Caseware UK (AP4) 2025.0.111 2025.0.111 Caseware UK (AP4) 2025.0.111 2025.0.111 2026-03-311230621740588101152103423810115212306293308610373302026-03-312025-04-01falseNo description of principal activity910 05694721 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 2026-03-31 05694721 2025-03-31 05694721 2025-04-01 05694721 2024-04-01 05694721 c:CompanySecretary1 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 c:RegisteredOffice 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 d:Buildings d:LongLeaseholdAssets 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 d:Buildings d:LongLeaseholdAssets 2026-03-31 05694721 d:Buildings d:LongLeaseholdAssets 2025-03-31 05694721 d:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 d:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment 2026-03-31 05694721 d:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment 2025-03-31 05694721 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2026-03-31 05694721 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2025-03-31 05694721 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 1 2026-03-31 05694721 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 1 2025-03-31 05694721 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2026-03-31 05694721 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2025-03-31 05694721 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 1 2026-03-31 05694721 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 1 2025-03-31 05694721 c:FRS102 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:IndependentExaminationCharity 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 c:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee1 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee2 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee3 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee4 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee7 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee9 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee10 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee12 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee13 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee14 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee15 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee16 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee17 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee18 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee19 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Trustee20 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:UnrestrictedFundsGeneral 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:UnrestrictedFundsGeneral 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 b:RestrictedIncomeFunds 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:RestrictedIncomeFunds 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 b:UnrestrictedFundsGeneral 2026-03-31 05694721 b:UnrestrictedFundsGeneral 2025-03-31 05694721 b:RestrictedIncomeFunds 2026-03-31 05694721 b:RestrictedIncomeFunds 2025-03-31 05694721 c:ChiefExecutive 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Activity2 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Activity2 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 b:Activity2 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Activity2 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 b:Activity2 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Activity2 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 b:Activity3 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Activity3 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 b:Activity3 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Activity3 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 b:Activity3 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Activity3 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 b:Activity5 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Activity5 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 b:Activity5 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Activity5 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 b:Activity5 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:Activity5 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 05694721 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 05694721 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2026-03-31 05694721 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2025-03-31 05694721 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2026-03-31 05694721 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2025-03-31 05694721 c:FullAccounts 2025-04-01 2026-03-31 iso4217:GBP xbrli:pure

Registered number: 05694721
Charity number: 1115555











THEATRE503 LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)








UNAUDITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 

CONTENTS



Page
Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers
1
Trustees' report
2 - 7
Trustees' responsibilities statement
8
Independent examiner's report
9
Statement of financial activities
10
Balance sheet
11 - 12
Statement of cash flows
13
Notes to the financial statements
14 - 28

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026


Trustees
James Dacre, Chair
Royce Bell, Vice Chair (stood down 11 June 2025)
Emma Rees, Vice Chair
Eleanor Lloyd OBE (stood down 11 June 2025)
Ollie Raggett
Joshua Chua
Jack Tilbury
Roy Williams OBE (stood down 25 February 2026)
Azera Jones (appointed 26 November 2025)
Amber Massie-Blomfield (appointed 26 November 2025)
Cerian Walsh
Philippa Hill
Tian Brown-Sampson (promoted from Associate Trustee to Trustee 26 November 2025)
Emily Carewe (Executive Director)
Naomi Alicia Ladenburg
Kandy Chantal Rohmann
Guy Schanschieff (appointed 26 November 2025)

Company registered number
05694721

Charity registered number
1115555

Registered and principal operating office
503 Battersea Park Road
London
SW11 3BW

Executive Director
Emily Carewe-Jeffries (trading as Emily Carewe)

Artistic Director
Anthony Simpson-Pike

Independent Examiners
MHA
Chartered Accountants
2 London Wall Place
London
EC2Y 5AU

Page 1

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
  
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended  31 March 2026.
 

Since the Charity qualifies as small under section 383 of the Companies Acts 2006, the strategic report required of medium and large companies under The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Director's Report) Regulations 2013 is not required.
 

Objectives and activities
 

a. Policies and objectives
 

In shaping the theatre's objectives for the year and planning its activities, the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, including the guidance on public benefit and fee charging. The theatre relies on grants, donations and the income from fees and charges to cover its operating costs. 
 

In setting the level of fees, charges and concessions, the Trustees give careful consideration to the accessibility of the theatre for those on low incomes. 

