Industry News

A new theatre group based in East Durham has launched with individuals from County Durham to form its company.

Ensemble ‘84, a pioneering theatre company based in Horden, has hired 15 dedicated individuals across County Durham to undergo a paid, intensive training programme to become professional performers and present bold, new Theatre productions.

The company received over 100 applications from individuals across the County, after advertising an ‘open call’ for performers in September, seeking people of all ages (over 18) with or without experience on stage to apply for the opportunity. Now with 15 successful candidates and the ensemble fully formed, a 20 + week training scheme is now underway, providing the group with the skills and experience to create and present theatre on the stage of professional theatres in the UK and beyond.

The group is being led by Mark Dornford-May, known for his multi-award-winning work with the South African-based Isango Ensemble. The company is based in Horden Methodist Church, which has been transformed into a vibrant hub and a home for the company, while retaining links with the local community and congregation. Following the group’s training, the first, bold new work will emerge from Ensemble ‘84 in early 2025 which will be premiered in the North East and then toured regionally and nationally.

Ensemble ‘84 is committed to creating world-class, touring theatre productions that reflect the communities of County Durham, with a mission to challenge the norms of theatre by spotlighting untapped talent and unheard voices from local communities in the County. Ensemble ‘84 hopes to resonate with audiences everywhere, sharing universal stories from the North East, made by local people. The work of Ensemble ‘84 is inspired by the methods of Isango Ensemble and will involve the new company members at each stage of the creation process, inspired by the culture, community and context of County Durham.

Ensemble ‘84 is one of eight initiatives within the Into the Light Programme in County Durham, aimed at driving long-lasting growth through creative collaboration. Over the next three years, Into the Light will cultivate talent, widen access to creative education, enhance skills, and break down barriers in the creative industries.

Mark Dornford-May, Artistic Director, Ensemble ‘84, said, “I am thrilled to be working with such a passionate and dedicated group of individuals. Ensemble '84 is not just about creating theatre; it's about empowering a community and giving a voice to the unheard.

We are equipping these individuals with the skills and confidence to create exceptional theatre. I'm excited to see their growth and the unique stories we will bring to the stage in 2025.

Horden and County Durham have a rich cultural heritage, and Ensemble '84 is a celebration of that. We are building a company that reflects the community, and I believe this connection will be evident in the powerful work we create together.”

Julia Handelman-Smith, Programme Director, Into the Light, said: “It’s really exciting to meet the new members of Ensemble ‘84 as they begin rehearsals. Into the Light is about empowering people and communities to be creative and improve routes into creative careers. Ensemble ‘84 will create world-class theatre right here in County Durham, enabling culture to thrive in our communities and inspiring others to get involved.”

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Cabinet Member for Economy and Partnerships at Durham County Council, said: “We’re thrilled to be putting theatre-making in the heart of County Durham communities as part of the Into Light Programme. We’re looking forward to seeing this exciting initiative come to life.”

Ross Forbes, Chief Executive, Redhills, said, “We’re proud to be associated with the groundbreaking work Ensemble ‘84 are doing in Horden. They are breathing new life and hope into our community. We will support them to make a success of this important endeavour in any way we can.”

Wendy Hindmarsh, Ensemble ‘84 Company Member, said, “I’ve always wanted to act professionally and never felt like I dared to whilst raising a child alone, but now that he’s flown the coop, I thought this was the perfect time to chase my dream of being an actor. I’m hoping that this is the start of a lifelong career in theatre.”

Keith Irons, Ensemble ‘84 Company Member, said, “A friend of mine sent me a link to an advert she’d spotted on Facebook. I initially thought it was ‘too good to be true’, but I read further and decided to apply for an audition. It genuinely was an incredibly rare opportunity for anyone interested in acting.

The North East has become something of a desert for the performing arts. I hope we can raise the profile of the region in terms of new talent, new work and encourage others to follow.”