ANNUAL REPORT 2018 CHARITY NO. 232488
PRODUCTIONS
AUDIENCE: 84,855 TOTAL VISITORS
56,740 29,543 2,311 3,246
28,099
total visitors at our own venues of our visitors were children were free tickets via our Puppets for All scheme
116
were Friday Fives tickets at £5
COMMUNITY
visitors to our shows on tour
schools and nurseries came to shows at our venues
Little Angel Theatre Locations in the borough of Islington where we took our Suitcase show 86 performances
692
performances of 9 in-house productions
178
performances of 32 visiting productions
403 68 175 71
Locations in the borough of Islington where we delivered other projects
167
15,324
performances of 4 of our productions on tour creatives & performers involved in our shows puppets took part in Little Angel productions new puppets were made for this year’s productions
workshops were delivered in schools, to a total of 2,920 children over 1,517 hours
visitors (27%) to our shows came from Islington
ARTIST DEVELOPMENT Core activity
Earned
£0.9M
Donated
Other
£0.3M £0.1M
Staff
£0.6M £0.5M
EXPENDITURE
INCOME 48%
£2.35 Increase in income over 5 years
average subsidy per ticket
Other
£0.2M
4 Associate artists/companies £
£
2 Bursary artists/companies
4 Trainees
10 Further artists/companies were given 30 days’ worth of free R&D space
Photos: Anton Arkemenkov (top) and Johan Persson (bottom)
WELCOME This year has seen the theatre evolve and develop once again, with the enormous success of The Singing Mermaid, to an Offie win for Zeraffa Giraffa and a Hoop award for Best Live Performance & Family Theatre – I am incredibly proud of the work that the whole team have delivered and it has been really exciting to welcome new artists and co-producers to our family – we look forward to developing new partnerships and collaborations in the year ahead. A highlight of the year has been welcoming the Trainees – they have made a really positive impact to the organisation, as well as ensuring that puppetry making and performance remains as the centre of the operation of the organisation. I’m really excited to see how this programme develops, with work underway to grow it into a fully accredited apprentiship. Looking forward, Little Angel Theatre will continue to produce world-class puppetry for family audiences across both its sites. However, 2018/19 will focus on three growth areas:
– Increasing our online presence by creating both artistic and educational digital content so that our work can be accessed from the comfort of your living room, as well as in person. – Working with the DFE, Creative and Cultural Skills and other puppetry organisations to set up the first ever Puppetry Making Apprenticeship. We aim to secure funding in order to take on 4 apprentices from January 2019. – Planning is underway for a major capital project at our main theatre site, to ensure that the building is fit for purpose, whilst retaining its character and charm, and preserving this gem of childhood for future generations.
Little Angel Theatre continues to go from strength to strength, punching well above its weight both artistically and financially. Under Samantha’s leadership the organisation is thriving: increasing the reach of the artistic programme; winning awards and gaining critical acclaim; as well as embedding a successful community programme; and supporting a wide range of emerging artists. Looking to the future with the funding environment increasingly challenging we are incredibly grateful for the support that we receive from all
of our donors. It is vital that we are able to continue to prioritise our outreach and access work in amongst the work that goes on to our stage, which would not be possible at all without your incredible generosity.
Samantha Lane Artistic Director
James Bierman Chair of the board
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PRODUCTIONS Little Angel Theatre continues to develop its audiences and to grow the number of shows it produces. In 2017/18 we performed to nearly 85,000 people, a 13% increase since 2013/14. In 2017/18, Little Angel Theatre produced 9 theatre productions (5 new and 4 revivals); 3 of which were co-productions: Zeraffa Girrafa with Omnibus Theatre which won an Offie, Kika’s Birthday with Orange Tree Theatre and Wizard Presents and The Singing Mermaid with Royal and Derngate. We continued to develop our immersive studios strand of work with a revival of Santa’s Little Workshop and a new show Junk, which invited children to take part in a journey through a recycling plant. Since April 2016, we have more than doubled the number of visiting productions from the previous year with 31 companies coming through our doors. The visiting productions from national and international companies have brought a great variety of puppetry to our audiences at Little Angel Theatre and we are proud to have supported these artists with a performance platform in London.