Affordability and access to the programme is important to Theatre503 and the work it produces is intended to be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, both locally and UK wide.
 

b. Strategies for achieving objectives
 

The strategies employed to achieve the charity's aims and objectives are to:
develop, produce, present, and support a wide variety of theatre productions for the enjoyment andeducation of a diverse audience demographic;
identify and support the very best debut and emerging writers to stage their first productions, performed to the highest professional standard;
break down all barriers to writing, staging, participating in and seeing theatre; 
be the best practice model for early career playwrights and new writing practice through the Writers Programme and our Education and Creative Learning programmes for Young People;
become a sustainable, dynamic, and flexible business able to adapt to an ever-changing future landscape.

Putting these strategies into action the theatre has three major areas of activity which are:
Stage productions; and
Literary development programmes (The Writers Programme); and 
Participation, Creative Learning and accessibility in the local community 
 

Page 2

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Objectives and activities (continued)

c. Activities for achieving objectives
 

This year saw a range of successes on our stage and through our programmes, as well as a number of strategic challenges that required Trustees and Team Members to reimagine the ways in which we achieve our strategic objectives in the support of artists and our communities. 

We staged 29 full-length plays on our stage at The Latchmere, reaching 7866 live audience members, and engaging over 350 freelancers. The year began with a successful production of 
Derry Boys by Niall McCarthy, which had initially begun its development as a 10-minute short play as part of our open access Rapid Write Response scheme before evolving into a full-length play. The first season of programming from Artistic Director Anthony Simpson-Pike was announced in September 2025 and launched in January 2026 with Donbas by Olga Braga, which was the winner of our 2025 International Playwriting award - chosen by an industry panel from 1377 submissions. 

In forging this debut season, the Board and Executive launched a renewed producing model for the organisation which saw an increase in our annual in-house productions from 1 self-produced production per year to 4 in-house productions. This significant increase in self-producing output was made possible through intensive fundraising, work with partners and with the generous support of PW Productions who acted as production sponsors for our 2026-27 season. This new approach to producing work was necessitated by the significant funding challenges experienced across the theatre sector, particularly in relation to producing new work and the availability of project funding from Arts Council England and the Trusts and Foundations who we’ve previously depended upon to subsidise our output. To illustrate the scale of this challenge, in April 2025 we saw 9-months of programmed work fall away due to a lack of available project funding, leaving our theatre at risk of being dark for the majority of the year. We moved quickly to programme new work, including a highly successful season of transfers from the Edinburgh Fringe, as well as Tanya Loretta Dee’s fantastic debut play 
Loop which played on our stage for 3-weeks in Autumn 2025. Strategically, our focus continues to be on developing meaningful partnerships to support an increased volume of produced work in-house and in co-production.

2025-26 saw our local borough - Wandsworth - become London Borough of Culture. As part of these celebrations, we were co-commissioned alongside local radio station Riverside Radio to lead and deliver a 40-episode community led radio soap opera, 
The Wandsworth Way, celebrating the local people of Wandsworth. With lead writer James Fritz, we engaged over 30 local writers, and over 150 community actors across the season. 

We continue to work towards refurbishing the 503Studio but were unsuccessful in our application for funding through Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund. We have activated the studio with meanwhile use projects throughout the year, including rehearsals, community events, workshops and masterclasses and co-working space, allowing us to deliver against our social value commitments whilst we still continue to fundraise to finish the full fit-out
 

Page 3

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Achievements and performance
 

a. Key performance indicators
 

530 early career writers participated in the Writers Programme this year
29 early career writers had their worked staged across the year
7,866 audience members watched our work in person
1,377 submissions from 49 countries for our 2025 International Playwriting Award
637 (up from 407) applications for our 503Five programme
 

b. Stage performances
 

Our full length productions for this year included:
 
1.Derry Boys by Niall McCarthy, directed by Andy McLeod. The play began as a 10-minute Rapid Write Response piece, before being developed into a full length play. Sold at 68% capacity. **** The Stage
 
2.Loop by Tanya Loretta Dee, directed by Sophie Ellerby. “Dee’s writing and acting ensure that she’s a future powerhouse.” Sold at 53% capacity. **** - Reviews Hub
 
3.Donbas by Olga Braga, directed by Artistic Director, Anthony Simpson-Pike. The play won 2025 International Playwriting Award, selected from 1377 submissions. The production was co-produced with Good Chance and 45North, in association with Seventh Productions. Sold at 95% capacity. ***** “Donbas showcases exactly why we need to be supporting more new writing when important stories like these need to be told.” - Love London Love Culture
 
Alongside these 3 week runs, we staged 26 short runs across our Summer, September and January short seasons, as well as 3 iterations of our Rapid Write Response programme.
 

c. Education, community, literary and artist development
 

The Writers Programme sold well, with a 30% uplift in participant numbers across the year and a 100% increase on 1-2-1 dramaturgy sessions. We offered 42 bursaries. 

