Inspiring Performance Annual Review 08/09
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A symbol of strength Mark Thomson Artistic Director and Chief Executive
I am thrilled to report another successful year of theatre celebrated on Edinburgh’s beautiful Lyceum stage. Against a backdrop of dramatic global financial collapse, the theatre’s confident and splendid arena for drama has continued to act as a symbol of strength, serving the enduring need of the population in good times and bad. All in all 90,000 people came to see stunning drama, freshly conceived for our audiences.
As part of our excellent range of learning, access and participation activities, we presented some fine speakers in 2009 including Miller expert and biographer, Professor Christopher Bigsby.
After the hilarious Trumpets and Raspberries at the end of the 2007/08 Season, we opened the 2008/09 Season with a Nottingham Playhouse co-production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, directed by Lucy Pitman-Wallace and playing to an impressive 77% attendance. Our ghostly theme continued with JM Barrie’s Mary Rose, a touching and haunting production directed by Tony Cownie. And for the festive season we presented a glorious production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – yet another Lyceum Christmas show to reach record levels in audience numbers.
Financially, we have managed to steer a steady course through a tumultuous economic storm but uncertainty persists. All publicly funded arts organisations must be ready to respond positively and resourcefully to the inevitable challenges of the establishment of Creative Scotland in 2010 and the pressure on public spending further threatening our already tightly marshalled resources.
In Spring 2009 two plays, never previously produced professionally in Scotland, picked up on themes of financial collapse: Arthur Miller’s The Man Who Had All the Luck and Sam Shepard’s Curse of the Starving Class. Both dramas explored ‘The American Dream’ from radically different angles, posing big questions about faith in political and financial systems, individual responsibility and our relationship with society as a whole. We counterbalanced this with some light and unrestrained dramatic fun in The Mystery of Irma Vep by Charles Ludlam, a co-production with Horsecross Arts, Perth.
1 The Mystery of Irma Vep 2 Curse of the Starving Class
Lyceum Youth Theatre (LYT) continued to flourish and expand, offering exciting opportunities for emerging talent and actively engaging young people to develop confidence, creativity and joy in the arts. LYT’s production of Success, involving 26 young people, played at the Traverse in 2009.
We are reliant on the vital support we receive from the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Arts Council. Without this we would simply not be able to deliver the acclaimed standard of productions of Edinburgh’s very own repertory company, or maintain a year round presence in one of the Festival City’s most iconic historical buildings. We are fiercely proud of our key role at the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant and dynamic cultural quarter. Our great strength is a committed and resourceful group of professionals with a collective desire to render amazing, provocative theatre, not just to entertain but to challenge and engage fully with the society of which theatre is a vital organism.
There may be tough times ahead but we are confident of our ability to call upon our industry’s highly-prized currency of adaptability and imagination in response to future challenges.
“Our great strength is a committed and resourceful group of professionals with a collective desire to render amazing, provocative theatre.”
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571 children from 37 schools attended Macbeth workshops
Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh Annual Review 08/09
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Firm foundations... On Stage
Online
In the Community
Our 2008/09 Season opened with Macbeth, the third co-production between the Lyceum and Nottingham Playhouse. 3,635 students from 84 schools attended this production making it our most successful Shakespeare production for five years.
In 2008/09 we continued to develop and expand our online presence, building on the success of our new website which launched in 2007.
First Look Fridays continued to be a success in 2008/09 with every performance sold out, providing the theatre with essential income for productions. 1,200 complimentary tickets were given to local charities and community groups for First Look Fridays and for the charity performance of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Although Season Ticket sales fell slightly (6%) there was still a substantial core audience of 3,038 subscribers showing their support for the Lyceum and 90,000 visits were recorded during the year (excluding the Edinburgh International Festival). The Lyceum’s Christmas show, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe followed on the success of The Wizard of Oz achieving an average capacity of 85%. More than 34,000 people enjoyed the show – 61 performances over 6 weeks with more than 12,500 school children attending this magical staging.
1 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 2 Macbeth
Major activities included expanding our series of promotional web videos to include trailers and/or behind-the-scenes pieces for every main stage Lyceum show. Just under 34,000 views of our web videos were logged during this period – contributing greatly to Box Office success and, particularly in the case of Macbeth, providing excellent encouragement for school groups to visit the Lyceum.
We also delivered a series of drama workshops around The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for families in Wester Hailes, working in partnership with Platform Family Learning, and we ran a series of introductory drama workshops for employees of Scottish Widows as well as corporate training days for Scottish Government and Redpath Design employees.