SHOWS 9 in-house
productions with
692
performances
32 visiting
productions with
178
performances
4
national and international tours with
410 performances
AUDIENCES 56,756 at LAT —
49,277 at Theatre and 7,463 at Studios
28,099 on tour 84,855 IN TOTAL 13% INCREASE SINCE 2013/14
FUTURE AMBITIONS Little Angel Theatre will continue to produce world-class puppetry for family audiences. We want to reach out to new audiences by creating innovative, accessible and welcoming new work. We aim to raise the profile of the art form generally through collaboration with a greater diversity of writers, performers, designers, directors and venues. We will continue to tour work, and will be exploring new ways of presenting puppetry to our audiences, including a new digital strand, currently in development.
LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE REACHED 13% MORE PEOPLE THAN IN 2013/14 4
DOGS DON’T DO BALLET
29 April – 16 July 2017 “a rollicking romp of a show” Time Out Based on the book by Anna Kemp A Little Angel Theatre revival The story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams. Age group: 2-7 11 week run 117 performances Attendance 9085 84 % capacity
“Little Angel Theatre is simply magical and I profoundly love it as much as my little daughter. She keeps singing the songs from the performances for weeks – you really enchant your audience and create a lasting impression.”
ZERAFFA GIRAFFA
22 September – 4 Nov 2017 “bound to tickle curiosity” The Stage A Play by Sabrina Mahfouz / Based on the Book by Dianne Hofmeyr A Little Angel & Omnibus Theatre co-production A young giraffe is sent as a gift from the Pasha of Egypt to the King of France, but Paris is very far away... Age group: 4-10 6 week run 54 performances Attendance 4004 73 % capacity
WOW! SAID THE OWL
Photos: Ellie Kurtzz
RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF
3 May – 16 July 2017 “new and charming” Time Out Written by Jon Barton A Little Angel Theatre revival The retelling of Little Red Riding Hood from the wolf’s point of view. Age group: 7-adult 11 week run 79 performances Attendance 4030 42.5 % capacity
3 September – 5 November 2017 “countless magical flourishes” The Guardian Based on the book by Tim Hopgood A Little Angel Theatre revival Exploring the wonderful world of colours with a curious little owl. Age group: 2 - 5 9 week run 81 performances Attendance 5527 72 % capacity
GO NOAH GO!
12 November – 4 Feb 2018 “simply brilliant” The Stage Written by John Agard A Little Angel Theatre revival Stunning Caribbean adaptation of this timeless story, combining puppetry, masks and songs. Age group: 5-10 10 week run 92 performances Attendance 6217 66 % capacity 5
“We all really enjoyed the show. The puppets, songs and actors were great. It was so nice to be in a relaxed performance.”
“I took my 3 year old granddaughter to her first puppet performance, she was really enchanted”
SANTA’S LITTLE WORKSHOP
1 – 24 December 2017 “festive puppeteers” Time Out Designed and Directed by Slavka Jovanovic A Little Angel Theatre revival. Putting the audience to work in amongst the elves at Santa’s Little Workshop. Age group: 3–9 4 week run 61 performances Attendance 2659 87 % capacity
SLEEPYHEAD
17 November – 4 February 2018 “engagingly surreal puppet romp” Time Out Written, directed & designed by Michael Fowkes A Little Angel Theatre new production Baby doesn’t want to go to bed, and Dad’s tricks aren’t working. The magic wand comes out and baby goes on an adventure with a rabbit, until the fun and games become a little bit too fun… Age group 2- 5 11 week run 104 performances Attendance 7373 76 % capacity
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THE SINGING MERMAID 9 February – 22 April 2018 “lovely piece of theatre” Time Out Written by Julia Donaldson & Illustrated by Lydia Monks A Little Angel Theatre and Royal & Derngate, Northampton new co-production. The tale of a singing mermaid who longs to escape the circus. Age group: 3-8 10 week run 81 performances Attendance 7331 97% capacity
JUNK
18 March – 29 April 2018 “endearing show” Everything Theatre A Little Angel Theatre new production. An immersive show that brings your milk bottles, newspapers and egg boxes to life, sharing stories through the hidden everyday magic we can easily overlook. Age group: 7-12 7 week run 19 performances Attendance 577 49 % capacity
“Exceptional! A hidden gem of cultural delights in our metropolis. Go! Take the kids, laugh and have fun.”