Our brilliant literary team dedicated much time to recruiting our 2026 503Five cohort, who are Arianna Munoz, Hannah Shury-Smith, Danielle James, Ellen Bannerman and Kathrine Payne. 

Rapid Write Response continued to progress from stride to stride, held brilliantly by new Deputy Artistic Director Yasmin Hafseji, taking over from outgoing Deputy Artistic Director Rochelle Wilson. It has continued to open up a pathway to future collaborations and opportunities with early career artists, platforming 6 writers’ responses to every 3-week run we programme. Across the year we platformed 18 new plays and received 139 submissions, and mentored over 50 first time directors. 

We delivered the first iteration of Finding Your Voice - a series of after school playwriting classes for primary school children - in partnership with St Mary’s Primary School in Nine Elms, and aim to roll this programme out further in the borough alongside the introduction of the 503 Young Company in 2026/27. 

We announced the winner of our International Playwriting Award in July 2025, having received 1377 submissions received from 49 countries. Throughout the year, our Literary team led a reading pool of 20 through a rigorous assessment process, with longlisting and shortlisting, with the winner - Donbas by Olga Braga - chosen by a group of fantastic industry judges who we thank for their time.
 

Page 4

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Achievements and performance (continued)

d. Factors relevant to achieve objectives
 

Artistic values
Diversity begins with who is telling the stories and informs how we run our venue throughout the year.
Theatre503 is aware that artistic tastes are not the same for everyone. The theatre therefore tries to make clear the themes and issues that the work contains on its website and in marketing materials. 
Theatre503 takes the views of audiences very seriously and without compromising the integrity of the programme, seeks to respect the diverse ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, and lifestyles of the community and audiences.

Pricing policy
The theatre's pricing policy reflects its strategy of enabling all within its community, whatever their means, to take part in its activities and to attend the theatre. We increased top price tickets to £24 (up from £22) to support financial sustainability whilst still ensuring our accessible price points remained.
Theatre503 continues to be on a par with, or cheaper than, other London theatres of similar size. 
A concession ticket of £20 is available to students, senior citizens, members of Equity and BECTU.  
The same discount is available to those with access requirements, with a free ticket for a companion.
Writers can access £10 tickets during previews, and full priced preview tickets are £15.
We host one Pay What You Choose performance across every 3+ week run. 

Accessibility
Our Share the Drama Scheme means we subsidise around 50% of our tickets. 
Parent & Baby Matinees and Relaxed performances continue to build an audience.
Trustees recognise the restrictions the current premises pose to some visitors and continue to seek to improve accessibility in areas where the opportunity exists.
 

Financial review
 

a. Reserves policy
 

We aim for our reserves to be equivalent to 3 months of our running costs, valued in 2021 at £44,000. Having revalued our running costs at the 2025 AGM at £75,000, we are aiming towards incremental increases in our reserves target, whilst also acknowledging the reality of the financial climate. In 2025/26 our reserves target is £50,000, increasing to £60,000 in 2026/27, and £70,000 in 2027/28. 

Total reserves at the end of the financial year were £517,119 (2025: £580,196) of which £50,576 (2025: £61,531) were restricted, £428,190 (2025: £455,854) were unrestricted designated capital funds and £38,353 (2025: £62,811) were unrestricted general funds.
 

b. Going concern
 

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, in the understanding of the increased risk posed as a result of the ongoing precarious economic and fundraising climate, and the increasing operating costs felt across the sector. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
 

Page 5

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Financial review (continued)

c. Financial review
 

Following the successful rebuilding of our reserves in the 2024/25 financial year, emphasis was placed on maintaining momentum whilst navigating a change in artistic leadership, and diversifying income streams. We successfully maintained our philanthropic income streams across Trusts & Foundations and individual giving, including a highly successful fundraising event at Battersea Power Station. 

