Leicester Theatre Trust Limited
Analysis
Leicester Theatre Trust Limited is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Leicester. It was registered in October 1963, 63 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training and arts/culture/heritage/science, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 00772380). It says it provides buildings/facilities/open space, provides services and other charitable activities.
In the financial year ending March 2025, Leicester Theatre Trust Limited reported income of £18.5m and spending of £17.6m, spending 95% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from March 2021 to March 2025, income grew from £5.2m to £18.5m (+255%), an average of +37% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to March 2023, when income rose by 93%. Over the whole period it spent 97% of the income it received.
Among 17,634 England and Wales charities whose main cause is arts, culture, heritage and science and that reported income, Leicester Theatre Trust Limited sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 99th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Uclu (£18.4m), Opera North Limited (£18.8m) and Cwmni Urdd Gobaith Cymru (Corfforedig) / the Welsh League of Youth (Incorporated) (£18.3m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 74%, donations and legacies 16%, trading 9.0% and investments 1.2%. Gifts in wills alone brought in £124k. Charitable activities took 86% of spending and raising funds 1.2%. Reserves of £1.7m would cover about 1 months of spending at that rate. It employed 185 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 16%
- Legacies 0.7%
- Charitable activities 74%
- Trading 9.0%
- Investments 1.2%
In the charity's own words
The Charity is established to promote, maintain, improve and advance creativity and learning, especially through the production and presentation of the performing arts. The principal activity of the charitable company is to adopt an integrated approach to Theatre that produces work of the highest quality and professional standards, and is relevant and representative of our communities.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Uclu | London | £18.4m |
| Opera North Limited | Leeds | £18.8m |
| Cwmni Urdd Gobaith Cymru (Corfforedig) / the Welsh League of Youth (Incorporated) | Bala | £18.3m |
| Lamda Ltd | London | £18.8m |