PRODUCTIONS ON TOUR WOW! SAID THE OWL
Newcastle
ME…
UK tour: 16 September – 30 December 2017 The world is a very big place, especially for a tiny penguin who is just finding her feet. Age group: 3–9 14 week tour 145 performances Attendance 2,414
UK transfer: 4 December 2017 – 2 January 2018 Age group: 2–5 4 week tour 53 performances Attendance 4271
RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF Lancaster
Harrogate
Burnley
UK tour: 6 December 2017 – 15 April 2018 Age group: 7–adult 19 week tour 121 performances Attendance 7842 Hull
Southport Salford
Ashton under Lyne Manchester
Nantwich
Nottingham Grantham
Derby
Wolverhampton Birmingham Coventry
Peterborough
Bedford
Luton Hatfield
Photos: Ellie Kurtzz
HANDA’S SURPRISE
UK tour: 30 September – 5 November Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo, in the next village. Age group: 2-6 5 week tour 84 performances Attendance 3572
Cambridge
Watlington Maidenhead Bath
Dagenham London: multiple venues
Wokingham
Salisbury Southampton
Liphook Portsmouth
Crawley
Canterbury Folkestone
Brighton Eastbourne
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CREATIVE LEARNING: SCHOOLS Islington has the highest level of child poverty in England, with 32.4% of children living in income deprived households. We believe passionately in the value of participatory arts, and run extensive opportunities for all ages to learn puppetry skills and develop their creativity. We engage schools in imaginative education and participatory activities which improve confidence, team working skills, tolerance, and raises aspirations. In 2017-18 we ran over 200 workshops in schools across London which explored a variety of puppetry styles.
3357
child participants in courses, classes, schools workshops and holiday activities
1517
hours spent delivering workshops in schools
4 3
partner schools
primary schools with a Puppeteer in Residence
SCHOOL VISITS AND SUPPORT
8229 children / 284 performances Schools have visited the theatre and studios for a wide range of shows and workshops. This year we have 8
run various inset and CPD sessions for teachers and educators, exploring the themes of a performance and ways of using puppetry in the classroom.
PUPPETEER IN RESIDENCE
240 children / 24 days During this year we have had three puppeteers in residence based at Winton and Brookfield Primary Schools, and an eighth consecutive year at Thornhill Primary School.
SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME 4 schools / 1076 pupil visits to date Since the successful pilot of the programme with William Tyndale School in 2016/17, we have now expanded the programme and been working closely with our four neighboring primary
“I really enjoyed making the puppets. The workshops turned out to be interesting. I had never made a puppet before, but because of you I made one.�
schools since September. The partnership is designed to allow the schools to engage with the theatre and the professionals and artists associated with us on a much deeper level. Through these partnerships, over 1,000 pupils have visited the theatre and studios to see performances, with more to come before the end of the academic year. At least 50% of the pupils in our surrounding primary schools have never visited Little Angel Theatre before, and would not normally be able to access our creative activities due to financial and social barriers.
“Our partnership with Little Angel Theatre is an incredibly exciting new project – working with professionals in the theatre industry is invaluable for all our children from Nursery to Year 6. The quality of the shows and work that Little Angel delivers is excellent, providing a rich learning experience.”
We aim to break down these barriers by enabling pupils to access shows, workshops and behind the scenes opportunities. including After School Puppet Clubs and taking touring shows and workshops into the schools.
OUR PARTNER SCHOOLS
National Average
Photo: Ellie Kurtzz
Total no. of pupils on roll
SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Workshops & Studio Takeover 60 pupils, age 9-10 The students made their own puppets that represented characters from 100 years ago, and learnt performance techniques. Students also learnt about the staff roles involved in putting on a production and had a go at trying some of these jobs themselves! Be a Young Critic 30 pupils aged 10-11 A new initiative developed in collaboration with children’s theatre critic, Flossie Waite. Pupils took part in a workshop “Thank you for letting us take over your theatre for a day. We really enjoying learning about all the jobs you do, and doing them ourselves for the show. I was technician and operated the lights and sound effects. It was great fun.”
“Thank you for the experience of coming to the theatre. Your staff were amazingly patient with all the children moving around the theatre and their enthusiasm for the puppets was infectious.”
with Flossie and Samantha Lane our Artistic Director, focusing on the skills needed to write a review. The students watched Go Noah Go, met the cast and puppets and had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas for writing their reviews. The Ramayana Shadow Show and Puppet Making Workshops 480 pupils, aged 7-11 Our Trainees created a shadow puppet performance of the Ramayana story, as well as planning an accompanying shadow puppet making workshop. They successfully toured it into all four partner schools.