We continued to feel the impact on our expenditure of running two separate sites, and strategically continue to interrogate maximising the earning potential of the 503Studio as a meanwhile use venue.

We continue to recognise that the financial and fundraising climate remains incredibly challenging, but feel confident that our increased and diversified income streams place us in a strong position to react and respond dynamically, and build towards a more sustainable financial future. 
 

d. Principal funding
 

The majority of the charity's income has continued to derive from box office income, tax credit claims from DCMS, Arts Council England grants, The Carne Trust, Wandsworth Borough Council, Concord Theatricals, Trusts & Foundations (see below) and individual donors.

We received grants from the following Trusts & Foundations within the year: De Laszlo Foundation, Noël Coward Foundation, Mila Charitable Organisation, D’Oyly Carte Foundation, Maria Bjornson Memorial Fund, Wimbledon Community Foundation, Unity Trust, and Orseis Trust.
 

e. Capital project
 

We have accounted accurately for all capital income, with expenditure on the fit-out being realised on our balance sheet as a depreciating asset.
 

Structure, governance and management
 

a. Constitution
 

The Charity was incorporated on 1 February 2006 under the Companies Act 1985 as a private company limited by guarantee, having no share capital, and its objects and regulations are governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
 
Charitable status was granted on 24 July 2006 under registered number 1115555. The principal objects of the Charity are to promote, maintain, improve and advance education particularly by the promotion of educational plays and the encouragement of the Arts including the arts of Literature, Drama, Music, Singing and Movement.

There have been no changes in the objectives since the last annual report. 
 

b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
 

As per the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Charity, new Trustees are appointed by ordinary resolution. 

Not less than fourteen nor more than thirty five days before the date of the meeting, the Charity is given a notice that is signed by a member entitled to vote at the meeting; which states the member's intention to propose the appointment of a person as a Trustee; which contains the details that, if the person were to be appointed, the Charity would have to file at Companies House and which is signed by the person who is to be proposed to show his or her willingness to be appointed.
 

Page 6

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Structure, governance and management (continued)

c. Risk management
 

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. 

Theatre503 operates a Risk Register covering Finance, Premises, Audiences, Product, Staffing and Capacity which is reviewed regularly by Trustees. The Artistic Director and Executive Director review operating risk during operations meetings and the Trustees interrogate changes in risk as they occur. 
 

d. Structure, governance and management
 

Three long standing and highly valued Trustees reached the end of their final term of service during this period. In anticipation of this change, the Board led a major recruitment campaign to appoint three new Trustees. This included a full skills audit of all current trustees to identify key recruitment areas to focus upon in making new appointments and a widely advertised public recruitment process that saw a very competitive field of candidates submit applications. The Board was pleased to welcome Amber Massie-Blomfield, Azera Jones and Guy Schanschieff in November and to promote Tian Brown-Sampson from her role as an Associate Trustee to become a full Trustee. 
 

Members' liability
 

The Members of the Charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. 
 

 

The Trustees' Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies' regime, was approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:



James Dacre
(Chair of the Board)

Date: 20 July 2026


Page 7

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).


Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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 time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.


Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by:



James Dacre
(Chair of the Board)

Date: 20 July 2026


Page 8

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Theatre503 Limited ('the Charity')
 
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2026.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

1.
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2.
the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3.
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4.
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].


I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Signed:      Dated: 21 July 2026

 
John Coverdale FCA (ICAEW)     

 
MHA 
Chartered Accountants
2 London Wall Place, London, EC2Y 5AU
 
 
MHA is the trading name of MHA Audit Services LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales (registered number OC455542).
Page 9

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED
 
(A company limited by guarantee)

 
 
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026


Unrestricted funds
2026
Restricted funds
2026
Total
funds
2026
Total
funds
2025
Note
        £
        £
        £
        £

Income from:







Charitable activities

3

374,589

177,532

552,121

960,923
 
Investments

5

966

-

966

4,066
 
Total income
375,555
177,532
553,087
964,989
Expenditure on:







Charitable activities

6

431,593

184,571

616,164

611,764
 
Total expenditure
431,593
184,571
616,164
611,764

Net (expenditure)/income

  

(56,038)

(7,039)

(63,077)

353,225
 
Transfers between funds

 15 

3,916

(3,916)

-

-
 
Net movement in funds
  
(52,122)
(10,955)
(63,077)
353,225

Reconciliation of funds:

  





Total funds brought forward

  

518,665

61,531

580,196

226,971
 
Net movement in funds

  

(52,122)

(10,955)

(63,077)

353,225
 
Total funds carried forward
  
466,543
50,576
517,119
580,196

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 14 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 05694721

 
 
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2026


2026
2025
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 11 
436,001
465,566

  
436,001
465,566

Current assets
  

Debtors
 12 
150,949
142,276

Cash at bank and in hand
  
91,058
89,740

  
242,007
232,016

Current liabilities
  

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 13 
(160,889)
(107,386)

Net current assets 
  
 
 
81,118
 
 
124,630

Total assets less current liabilities
  
517,119
590,196

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 14 
-
(10,000)

Total net assets 
  
517,119
580,196


Charity funds
  

Restricted funds
 15 
50,576
61,531

Unrestricted funds
 15 
466,543
518,665

Total funds
  
517,119
580,196

Page 11

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 05694721

 
 
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 MARCH 2026

The Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:




James Dacre
(Chair of the Board)

Date: 20 July 2026


The notes on pages 14 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

Page 12

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED
 
(A company limited by guarantee)

 
 
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

2026
2025
£
£

Cash flows from operating activities

Net cash used in operating activities

34,264
394,676

Cash flows from investing activities

Dividends, interests and rents from investments
966
4,066

Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(21,912)
(410,713)

Net cash used in investing activities

(20,946)
(406,647)

Cash flows from financing activities

Repayments of borrowing
(12,000)
(12,000)

Net cash used in financing activities

(12,000)
(12,000)

Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
 
1,318
 
(23,971)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
89,740
113,711

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
91,058
89,740

The notes on pages 14 to 28 form part of these financial statements

Page 13

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

1.


General information

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, company number 05694721, having its registered office at 503 Battersea Park Road, London, SW11 3BW.

The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the Charity.

Charitable status was granted on 24 July 2006 by the Charity Commission of England & Wales, registered number 1115555.


2.Accounting policies

  
2.1

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Theatre503 Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

  
2.2

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, in the understanding of the increased risk posed as a result of the ongoing precarious economic and fundraising climate, and the increasing operating costs felt across the sector. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

  
2.3

Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid is recognised at the time of the donation.

Creative industry tax relief claims are recognised to the extent that claims are expected to made and accepted in relation to qualifying expenditure incurred in the year.

Page 14

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

2.Accounting policies (continued)

  
2.4

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

  
2.5

Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

 
2.6

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

Long-term leasehold property
-
over ten years on cost
Other fixed assets
-
over ten years on cost

  
2.7

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

  
2.8

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Page 15

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.9

Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

  
2.10

Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

  
2.11

Pensions

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.

  
2.12

Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

Page 16

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

3.

Income from charitable activities




Unrestricted funds
2026
Restricted funds
2026
Total
funds
2026
        £
        £
        £




Productions

180,146

71,155

251,301

Education, Community & Development

179,093

103,377

282,470

Capital project

-

3,000

3,000

Commercial income

15,350

-

15,350

Total 2026


374,589
177,532
552,121




Unrestricted funds
2025
Restricted funds
2025
Total
funds
2025
        £
        £
        £




Productions

207,392

190,353

397,745

Education, Community & Development

159,984

83,950

243,934

Capital project

-

312,315

312,315

Commercial income

6,929

-

6,929

Total 2025


374,305
586,618
960,923


4.


Government grants

2026
2025
£
£



Arts Council England
33,154
31,950

Wandsworth Council
26,030
25,290

Gift Aid claims
7,886
12,705

Theatre tax relief claims
75,443
115,567

Employment Allowance
10,500
5,000

153,013
190,512

There were no unfulfilled commitments or other contingencies associated with the above grants at the end of the financial year. 

Page 17

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

5.

Investment income




Unrestricted funds
2026
Total
funds
2026
Total
funds
2025
        £
        £
        £




Bank interest received

966

966

4,066
 
Total 2025


4,066
4,066



6.

Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities


Summary by fund type




Unrestricted funds
2026
Restricted funds
2026
Total
2026
        £
        £
        £




Productions

143,570

129,507

273,077

Education, Community & Development

288,023

55,064

343,087

Total 2026


431,593
184,571
616,164




Unrestricted funds
2025
Restricted funds
2025
Total
2025
        £
        £
        £




Productions

67,016

209,842

276,858

Education, Community & Development

270,527

64,379

334,906

Total 2025


337,543
274,221
611,764

Page 18

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

7.