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Through Participation The Lyceum’s Education programme aims to make professional theatre and theatremaking accessible to the widest possible audience and range of participants. During 2008/09 we delivered the third phase of the Creative Learning SPARK programme, funded by Provident Financial and initiated a new programme for primary school pupils called Theatre Makers, developed to support teachers in the delivery of the new Curriculum for Excellence. In June 2008 the Lyceum was the host, for the sixth consecutive year, of the Royal National Theatre’s New Connections Festival in Scotland. Ten youth theatres from across Scotland took part, each performing their own play and also taking part in a workshop programme led by theatre artists. The Lyceum Youth Theatre (LYT) performed Fugee by Abi Morgan.
Increasing Support LYT currently has 250 members aged between 5–18 years. Around 80 children and young people took part in the LYT’s Summer on Stage Programme, while in Spring 2009 a new group, LYT Engage, was established to provide short courses of skills based sessions for young people on the LYT waiting list. We also ran a record 27 work experience placements for S4 pupils. During the 08/09 season more than 600 Lyceum theatre-goers attended over 30 events, including pre-show talks, postshow discussions, theatre classes and drama workshops linked to the seven productions in the season.
During challenging economic circumstances for the corporate sector, and the inevitable impact on the theatre’s related fundraising activity, we were delighted to maintain our key business partnerships. We celebrated five years of Standard Life support for our developing programme of improved access for audience members with special requirements. Standard Life also continued their sponsorship of the charity performance of our Christmas show and we were thrilled that Provident Financial continued to support our delivery of the SPARK programme in Edinburgh, offering quality creative-learning opportunities for primary school children. We also continued to have success raising substantial funds from Trusts and Foundations to support our learning and participation activity.
1,371 primary and secondary school pupils took part in workshops on the plays in our Season.
3 SPARK members 4 Family fun at a Lyceum workshop 5 Theatre workshop
Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh Annual Review 08/09
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The Plays Trumpets and Raspberries
Mary Rose
The Man Who Had All the Luck
What an irreverent show this was! Jimmy Chisholm and Kathryn Howden gave great performances in this hilarious re-working of Dario Fo’s dark comedy about a botched kidnapping with farcical consequences. It was comedy at its best from a talented ensemble of actors.
Late autumn provided a perfect and chilly setting for JM Barrie’s ghostly story of a young girl who disappears on an island, and then mysteriously returns twenty-five years later with no recollection of where she has been. Neil Murray’s stylish set and Tony Cownie’s direction made this a popular production and again provided schools with access to a rarely-produced play by one of Scotland’s best writers.
An early play from the Arthur Miller repertoire but one that proved very popular, largely due to the strong cast assembled by John Dove. Philip Cumbus in the title role is definitely one to watch! Michael Taylor’s set transformed the Lyceum stage and had the best stage entrance of the Season with the wonderful, classic Packard car. Unforgettable.
“…the laughs come thick and fast… wonderful comic performances… hugely entertaining…” Metro ★★★★
Macbeth A co-production with Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company Shakespeare’s most famous play was a resounding success with audiences and we welcomed 84 schools through the doors. Award-winning actor Liam Brennan took the lead role in Lucy PitmanWallace’s classic staging of this tale of treachery, madness and love in a battle for supremacy.
“…Brennan’s is a brilliant, lucid, intelligent performance… his delivery is exquisite.” Guardian ★★★
1Trumpets and Raspberries 2 The Mystery of Irma Vep
“…an exceptionally fine theatrical treat.” Evening News ★★★★
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Another resounding Christmas success! Mark Thomson created a magical world through the wardrobe, depicting Narnia exactly as it would be imagined by anyone who has read CS Lewis’ ever popular book. With a wealth of fantastic characters, a gloriously wicked Queen and a truly majestic Aslan – this was a Christmas treat for the whole family.
“If there’s a slicker, classier, more professional production on the yuletide Scottish stage, I’ll eat my Santa hat” Sunday Herald ★★★★★
“Packed with great moments... consistently stunning performances” Evening News ★★★★
The Mystery of Irma Vep A co-production with Horsecross Arts The first co-production between the Lyceum and Horsecross Arts, Perth brought together two of Scotland’s top comic actors – Andy Gray and Steven McNicoll. The two actors played a whole host of colourful characters on a spectacular set designed by Becky Minto. Rip roaring fun.
