the cast was evident throughout the show and infectious and the audience cheered them on.

Bugsy Malone – June 2025

It also always delights me in a Harlequin show that such a large cast can execute the bigger dance numbers so well, which is a credit to choreographer Kirsty and the production team. Kirsty’s direction was a seamless blend of humour and joy as the young cast used exaggerated traits typical of comic gangster films but with a playful and innocent twist.

The entire cast of young performers contributed to a lively, humorous, and polished production of Bugsy Malone, who I am sure know that with the support they receive at Harlequin can be anything that they want to be in the future.

8 ~~—+—-——~~

Financial Review

In the year ended 30[th] June 2025 the unrestricted funds are showing a deficit of £9,476. The trading income and expenditure relates to the performances during the period and these operated at a deficit of £26,768 although this is on a cash basis. There was a receipt of £15,178 after the year end which would take the deficit to £11,590. The subscriptions, donations and fundraising income are therefore essential to cover the running costs.

During the year the club took on a storage unit and we were fortunate to receive a donation from McDonalds towards the rent and a National Lottery Community Fund grant towards the work required to make the storage unit fit for purpose. The balance on both of these restricted amounts will be spent in the year ended 30[th] June 2026.

Statement of Charity Reserves

The Trustees believe that around two months of annual expenditure is an appropriate level of reserves in order to cover the timing differences between receipts and payments and to allow for any unexpected items of expenditure on events or equipment. Reserves at the end of the year were £85,899. This covers the reserves policy and gives working capital for the production of shows, which often require most of the costs to be paid for in advance of receiving the majority of the ticket income.

9

Declaration

Signed on behalf of the charity trustees:

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HARLEQUIN YOUTH THEATRE

Report of the Independent Examiner for the period ended 30th June 2025

I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 30th June 2025 which are set out on pages 12 to 14 .

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The Charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The Charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of regulation 10(1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the Accounts.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations;

have not been met, or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Glenn Allan

Independent Examiner

Date: 25th March 2026

Page 11

HARLEQUIN YOUTH THEATRE

Receipts and payments accounts for the period ended 30th June 2025

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

Notes
2
3
RECEIPTS
Transfer from unincorporated club
Subscriptions
Donations, legacies and grants
Donations, legacies and grants
Income from Fundraising Activities
Other income
TOTAL RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Charitable activities
Trading expenses
Cost of Fundraising Activities
Purchase of equipment
TOTAL PAYMENTS
Net receipts/payments
Transfers between funds
Surplus/(deficit) after transfers
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted Restricted
2025
2024
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
-
-
-
77,925
13,480
-
13,480
10,513
5,500
17,650
23,150
14,016
52,715
-
52,715
83,694
4,959
4,959
-
5,026
-
5,026
1,737
81,680
17,650
99,330
187,885
10,526
7,381
17,907
17,140
79,483
150
79,633
79,273
1,147
1,147
-
-
5,361
5,361
854
91,156
12,892
104,048
97,268
(9,476)
4,758
(4,718)
90,617
-
-
-
-
(9,476)
4,758
(4,718)
90,617
90,617
-
90,617
-
81,141
4,758
85,899
90,617

The notes on page 14 form part of these accounts.

Page 12

HARLEQUIN YOUTH THEATRE

Receipts and payments accounts for the period ended 30th June 2025

STATEMENT OF BALANCES

Notes
Bank and cash in hand
Opening balances
Surplus/(deficit) for the period
Closing balances
Bank and cash balances
Current account
Savings accounts
Prepaid payment card
Statement of liabilities at 30 June 2025
Supplier invoices outstanding		 Unrestricted Restricted
2025
2024
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
90,617
-
90,617
(9,476)
4,758
(4,718)
90,617
81,141
4,758
85,899
90,617
80,293
4,758
85,051
74,454
-
-
-
15,695
848
-
848
469
81,141
4,758
85,899
90,617
-
-
-
4,923
-
-
-
4,923

The Accounts on pages 12 to 14 were approved by the Trustees on 25th March 2026 and signed on their behalf by:

Andrew Kyle Trustee

The notes on page 14 form part of these accounts.

Page 13

Notes to the accounts for the period ended 30th June 2025

HARLEQUIN YOUTH THEATRE

1. Accounting policies

Accounting convention

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, on a Receipts and Payments basis and in accordance with the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).

Receipts and Payments Account

For the purpose of the Receipts and Payments Account as shown on page 12 , funds are defined as follows: Unrestricted funds comprise donation, grants, trading and other income received for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and are available as general funds.

Restricted funds comprise income which has been received for the objects of the charity and specified for a restricted purpose within these objects by the donor.

Harlequin Youth Theatre previously operated as an unincorporated club. It's assets, liabilities and activities were transferred to Harlequin Youth Theatre (SCO52420) on 21st March 2023. The transfer of funds have been shown as income on the receipts and payments account.

2. Charitable activities expenses

School and hall lets
Rent of Unit
Insurance
Members' activities
Honoraris & Gratuities
General expenses
Total charitable activities expenditure		 UnrestrictedRestricted
2025
2024
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
£
4,108
-
4,108
6,638
-
7,381
7,381
-
718
-
718
1,883
2,230
-
2,230
1,890
20
-
20
1,664
3,450
-
3,450
5,065
10,526
7,381
17,907
17,140

3. Breakdown of restricted funds

01/07/2024 Receipts Payments 30/06/2025
McDonalds - 10,000 (7,381) 2,619
ECTA - 150 (150) -
National Lottery Community Fund - 7,500 (5,361) 2,139
Total Restricted Fund - 17,650 (12,892) 4,758

4. Related party transactions

The following Trustees were paid gratuities for their roles on the production team of shows throughout the period. These payments where made in line with the SCIO's constitution and were approved by the board of Trustees. The Trustees receiving the payments had no involvement in their approval:

£
KirstyDuncan 1,000
Rebecca Baillie 200
Ruth Baillie 200

Reimbursements of expenses were made to the following trustees in the period ending 30th June 2025

£

Andrew Kyle 3,691.53
Christine Kyle 8,305.20
David Zochowski 76.88
Geraldine Ralph 700.76
Marc Cowen 41.80
Rebecca Baillie 215.94
Ruth Baillie 1,327.17

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