BROMLEY LITTLE THEATRE LIMITED

Financial Summary for the year ended 31st December 2025

Draft Minutes of the 19th Annual General Meeting of the Directors

Held on 13th July 2026 at 8:00 p.m.

Present

Directors                 

Bruce Wallace (Chair), Richard Gissing, Pauline Armour, Alison Shomade, Simon Tyrell-Lewis, Colleen Batson, Jess Jenner,  (all also a Guarantor Member).

Guarantor Members         

Catherine Ross, Pauline Pead, Keith Jeremiah, Christina Jeremiah, Colin Martin, Pat Jones, Howard Binysh, Peter Yolland.      

Members of BLT            

Rosemary Pratt, Douglas Pratt, Michael Darbon, Trish Wallace, Jane Menzies, Phil Duncan, Chris Nash, Chris Reavell, Paul Campion, Paul Hughes, Thomas Boulter, Stella Martin, Don Mackinnon, Aileen Mackinnon, Julie Binysh, Fiona Waller, Mike Gent, John Symes, Chris de Pury.   

Secretary                      

Richard Cornwell

The Secretary welcomed all attendees to the Meeting and that it would follow the Agenda circulated to members.

1. Apologies for Absence

            – Apologies had been received from: Zoe Tapper, Sophie Gissing, Nikki Packham, Alison Green, Tony Jenner, Caroline Jenner, Peter Martin, Jane Lobb, Alec Macdonald.                                                                                                                                                        

2. Approval of Minutes of AGM held on 14th July 2025

            – Approval was moved by Keith Jeremiah and seconded by Colleen Batson. The motion was carried.

3. Matters Arising from the Minutes

            – None were raised.

4. Resignations from the Board

            – The meeting noted the resignation of Bruce Wallace as Chair of the Board and as a Director.

5. Appointments to the Board

            – The meeting noted that the Board had approved the appointment of Alex Macdonald as a Director.

6. To Receive the Chairman’s Report

            – Bruce read his report summarised as follows (Full text in Appendix):

Bruce summarised a successful and busy year for BLT. He reported strong audience growth, excellent audience feedback, and continued recognition for the high quality of BLT productions, including success at the Kent Drama Association Festival. He highlighted the completion and significance of the new foyer, the launch of the Community Arts Festival Week, and BLT’s growing role as an accessible, welcoming theatre for the wider Bromley community. He also outlined the need for a sustainable financial model, including regular ticket-price reviews and future fundraising to support long-term building improvements. Concluding his report, Bruce reflected on BLT’s progress, thanked members and volunteers for their support, and announced Alex MacDonald as the incoming Chair.

– No comments were raised to Bruce’s report. Approval of the report was moved by Catherine Ross and seconded by Pat Jones. Approval was carried.

– Pauline Armour said a few words on behalf of the Board of Directors expressing their sincere appreciation for the support and leadership given by Bruce. His dedication to BLT and its continuing future wellbeing was an inspiration and admired by all.

– On conclusion, Pauline presented Bruce with a small token of that appreciation, with the hope he will “keep in touch” with BLT!

7. To Receive the Finance Report and Accounts for the Period Ending 31st December 2025

Richard G gave his report as follows:

“My report refers to the accounts for the financial year ending 31/12/2025, which have been circulated to the meeting.

Starting with the Profit & Loss account, we achieved a surplus on normal trading activities (i.e. putting on plays) of approximately £29.5K this year, which is almost double last year’s figure of £15.5K, a very satisfactory result. Overall income was only up by about £500, so this increase is all down to controlling costs, which overall were approximately 10% down on the previous year.

However, as you might expect from the major development project that has recently been completed, our overall costs were significantly higher this year resulting in a net loss on all activities of approximately £76.75K. Given that the total cost of the development work during 2025 was some £225K, this is still a very satisfactory result, due in no small part to the efforts of those who worked on fund raising and grant applications, with a total of £119K raised this year in addition to the funds raised during the big push in the previous year.

Looking at income, revenue from ticket sales was slightly down on the previous year, but as that was a very good year this isn’t too worrying, and the increase in ticket prices in 2026 will help to increase revenues again. The drop in ticket revenue was countered by a 10% increase in bar and refreshment income, hence the overall income figures being very similar year on year.

Touching briefly on to the expenditure side, as previously mentioned, overall costs were down this year, which is very satisfactory. Our heating and lighting costs were some £7K down from the 2024 peak, and stage maintenance costs were also some £4K lower. Given the pattern of increasing costs over the last few years, it was good to see them dropping this year.

Looking at the balance sheet you will see that, due in no small part to the amazing fund-raising efforts of the last two years, together with the accumulated surpluses from our trading activities, the theatre remains in a healthy financial position with significant, though diminished, reserves to put towards future building works as well as supporting our day to day activities.”

– With Richard’s report completed, he asked for any questions. It was said that bar prices need to reflect inflation, as seat prices do.

– Richard agreed and that specific categories of drink need to be looked at for a price increase.