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary
St Mary’s CofE Primary
William Tyndale Primary
Laycock Primary
451
185
449
405
Pupils whose first language is not English
20.8
60.1
18.1
28.1
34
Pupils eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years
24.9
26.6
40.5
26.7
57.3
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CREATIVE LEARNING: COMMUNITY Islington is one of the most unequal places in the UK. It is the 5th most deprived London borough and the 26th most deprived area in England (out of 326) but has average house prices similar to boroughs like Richmond (275th most deprived). Our community department exists to ensure Little Angel Theatre is accessible to everyone. We work with groups who are currently underrepresented in our audiences and create bespoke programmes and opportunities to welcome them into our programmes. All of our community work is offered for free and is therefore made possible by the generous funding from trusts, foundations and some wonderful individuals.
THE CRIB
24 families / 30 sessions A weekly group for young parents under the age of 25. The families attend with their children, where we run different sessions every week, focusing on crafts as well as bringing in specialists to talk to the attendees about any issues that they are concerned about, such as oral health, speech and language, domestic violence and mindfulness.
DROVERS CENTRE
8 participants / 8 weeks A collaboration with the local Age UK centre to run a 7-week project with over 65 year olds from Islington. The group learnt a host of new skills involved in making 10
their puppets, and enjoyed discovering a side to their creativity that none of them had explored before.
SOLACE WOMEN'S AID 10 women / 8 weeks Little Angel Theatre ran a project in collaboration with Solace Women’s Aid, working with women who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The project involved the women making puppet versions of themselves or a part of their characters, which we then used to create a short film.
“The puppet project is the ‘best part of my week, I love it!”
COMMUNITY SUITCASE PROJECT: ME AND MY BIRD
493 audience members / 86 performances Despite Little Angel Theatre’s growing community outreach work, we recognise that many potential local audiences are restricted from benefitting from its work, due to a physical inability to access
our venue. In 2017, as a response to this problem, Me and My Bird was created — a puppet show designed to fit entirely into a single suitcase. The show has proved a real asset in hospital settings for those with healthcare needs such as cystic fibrosis, who are not only confined to hospital, but are unable to interact with other patients or programmes in the hospital due to risk of infection. We are currently looking at creating a version for children. “The play really is awe inspiring, it’s a beautiful and emotional experience for the audience, which leaves one with a sense of wonder and magic. Thank you for spreading happiness”
“This session has greatly helped to reduce my isolation and give me some fun and sense of achievement”.
SUMMER PARTY
Over 1000 attendees throughout the day Every summer we throw open our doors and put on a free Summer Party for the local community. The theatre and the grounds of St Mary’s Church are awash with families enjoying face-painting, puppet making, live performances, storytelling, backstage tours, and much more. Entry to the event and the activities are free, though people are welcome to make donations if they are able, which further supports our community work.
ADDITIONAL GROUPS WE ARE SUPPORTING
As part of our commitment to keep Little Angel Studios accessible, we offer free space to local people and organisations. In this year we opened our doors to an Autism Support Group, set up by two local families, Bright Start who run a variety of regular groups and classes for parents and children and a variety of artists. We have also organised a number of events with and for local residents, with the aim of learning about what they would like from us.
SUMMER PARTY 2018: SUNDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER
OUR COMMUNITY STRAND OF WORK EXISTS IN ORDER TO ENGAGE WITH LOCAL PEOPLE WHO DO NOT CURRENTLY COME TO OUR THEATRE. WE GO OUT AND MEET WITH THEM, LEARNING WHY THEY DO NOT VISIT US AND FEED THIS BACK INTO OUR PROGRAMMING DECISIONS TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE DELIVERING A PRODUCT THAT MEETS THEIR NEEDS.
PUPPETS FOR ALL
Puppets for All is our flagship scheme which includes subsidised tickets and free workshop places for local disadvantaged children. The aim of the scheme is to increase local engagement with the theatre and provide educational activities for families that could not otherwise afford to pay for them. In 2017-2018, we worked with 17 community organisations and 11 schools in Islington to distribute over £28,800 worth of free tickets to 2311 people.