Analysis of expenditure by activities




Activities undertaken directly
2026
Support costs
2026
Total
funds
2026
        £
        £
        £




Productions

30,139

242,938

273,077

Education, Community & Development

154,869

188,218

343,087

Total 2026


185,008
431,156
616,164





Activities undertaken directly
2025
Support costs
2025
Total
funds
2025
        £
        £
        £




Productions

71,499

205,359

276,858

Education, Community & Development

182,329

152,577

334,906

Total 2025


253,828
357,936
611,764




Page 19

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

7.Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs



Total
funds
2026
Total
funds
2025
        £
        £



Staff costs

285,845

268,787
 
Depreciation

51,193

22,120
 
Theatre and building

28,098

19,443
 
Nine Elms running costs

19,739

8,848
 
Fees

7,595

7,870
 
Interest

1,280

503
 
Marketing, administration and finance

37,406

30,365
 
Total 2026


431,156
357,936


8.

Independent examiner's remuneration

2026
2025
£
£

Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent examination of the Charity's annual accounts
7,000
7,000

Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner in respect of:

All other services not included above
2,650
2,650

Page 20

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

9.



Staff costs


2026
2025
£
£


Wages and salaries
261,176
246,821

Social security costs
19,070
16,764

Contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
5,599
5,202

285,845
268,787

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:


2026
2025

No.
No.


Operations
2
2

Charitable activities
7
8

9
10

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

The Trustees of the Charity considers that its Key Management Personnel comprise:

• Trustees
• Artistic Director
• Executive Director

The total of employee benefits for Key Management Personnel was £97,235 
(2025 - £81,271)



10.


Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2025 - £NIL).

During the year ended 31 March 2026, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2025 - £NIL).

Page 21

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

11.


Tangible fixed assets




Long-term leasehold property
Other fixed assets
Total

£
£
£


Cost or valuation

At 1 April 2025
475,467
24,943
500,410

Additions
21,022
890
21,912


At 31 March 2026

496,489
25,833
522,322


Depreciation

At 1 April 2025
19,613
15,231
34,844

Charge for the year
48,686
2,791
51,477


At 31 March 2026

68,299
18,022
86,321


Net book value


At 31 March 2026
428,190
7,811
436,001


At 31 March 2025
455,854
9,712
465,566

The Nine Elms project is currently in the course of construction.


12.



Debtors


2026
2025
£
£


Due within one year

Trade debtors
70,367
15,083

Other debtors
-
11,626

Prepayments and accrued income
11,000
-

Tax recoverable
69,582
115,567

150,949
142,276

Page 22

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

13.



Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year


2026
2025
£
£


Bank overdrafts
14,348
616

Other loans
10,000
12,000

Trade creditors
50,176
56,745

Other taxation and social security
4,064
4,426

Other creditors
4,547
2,656

Accruals and deferred income
77,754
30,943

160,889
107,386



2026
2025
£
£



Deferred income at 1 April 2025
30,943
70,000

Resources deferred during the year
71,754
10,943

Amounts released from previous periods
(30,943)
(50,000)

71,754
30,943

Grants from Concord of £20,000 and the Arts Council England for the 503Engine project of £10,943 were deferred during the year 31 March 2025 to April and May 2025. A further £71,754 received in the year to 31 March 2026 from PW Productions, 503Engine, D'Oyly Carte and Carne 503Five has been deferred to 2026/27.


14.



Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year


2026
2025
£
£


Other loans
-
10,000

Page 23

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

15.

Statement of funds


Statement of funds - current year

Balance at 1 April 2025
£
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Transfers in/out
£
Balance at 31 March 2026
£

Unrestricted funds






Designated funds







Nine Elms capital spend

455,854

-

(48,686)

21,022

428,190
 

General funds







General Fund

62,811

375,555

(382,907)

(17,106)

38,353
 
Total Unrestricted funds




518,665

375,555

(431,593)

3,916

466,543



Balance at 1 April 2025
£
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Transfers in/out
£
Balance at 31 March 2026
£






Restricted funds







503Five

7,697

17,000

(1,567)

(3,500)

19,630
 
503Engine

-

15,000

(12,500)

-

2,500
 
Playwriting Award

3,100

3,000

(6,000)

-

100
 
Carne Associate Director

4,366

12,000

(21,039)

4,673

-
 
Production contributions

-

127,532

(143,465)

15,933

-
 
Capital project

46,368

3,000

-

(21,022)

28,346
 



61,531
177,532
(184,571)
(3,916)
50,576

Total of funds


580,196
553,087
(616,164)
-
517,119

Page 24

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

15.