– There being no more questions, approval of the report was moved by Keith Jeremiah and seconded by Pauline Pead. Approval was carried.

8. To Appoint the Auditor for the Ensuing Year

The meeting noted that Derek Dobson & Co will continue as auditors for the next financial year.

9. Any Other Business

            The following questions were raised by members as:

a. Storage space. Due to lost storage space, there’s now a lack of space for storing a) props etc for shows in rehearsal and b) props etc for shows finished & awaiting removal to The Glades. What plans are there for addressing this issue?    

– Good point and one already being processed viz by taking out the old theatre staircase & old access lift and with accompanying building works envisaged there should be ‘freed up’ space available for such storage.

b. Alternative to The Glades for storage of props etc. Has this option been assessed?

– In reply, it was said that such storage locations had been found but the prices involved did not have the financial merits as we have at The Glades. If one became available at comparable financial terms, and preferably nearer to BLT, the Board would consider it.

c. Storage of Festival awards etc. Could the Board seek a location in the theatre to display Festival trophies for display to members?

– In reply, it was said that this issue was known and a suitable location was being assessed, possibly where the postal pigeonhole is at present.

d. Could the new entrance foyer etc have some wall mounted theatre ‘effects’? – In reply, it was confirmed that this was being looked at now.

e. What is the progress of our lease at The Glades?                                             

      – In reply, Bruce gave members a brief summary of our recent dealings with the Glades Management Team but unfortunately not helped by the speed / quality of replies received to date. Requests for proper paperwork to enable payment of invoices seem particularly difficult to obtain. The 3 month break clause period we are now in and no sign of a renewal lease agreement – a somewhat parlous state of affairs. The Board are maintaining all its’ available best efforts for a speedy resolution.

f. Is it necessary for building etc volunteers to be DBS-checked when young persons are in the theatre?

– In reply, the short answer was No, if the volunteer is not involved with whatever the young person is doing with their carer. But this issue would be checked out by our Safeguarding Team and provide a plan for future use.

 g. Could BLT have a Head of Stage Management / Production?       

– In reply, it was said that the PMG (Production Management Group) was looking at this role and was confident that it would be filled for future shows.

 h. Is there to be a new AirCon system and when?               

– In reply, it was said that this was being looked at by the BMG (Building Management Group). The project has an outline budget, but no progress can be reported. The works involved need to be looked at not in isolation but alongside other issues in the theatre. It was suggested that, if existing air conditioning is too noisy, radio mics are available.

i. Could a radio mic be used at future AGMs to aid hard-of-hearing ?

– Richard confirmed that one will be provided.

 There were no other questions raised.

10. Next AGM Meeting

The next AGM meeting will be on Monday, 12th July 2027.

The meeting closed at 9.15pm.

Appendix

Bruce’s full address to the meeting

“Good evening, everyone.

Those of you who came last year may remember we asked you to move from the Auditorium to the Bar halfway through the evening. Perhaps unsurprisingly, several of you suggested that we start in the Bar – and stay there.

This evening I’d like to spend a few minutes looking back at what’s been another busy year for BLT—what we’ve achieved together, why it matters, and some of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Another Year to Remember

2025 was a successful—if often challenging—year for BLT.

We enjoyed another fabulous season. 18 eclectic and top-class shows boosted our average audience levels to 89.5% compared with 82.7% in 2024 and 75.6% the previous year. 10,917 people came to see BLT shows, generating over £130K in ticket sales.

Our average star rating from audience feedback was an incredible 4.6/5.

Our net promoter score (a simple measure of how likely our audiences are to recommend us to others) rose from 75/100 in 2024 to 81/100 last year. That earns us the title “Rated Outstanding”!

So, a brilliant performance and one of which we can all be very proud – congratulations to everyone who played a part in achieving this superb outcome and everyone who came along to watch.

Of course, as we all know, much of 2025 was devoted to planning, delivering and largely completing the transformation of our new foyer area.

At our official opening ceremony in March, I thanked the volunteers who collectively contributed what was probably thousands of hours to take on all the work outside the contractor’s scope. It was a truly remarkable effort, and I would like to repeat the Board’s sincere thanks to everyone involved. Their commitment, expertise and determination were extraordinary, and quite simply, we could not have completed this project without them.

So why does the new foyer matter so much?

Because our theatre is now more accessible, welcoming and inclusive than we’ve ever been before. More people can come through our doors, move around our building and feel that they belong here.

And that’s important, because BLT is not just a great theatre in Bromley—it is becoming a theatre for Bromley: a place that serves, reflects and welcomes our local community.

So, dovetailing with the high-quality theatre for which we are so renowned, we now offer a home to an ever-growing range of community activities.

And today marks an exciting milestone as we launch our very first Community Arts Festival Week. We want it to be a vibrant and inclusive celebration, bringing people together in our theatre, strengthening our community connections and exemplifying our core values: to Welcome. Inspire. Create.