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CREATIVE LEARNING: PARTICIPATION Little Angel Studios continues to be the home for our termly classes in making and performing puppetry. The Creative Learning department has run an increased number of activities over the year, including termly adult classes in making and performing puppetry, specialist masterclasses for honing skills, two youth theatres who performed their annual showcase in March, and regular classes and holiday clubs for children aged 4 months and up.
TINY TOTS (AGE 4M TO 3 YRS)
30 children / 29 sessions Tiny Tots is Little Angel Theatre’s regular playtime for our tiniest followers. The aim of the club is to create a regular and quality play time for carer and child in a safe, fun and creative environment, and includes singing, games, puppets and craft activities.
SATURDAY PUPPET CLUB / AFTER SCHOOL PUPPET CLUB (AGE 5-11 YRS)
30 children / 29 sessions Each term the groups are inspired by a visit to the theatre and then devise their own production making puppets themed around what they have experienced. The term culminates in a performance for friends and family at the theatre. From September 2017 our After School Clubs relocated to
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our 4 partnership schools, to create deeper engagement with our local community.
HOME EDUCATION WORKSHOP (AGE 6-11)
40 children / 2 sessions A brand new initiative for those children educated at home which gives them the opportunity to meet other children in similar situations, as well as learn about a curriculum topic.
YOUTH THEATRE (AGE 11-18)
51 participants / 30 sessions Our youth theatre company create their own unique performances which are showcased annually.
SPECTRUM YOUTH THEATRE (11-18)
41 participants / 30 sessions Working with professional puppetry directors and makers this youth theatre is
“(My child) has loved Spectrum Youth Theatre from the beginning and looks forward to it each week.”
specifically designed to meet the complex needs of young people with autism.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AND FUN DAYS (AGE 5-11)
over 400 children per year Little Angel Theatre runs regular one-off activities which include themed fun days, an Easter Holiday ‘Puppet Passport’ week of workshops, and drop-in craft sessions. These sessions are fun and inclusive, offering participants the opportunity to collaborate with likeminded children that they wouldn’t normally engage with during school life.
“The puppetry foundation course has given me a catalytic sprinkling of knowledge and skills from which my work with Pinocchio will grow...! I feel lucky to have been given such a broad and wide-ranging taster into so many different types of puppetry and into this amazing and mysterious art form: from demonstrations, to puppet making; from muppets, to marionettes.”
ADULT PUPPETRY COMPANY ADULT FOUNDATION COURSE 47 attendees / 3 courses This is a course for absolute beginners, exploring a variety of different puppet forms and learning the basics of puppet manipulation and making. This is our most popular course and offers a great springboard into puppetry for novices, as well as professionals. “I enjoyed the course very much and would recommend it to anyone. It surpassed my expectations and was incredibly good value for money.”
“Raven was an outstanding teacher... course became a real highlight in my week...”
ADULT MAKERS AND PERFORMERS COURSES 261 attendees / 22 courses These more advanced courses are for those inter-ested in developing puppetry making and performance skills. Over the year we have several master puppeteers and makers leading a diverse range of classes; hand/rod puppet making (Raven Kaliana), table top puppet making (Tink Slavicek), and making your own suitcase show (Judith Hope).
A non-professional group of like-minded people who are passionate about puppetry meet weekly to develop ideas for a show, which is presented at Little Angel Theatre. In 2017 the group worked with Polly Beestone to devise, design and make the puppets for a group-devised promenade production at the Studios, “Bingo Bertie” – a reflection on the life of a cross dressing entertainer. “I loved this course! Very sad it has come to an end. It was an ambitious programme but the experimental nature of the making and doing things at speed gave me lots more confidence in my making skills”
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CREATIVE LEARNING: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT We offer a range of professional training throughout the year for puppeteers, performers and puppet makers, as well as opportunities for artists and companies to create work and develop their practice. “It’s amazing how much I’ve been able to learn about teaching children, and also about communication as part of a team, artistically speaking.” Palesa Esuk
PUPPETRY TRAINEESHIP PROGRAMME 4 trainees – targeted at local Islington NEET young people This year we launched the pilot of our Puppetry Trainee Programme, a unique opportunity for young people aged between 18 and 24 to learn skills and gain confidence and experience with a series of master classes from experts on making and working with puppets as well as the skills and techniques necessary for leading successful workshops.