“A thoroughly entertaining piece of comedy which sees two of Scotland’s great comedy actors at their best.” Evening News ★★★★
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Curse of the Starving Class Mark Thomson directed Sam Shepard’s play about a family in the American Midwest who have brought a lot of hard luck on themselves but have imaginative ways of dealing with their situation. Christopher Fairbank and Carla Mendonça played the warring couple determined to outsmart each other – but the real scene stealer was the appearance of Sam the Lamb – the first time a live sheep has appeared on the Lyceum stage.
“…a brave and fiercely energetic piece…”
And from the Lyceum Youth Theatre... Fugee In June 2008 Senior Youth Theatre members performed Fugee by Abi Morgan at the annual New Connections Festival of new writing for young people. This Festival is held in partnership with the Royal National Theatre.
Summer on Stage 2008 Summer 2008 saw premières of two new plays, The Red Shoes Re-heeled by Emma Rosoman, directed by Natalie Ibu and The Other Red Shoes, directed by Xana Maclean, both inspired by the Hans Christian Anderson story, The Red Shoes.
Success In March 2009 Steve Mann directed a cast of 19 in Nick Drake’s Success. This was performed at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
The Scotsman ★★★★ (Sam was kindly lent to us by Gorgie City Farm and the Lyceum now contribute to his upkeep at the farm.)
In the first year since the feature was launched we received 34 online audience reviews on our website.
3The Man Who Had All the Luck 4Mary Rose 5Success
Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh Annual Review 08/09
A passion for theatre Donald Emslie Chair
One of the real benefits of writing this is the luxury it affords me of looking back, with a great deal of pride, on what the Lyceum has achieved and to look forward with anticipation and excitement to what is to come in the year ahead. This year was a great success. Mark Thomson our Artistic Director and all of his team continued to surprise and delight our audiences with a range of productions that would grace any stage. The Lyceum continues to prosper under his artistic leadership and we finish the year confident in our past achievements and ready to face the inevitable challenges ahead. In this challenging climate for fundraising we are grateful for the support of the Scottish Arts Council and the City of Edinburgh Council and while we
understand the budget pressure they are under in this economic climate we are confident that their investment in the Lyceum yields a considerable return when measured against cultural, educational and economic criteria. Take for example the 90,000 people who pay to come to the theatre in the year, nearly 500 young people who are involved with the fantastic Lyceum Youth Theatre and the hundreds of school children who experience live theatre for the first time at our Christmas show or as part of our outreach programme. The passion for theatre of everyone who works at the Lyceum ensures our audiences continue to find enjoyment and inspiration in equal measure in our vibrant programme.
Life in the theatre never stands still and this is also true of the Board. I would like to pay tribute to three directors who stepped down during the year – Frances Benton, Jennifer Black and Neil Menzies – and thank them for their contribution and support over the years. However, I should make a special mention of Neil Menzies who has been a member of the Board and a Trustee of the Lyceum for 17 years. Neil has made a particularly long and valuable contribution and he will be greatly missed. Thank you to all who supported the Lyceum this year and I look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting year of theatre.
Reference and administrative details
Directors and Trustees
CEC nominees
Charity number SC010509 Company number SC062065 Principal office Royal Lyceum Theatre 30B Grindlay Street Edinburgh EH3 9AX Auditor Chiene + Tait Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 61 Dublin Street Edinburgh EH3 6NL Bankers Bank of Scotland 1 Castle Terrace Edinburgh EH1 2DP Solicitors Tods Murray LLP Edinburgh Quay 133 Fountainbridge Edinburgh EH3 9AG
The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the trustees.