Recognition and Awards

Now, I know this is supposed to be a review of 2025, but I’m going to bend the rules just a little because it’s too good not to mention. Once again, BLT enjoyed outstanding success at the 2026 Kent Drama Association Festival.

The Son received three winner’s awards, including Best Play and Best Director, (Hilary Cordery) Best Sound (Simon Tyrrell-Lewis) as well as an Adjudicator’s Special Award (Josh Clarkson) as well as three runner-up places and an Honourable Mention.

Meanwhile, the Youth Group’s Chalk Jungle (written by our own Jess Jenner) earned several runner-up places and Honourable Mentions. Most remarkably of all, the group achieved an unprecedented 10/10 for Artistic Achievement – a mark, we believe, had never before been awarded in the festival’s history.

We are very proud of everyone involved in these productions and congratulate them on their well-deserved success.

While it’s always wonderful to receive external recognition, it’s worth remembering that the Kent Drama Association Festival represents just one production (plus the youth group) from our Season.

What really makes BLT special is the consistently high standard achieved across all our productions, thanks to the commitment, creativity and hard work of our volunteers. Together, they all continue to deliver what we aspire to every year—outstanding theatre for everyone, every time.

Funding Our Future

Producing outstanding theatre for everyone requires more than talented volunteers—it also needs a sustainable financial model.

Our income comes from four main sources: ticket sales, bar revenue, membership fees and donations.

Richard will take you through the financial detail shortly, but he and I share a simple principle that should underpin our approach to BLT’s finances:

It is that Ticket Sales should, over time, cover the day-to-day cost of running the theatre. The other income streams can then go towards rebuilding our reserves, investing in improvements and ensuring that BLT remains safe, welcoming and accessible for years to come.

I’d like to say a few words about two of those income streams…

1. Ticket Prices

In January this year, having held the cost of tickets for six years during which our running costs rose significantly, we increased prices to £17.00 (non-member £14.00) and £12.50 (member £10.00).

Looking ahead, our intention is that, from January 2027, ticket prices will be reviewed annually and adjusted in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI)

We will of course continue to keep our pricing under review to ensure that our members and supporters can enjoy great theatre at an affordable price whilst helping to ensure BLT’s long-term financial sustainability. 

• Donations and Fundraising

After a pretty intensive fundraising year in 2024, many of you continued to support BLT financially during 2025, contributing around £8,500 including Gift Aid.

To put that into context, it’s roughly equivalent to the ticket income generated by three Bar productions. Every pound helps, and we are extremely grateful for your continued generosity.

For the next couple of years, we can probably take a short breather from major capital fundraising while we enjoy the benefits of our new foyer. However, we should not lose sight of what lies ahead.

To secure a further ten-year lease extension in 2033, BLT will need to complete Phase 4 of its building improvements. The cost of that work is likely to exceed anything we have taken on so far.

That means the fundraising campaign that delivered Phase 3 cannot be a one-off success. We will need to build on it—raising larger sums and becoming more creative and ambitious in how we generate income.

Donations will hopefully continue to play an important role, but they can only be part of the picture. Sponsorship, fundraising events, trusts and foundations, legacy giving, and new partnerships/supporters will all need to be explored if we are to achieve our long-term ambitions.

The good news is that we have shown what this theatre can achieve when people rally behind a shared vision. The new foyer stands as proof of that. The upcoming challenge is to start to harness that same energy, commitment and generosity for the next stage of BLT’s development.

Looking Forward

As I step away from the Chair – and indeed, the Board – I will look back with pleasure on all that BLT has achieved over the last few years and with confidence in what lies ahead. And I believe the theatre is well-placed to continue delivering in line with our six strategic goals;

🎭 Create outstanding theatre for everyone

🤝 Inspire, Support and Value Our Volunteers

♿ Access for All

🌍 Welcome Every Voice

🏡 Be at the Heart of Our Community

📣 Grow Our Audiences and Our Impact

BLT is a wonderful place and plays a huge part in so many of our lives.

Over the last few years, we have strengthened the organisation, completed our most ambitious building project for decades, expanded our engagement with the wider community, and continued to produce outstanding theatre for everyone. None of that has been achieved by any one person. It has only been possible because of the dedication, talent and goodwill of dozens of volunteers, members and supporters who care deeply about our theatre.

While I may be stepping down from the role of Chair, I am certainly not intending to disappear. I hope to continue supporting BLT where I am needed and, of course as an Actor – which was why I came here in the first place!

Now, as every theatre-goer knows, it’s important to leave the stage before the audience starts looking at their watches.

So, before that happens, I would simply like to say thank you—for your trust, your support, your passion and, on occasion, your patience!

It has been a great privilege to serve BLT as its Chair.

And now, because someone else deserves the chance to enjoy the privilege & discover just how much fun the role can be, I’m delighted to formally announce that, as of now, our Chair will be Alex MacDonald, also a fellow Spurs supporter.

He can’t be here this evening, but I wish him every success in the role. I think he’ll do a great job.

The next exciting Acts of BLT’s story are ready to be written.

Thank you”.