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“The traineeship has broadened my awareness of different possible roles; previously I had never considered freelance work, which I see as a possibility now.” Deanna Mathers
This 12-month programme is designed to find and nurture the next generation of puppeteers and puppet makers. There is very little training in this art-form (none at all for those without formal qualifications) and so the programme will bring a new, diverse cohort of young people to the profession and genuinely up-skill them. So far they have undergone the following training: – Introduction to Puppetry – Hand / Rod Puppet Make – Workshop facilitation – Suitcase Show: Making and Performing – Safeguarding – Working with Vulnerable People
“I am so much more confident with certain skills. I’ve been able to do a lot of things that I wouldn’t have been able to do before and if I wasn’t doing a traineeship like this I probably would never do them.” Shaun Lati
The trainees worked to produce and perform their own suitcase puppets shows, inspired by tales from the book Shockheaded Peter. As well as performances in school settings, the trainees presented their piece at a new international puppetry festival in Nottingham which was incredibly well received. Furthermore, the trainees have had opportunities to perform professionally and focus their skills as part of our immersive studios strand of productions. They have been involved in designing a production, making puppets and props, facilitated workshops and performed in shows. “I have a place at drama school for next year, at Rose Bruford, to study European Theatre Arts in which I’ll get to do puppetry which is really cool. I think the experience I had this year really helped me in my audition and interview.” Esther Potter
The programme has been a great success, with the trainees embedding well into the core staff team. It is representative of a strategic commitment to making our organisation as accessible as possible. We are thrilled about the next steps that our trainees are taking in their career progression: Esther Potter is progressing to drama college, Palesa Esuk is pursuing her ambition to become a Speech & Language Therapist, Shaun Lati is already shaping up to be a Puppeteer and puppet maker and Deanna Mathers would like to use her newly learnt puppetry skills to make theatre for children that tackles difficult issues such as bereavement, illness and divorce. All of them are placing their knowledge and experience of puppetry at the heart of their practice. We are working with the Institute For Apprenticeships to develop a national apprenticeship for Puppetry Makers, to create and set the industry standard for accreditation and we aim to engage 4 Apprentice Puppet Makers in 2019.
EMERGING ARTISTS
Our Professional Development programme continues to support and nurture emerging talent. This year, we have supported two bursary artists, Shakera Ahad and the student collective, Assorted Oddities. They have both been given R&D time, rehearsal space, and mentor feedback on their new works, as well as gaining networking opportunities and industry insight.
We have provided over 40 days worth of free space for 12 emerging and established artists/ companies to develop new puppetry work. In 2017-18 we’ve been able to offer an even more expansive programme of professional training with over 22 classes and courses including Behind Closed Doors sessions with a variety of experts from the puppetry field, as well as INSETS, and numerous performing and construction courses for example Shadow and Light with Steve Tiplady and Marionette Carving with John Roberts. “The biggest benefit has been the confidence boost that this time has given me. I feel really supported as an artist. I feel motivated in my continued pursuit of self-development (which began at Little Angel, with a puppetry workshop in 2015) and commitment to artistic integrity and rigorous practice: values instilled in me by this miraculous theatre.” Shakera Ahad
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FINANCES Our business model has evolved considerably over the last 2 to 3 years, with a marked increase in output being facilitated by a changing operational model. This has been made possible by balancing investment in new productions with developing partnerships with other venues, reviving some of our classic productions and welcoming exciting visiting companies – the result is a dynamic and diverse range of work with a wide appeal.
INCOME BREAKDOWN
16/17
17/18
Earned
828
893
Grants & Donations
220
312
96
95
1,144
1,293
INCOME Other Total income
EXPENDITURE Core activites
534
588
Staffing
348
454
Building & Admin
161
181
Other
79
71
Total expenditure
1,122
1,294
Surplus / (Deficit)
22
6
EXPENDITURE BREAKDOWN
14.0% 24.1% 45.4% 69.1%
Earned Grants & donations
35.1%
Core activities Staffing Building & admin
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Our increased activity has led to an increase in direct costs in relation to our productions and buildings. Our staff base has also grown (with several posts being funded through grants) and we continue our commitment to pay all our staff and creatives on or above London Living Wage / Equity minimums. Now with a dedicated fundraising function we have been more successful in securing and administering donated income – this is vital to be able to support, in particular, our access and community work, as well as maintain our heritage building. Funding for us to work with our local schools and community has meant that we have been able to optimise the usage of our new building and engage with more people than ever before. Looking forward our aspirations continue to develop, with a focus on producing high quality
puppetry productions for children, becoming more accessible both within our space and via a digital offering, developing our work with aspiring puppetry artists and professionals, as well as continuing to grow our community and schools programmes, all resulting in increased income and expenditure projections. These proposals will be funded through increasing
our income from grants and donations, as well as growing our earned income base by refreshing our membership scheme and further developing our local and national partnerships, alongside optimising commercial opportunities such as space hire, corporate training and merchandising. This is a very exciting time for the theatre, and we are looking forward to next 12 months!