Statement of funds (continued)



Statement of funds - prior year

Balance at
1 April 2024
£
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Transfers in/out
£
Balance at
31 March 2025
£

Unrestricted funds






Designated funds







Nine Elms capital spend

65,348

-

(19,613)

410,119

455,854
 

General funds







General Fund

2,370

378,371

(317,930)

-

62,811
 
Total Unrestricted funds




67,718

378,371

(337,543)

410,119

518,665


Restricted funds







Slate managed funds assessor

-

4,450

(4,450)

-

-
 
503Five

13,634

11,000

(16,937)

-

7,697
 
503Engine

-

27,500

(27,500)

-

-
 
Rapid Write Response

-

4,000

(4,000)

-

-
 
Playwriting Award

-

13,000

(9,900)

-

3,100
 
Wandsworth Writes

1,447

-

(1,447)

-

-
 
Carne Associate Director

-

24,000

(19,634)

-

4,366
 
Capital project

144,172

312,315

-

(410,119)

46,368
 
Production contributions

-

190,353

(190,353)

-

-
 



159,253
586,618
(274,221)
(410,119)
61,531


Total of funds


226,971
964,989
(611,764)
-
580,196

Page 25

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

15.

Statement of funds (continued)

Designated funds

Relating to the Nine Elms capital project representing the amount spent to date less depreciation charged.

General funds

Held to cover future running costs.

Restricted funds

Representing restricted funds received for specific projects less amounts spent thereon. Transfers to the Designated fund correspond to the amount spent on the Nine Elms capital project.


16.

Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
2026
Restricted funds
2026
Total
funds
2026
        £
        £
        £



Tangible fixed assets

436,001

-

436,001

Current assets

191,431

50,576

242,007

Creditors due within one year

(160,889)

-

(160,889)

Total 


466,543
50,576
517,119



Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
2025
Restricted funds
2025
Total
funds
2025
        £
        £
        £



Tangible fixed assets

465,566

-

465,566

Current assets

170,485

61,531

232,016

Creditors due within one year

(107,386)

-

(107,386)

Creditors due in more than one year

(10,000)

-

(10,000)

Total 

518,665
61,531
580,196

Page 26

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

17.



Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities


2026
2025
£
£

Net income/expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)



(63,077)

353,225

Adjustments for:

Depreciation charges
51,477
22,120

Dividends, interests and rents from investments
(966)
(4,066)

Decrease/(increase) in debtors
(8,673)
30,190

Increase/(decrease) in creditors
55,503
(6,793)

Net cash provided by operating activities
34,264
394,676



18.



Analysis of cash and cash equivalents


2026
2025
£
£

Cash in hand
91,058
89,740

Total cash and cash equivalents
91,058
89,740


19.



Analysis of changes in net debt





At 1 April 2025
Cash flows
At 31 March 2026
£
£

£

Cash at bank and in hand

89,740

1,318

91,058

Bank overdrafts repayable on demand

(616)

(13,732)

(14,348)

Debt due within 1 year

(12,000)

2,000

(10,000)

Debt due after 1 year

(10,000)

10,000

-


67,124
(414)
66,710

Page 27

 
THEATRE503 LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

20.


Pension commitments

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.

The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Charity to the fund and amounted to £5,599 
(2025: £5,202).

Contributions of £2,678 
(2025: £2,656) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.



21.


Related party transactions

The aggregate amount of donations made by trustees or connected parties without conditions during the year was £3,010 (2025 restated: £1,584).

Eleanor Lloyd, a trustee, provided advances of £15,000 during the year 31 March 2020 to support the charity's cash flow as part of the initial move to the new operating model. Further advances of £30,000 were made during the year to 31 March 2023. £10,000 
(2025: £22,000) was outstanding at the end of the year.

Jack Tilbury, a trustee, is a director of Plann Ltd appointed as project manager to lead our Capital project for the development of our new studio space. The charity paid £4,250 
(2025: £51,642) in fees related to this project during the year. 

There were  no other material related party transactions requiring disclosure during the period 
(2025: None).

Page 28