Cllr Deidre Brock Cllr Charles Dundas Cllr Paul Godzik Cllr Kathleen MacKenzie
The trustees serving during the period, and since the period end, were as follows: Donald Emslie (Chair) Richard M Findlay (Vice Chair) Mark Thomson Jennifer Black (resigned 24 April 2008) Neil Menzies (resigned 31 March 2009) David Anderson Eric Milligan Frances Benton (resigned 13 June 2008) Lynne Higgins Neil McKerrow Mark Gorman (appointed 19 September 2008) William Macleod (appointed 24 April 2009) Jennifer Stewart (appointed 24 April 2009) Paul Watts (appointed 24 April 2009)
Secretary TM Company Services Limited Artistic Director and Chief Executive Mark Thomson
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Supporters &Sponsors We thank the following for their support this year:
Corporate Members
Sponsors
Supporters
Patrons:
Donors Benefactors:
Design Partner Partners:
Media Production Partner
29th May Charitable Trust The Binks Trust Cross Trust Cruden Foundation D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust Dr Guthrie’s Association The Ernest Cook Trust The Inchrye Trust Lord Rosebery Charitable Settlement The Lynn Foundation The MacRobert Trust The Nancie Massey Charitable Trust Russell Trust The Tay Charitable Trust
Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh Annual Review 08/09
Summary of Financial Activity Income
Expenditure 3 2 1 4 2 1
3
1 2 3 4
£ Box Office/Productions 1,116,638 Education 127,827 Activities for generating funds 440,423 Grants 1,593,230
34% 4% 13% 49%
1 2 3
Box Office/Productions Education Costs of generating funds
£ 2,785,209 86% 191,946 6% 246,811 8%
Report of the Trustees
The trustees are pleased to present the financial statements of the charity for the period ended 4 April 2009
Royal Lyceum Theatre Company Ltd Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities for the period ended 4 April 2009
Royal Lyceum Theatre Company Ltd Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 4 April 2009
Total funds Total funds period ended period ended 4 April 2009 5 April 2008
Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income: Grants and donations Activities for generating funds: Fundraising events and sponsorship Commercial trading operations Rental income Investment income: Bank interest
£
£
1,623,034
1,604,322
42,033 214,181 125,888
53,138 219,138 90,736
28,517
23,793
2,033,653
1,991,127
Incoming resources from charitable activities Operation of theatre: Box Office/Productions Project/service specific grants Education
£
£
Fixed assets: Tangible assets
903,414
1,014,900
Current assets: Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand
22,716 181,881 838,587
19,145 147,524 718,059
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 764,047
771,229
Net current assets/(liabilities)
279,137
113,499
1,182,551
1,128,399
807,931 374,620
926,247 202,152
1,182,551
1,128,399
Net assets 1,116,638 0 127,827
957,838 2,360 145,482
1,244,465
1,105,680
3,278,118
3,096,807
Costs of generating funds: Cost of sponsorship and fundraising events69,344 Commercial trading operations 164,970
48,036 189,552
234,314
237,588
Operation of theatre: Box Office/Productions Education Governance costs Total resources expended Net movement of funds in period Total funds brought forward
2,785,209 191,946 12,497 3,223,966 54,152 1,128,399
2,639,075 191,956 13,204 3,081,823 14,984 1,113,415
Total funds carried forward
1,182,551
1,128,399
Total incoming resources
4 April 2009 5 April 2008
Resources expended
Charitable activities
The funds of the Charity: Restricted capital funds Unrestricted income funds Total charity funds
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“Mark Thomson… and all of his team continued to surprise and delight our audiences with a range of productions that would grace any stage.”
These statements are a summary of information taken from the statutory accounts of Royal Lyceum Theatre Company Ltd The full accounts, approved on 3 December 2009, from which these summarised financial statements are derived, have been audited by Chiene + Tait and their report is unqualified. The full audited accounts can be obtained from Fiona Semple, Management Accountant on 0131 248 4800 or fsemple@lyceum.org.uk. The Directors’ annual report and accounts are submitted to both Companies House and to OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator). Signed on behalf of the Directors
Donald Emslie, Chair The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company Ltd is a registered Scottish Charity No. SCO10509.
Independent Auditor’s Statement to the Directors of Royal Lyceum Theatre Company Ltd We have examined the summary financial statement for the period ended 4 April 2009 set out on page 10. Respective responsibilities of Directors and auditors The Directors are responsible for preparing the summary financial statement in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law. Our responsibility is to report to you our opinion on the consistency of the summary financial statement within the annual review with full annual financial statements and the Directors’ Report, and its compliance with the relevant requirements of section 427 of the Companies act 2006 and the regulations made thereunder. We also read the other information contained in the annual review and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the summary financial statement. The other information comprises only the Chief Executive’s statement and the Chair’s statement.
We conducted our work in accordance with Bulletin 2008/3 issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our report on the company’s full annual financial statements describes the basis of our opinion on those financial statements and the Directors’ Report. Opinion In our opinion the summary financial statement is consistent with the full annual financial statements and the Directors’ Report of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company Ltd for the period ended 4 April 2009 and complies with the applicable requirements of section 427 of the Companies act 2006, and the regulations made thereunder.
Kenneth McDowell (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Chiene + Tait Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 61 Dublin Street Edinburgh EH3 6NL 18 December 2009 Directors’ statement The auditor has issued unqualified reports on the full annual financial statements and on the consistency of the Directors’ Report with those annual financial statements. Their report on the full annual financial statements contained no statement under sections 498(2)(a), 498(2)(b) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
Photography: Ian Jacobs, Douglas McBride, Richard Campbell, Alan McCreadie
Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh Annual Review 08/09