INCOME PERFORMANCE OVER 7 YEARS (ÂŁTHOUSANDS)
Photo: Ellie Kurtzz
1000
0
2013/14 Earned
2014/15
2015/16
Fundraising
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
2019/20
Other 17
PEOPLE Thank you to everyone that worked at Little Angel Theatre this year. We would also like to say a to say a special thank you to the following people who gave their time and support.
21
core members of staff (full and part time) were employed as well as...
68
artists
27
workshop leaders
23
technicians
9
front of house & box office assistants
10
interns engaged on education placements
103
volunteers
18
Honorary Patron Gregory Doran Patrons Dame Judi Dench DBE Clive Owen & Sarah-Jane Fenton Michael Pennington Baroness Pitkeathley OBE Sir Simon Rattle CBE Michael Rosen Trustees James Bierman (Chair) Melinda Burton Rhian Harris Bailey Lock Chris Lowry Emily O’Byrne Katie Owen Fiona Phillips Linda Stanfield Honorary Associate Ronnie Le Drew Lyndie Wright MBE Volunteers Ms Caroline Ada Christina Addae Phoebe Allsop Tamara Al-bassam Pippa Aspin Mr Henry Asplin Shelley Ayliffe Atilio Baez Ms Frances Barry Polly Beck Ms Wendy Betsworth
Alesha Bhakoo Miss Connie Black Miss Sasha Bond Corinna Bordoli Alicia Britt Clio Brouard Ms Imogen Cahill Ms Paola augusta Capuano Scott Cater Jimin Cha Luisa Cotardo Ann Cross Sheryl Devries Wanda D’Onofrio Jane O’Donoghue Berit Eik Lauren Elcock Ninon Fandre Adam Forsbrook Jess Fraser Ryan McGivern Shina Granda Samantha Griggs Irina Grinkova Hakan Hafizoglu Rosemary Hanson Annie Hasler Gabriela Hujova Phoebe Hyder Miss Bethan Illman Kate James-Moore Vera Janke Nina Jurkovic Miss Grace Khoo Sukyung Kim Dr Mary Klaber Puisan Law MS Sarah Lightman Kezia Louch
“ I have learnt so much as a volunteer, helping out different departments – from community puppetry workshops to fundraising – making friends with people of different ages and backgrounds. I am very grateful to be part of Little Angel Theatre’s community” Corinna Bordoli, Volunteer
Mr Thomas Mayer Cath March Grace Maxted Naina Mehendale Ainoa Mela Mrs Jane Melrose Alex Melville Ms Noemi Menendez Hannah Middlefinch Ella Millwood Gareth Mohen Laura Moran-Morris Miss Nuria Blanes Moreno Miss Elizabeth Moffatt Fahad Mostafa Rosy Mulryan Elizabeth Noble Jay Palmer
Amar Patel Michael Gillings Pattison Tonya Pellecchia Miss Delvene Pitt Juliette Liliana Placco Mrs Marina Pyurbeeva Miss Rachel Rank Grace Redpath Fiona Revell Hannah Rose Peyvand Sadeghian Ms Marie Sennyey Alena Skalova Patricija Stankaityte Adam Stanley Mr Angus Stanley Miss Laura Stoppini Becky Strange
Sophie Thompson Alexandra Todd Miss Elena Uderzo Giulia Var Miss Tamara Valero Madt Vermillio Matthew Vile Mara Vodinelic Flossie Waite Mikyla Warr Kara-May Murray-Wallace Ms Katharina Waldner Victoria Wells Millie Wise Kate Wicks Mrs Polly Wicks Ben Winter
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AUDIENCE FEEDBACK “I love your venue, the staff are really friendly”
“A magical place which has continued to entertain, move and enthral all members of our family since we discovered it almost a decade ago”
“It’s always fabulous, friendly and accommodating”
“It’s wonderful to be able to give children live theatre at an affordable price”
“I’ve been going here since a little girl in the 60’s where it always totally captivated me and it has continued to be a joy and pleasure to keep going and taking my own children” 20
“The staff work hard to make sure everyone has a good experience”
“A real gem in London”
“A truly special place to be”
“The theatre is lovely. Perfect for the kids”
“Lovely little theatre that has so much character”
“Our three year old has said every day since our first visit that she wants to go back to the theatre again”
“I cannot imagine a better theatre experience for young kids”
“A gem of a place that I dreamt of visiting as a child but never did, was wonderful to finally come here with my own family and be blown away by the magic” 21
THANK YOU: PARTNERSHIPS We are proud to work closely with a number of businesses on mutually beneficial sponsorship arrangements. If you are interested in partnering with Little Angel Theatre please contact support@littleangeltheatre. com.
CORPORATE SPONSORS
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SIGNIFICANT IN-KIND SUPPORT
Thank you to all the local businesses who support us throughout the year. Almeida Theatre, Aesop, After Noah, ARIA, Carluccio’s Islington, Cass Art, Cherry Trees B&B, Dansk, Gata Oliva, Gill Wing, Gilly’s Fry Bar, Grace Events, Hilton Islington, Hummingbird Bakery, Khiehl’s, La Divina, La Farola, Marks and Spencer, Molly Meg, Neal’s Yard, Park Theatre, Planet Organic, Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates, Ray Stitch, Royal Shakespeare Company, Screen on the Green, Sweaty Betty, The Only Place for Pictures,Thyme and Lemon, Udderlicious, Waterstones, Wild Swans.
Community Organisations that we have worked in partnership with in 2017/2018 Almorah Road Community Centre Bright Start CARIS Camden Creative Support Drovers Centre Age UK Girdlestone Community Centre Great Ormond Street Hospital Harefield Hospital Help on Your Doorstep Hilldrop community centre Homes For Harringay Hornsey Lane Estate Community Centre London Village Network Manor Gardens Centre Museum of Childhood New River College Primary PRU New River College Secondary PRU North London Cares Royal Brompton Hospital Solace Womens Aid South London Cares St Marys Church The Haynes Dementia Hub Walter Sickert Community Centre Whitecross St Party Whittingon Park Community Association Whittington Hospital PRU
THANK YOU: DONORS Little Angel Theatre is pleased to be supported by a wide range of organisations and individuals.
PUBLIC FUNDERS
PRINCIPAL FUNDERS: TRUSTS & FOUNDATIONS
SIGNIFICANT FUNDERS: GUARDIAN ANGEL Nicholls TRUSTS & FOUNDATIONS Jill Sharon White 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust Anthony and Rachel Williams Charitable Trust Backstage Trust Bernard Sunley Charitable Trust Camden Trust Chapman Charitable Trust Co-op Community Fund D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust Ernest Cook Trust Garrick Charitable Trust Golsoncott Foundation Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation McGrath Charitable Trust The Radcliffe Trust Royal Victoria Hall Foundation Samuel Gardner Memorial Trust Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation Theatres Trust
GENEROUS FRIENDS Anonymous Alice Brotherhood (in memoriam) Anthony Conway
COMPANY OF ANGELS
The Company of Angels are philanthropic friends of Little Angel Theatre who give between £5 and £40 per month. Thank you for your continued support – we couldn’t do the work we do without you!
Roger Mears
GOLDEN ANGELS Andreia Jurquete Betty Taylor Clive Owen Dr Felix von Reiswitz Jacqui Beecroft John Leo Duffy Olivia Bridges Peter Ball Sarah-Jane Fenton Virginia Walker
ARCH ANGELS
Alison Macdonald Amaia Barcena Ana Cascon Ann Marshall Catherine Owen David and Eileen Hall Elizabeth Comstock-Smith Haewon Hwang James Bierman Kit Tarry Marcus and Caroline Jones Sarah B. Fleming Sarah Lee Selina Macnair Stef Chocieszynska Thank you also to our wonderful 27 Family Angel and 72 Little Angel members. We are also grateful and humbled by those who choose to put Little Angel Theatre in their will.
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Cover photo Ellie Kurttz Registered Charity no: 232488 Company no: 668339 VAT Registration no: 233867152 Design: Hyperkit
“FUELLING THE IMAGINATION THROUGH PUPPETRY”