WE ARE ENSEMBLE ‘84

We make Theatre for, with and by the diverse communities of County Durham to share with audiences on a global stage. 

Pits, People and Players

Tickets are on-sale now for our next production, Pits, People and Players in August – created in celebration of Horden’s 125th Anniversary. 

Join us for a brand new production that dives deep into the story of Horden — a village forged in coal, carved by industry, and transformed by change. Rooted in the lived experience of local people and crafted from a tapestry of testimony, memory, and imagination, this show is a tribute to the power of place, the endurance of stories, and the necessity of hope.

Directed by Mark Dornford-May and performed by our all-County-Durham cast in the immersive setting of Horden Methodist Church.

Venue: Horden Methodist Church, Blackhills Road, Horden, County Durham

Dates: August 19th - 23rd, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM (Evenings), 2:30 PM (Matinees)

Content Advisory: May contain flashing lights, loud music and strong language.

Tickets £5 - £18 (Age restriction advised 12+)

Or call our Box Office on 0191 524 2578.

Mother Courage and Her Children

Coming to Live Theatre, Newcastle! Tickets are on-sale now for Mother Courage and Her Children, 23rd October - 1st November.

Join us for a fierce, urgent retelling of Bertolt Brecht’s classic anti-war play, translated by Lee Hall, directed by Mark Dornford-May and created in collaboration with our sister company, South Africa’s internationally acclaimed Isango Ensemble. Debuted at Horden Methodist Church in May, 2025, we are proud to announce a second run of performances this Autumn at the iconic Live Theatre, Newcastle.

Venue: Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne

Dates: October 23rd - November 1st, 2025

Content Advisory: May contain flashing lights, loud music and strong language.

Tickets are on-sale now. (Age restriction advised 12+)

Book online via Live Theatre’s website: live.org.uk

We are on a journey to change the way everyone sees, experiences and connects with theatre.

We have bold ambitions to form new perceptions, build knowledge and transform the creative landscape in County Durham together with the people and partners that live and work there.

Come with us on our journey - find out more as to how you can participate and join in with our work and see first hand the impact we can make together.

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Mother Courage and Her Children is coming to @livetheatrenewcastle! Tickets are on-sale now, join us 23rd October - 1st November 2025! A fierce, urgent retelling of Bertolt Brecht’s classic anti-war play, translated by Lee Hall, directed by M
Rehearsals begin today for our upcoming production, Pits, People and Players! We're looking forward to welcoming so many of you to Horden Methodist Church next month (19th-23rd August). Limited tickets remaining! Book tickets → ensemble84.com/p
We had a wonderful time at @durhamminersgala on Saturday. Huge thanks to Durham Miners' Association and @redhillsdurham for inviting us to be part of the proceedings. Our upcoming production 'Pits, People and Players' is created in celebration of Ho
The heritage, resilience, and future of Horden. Tickets are on-sale now for our next production, ‘Pits, People and Players’ – created in celebration of Horden’s 125th Anniversary. Join us for a brand new production that dive
That's a wrap! Thank you to all who have joined us over the past two weeks to see our debut production, 'Mother Courage and Her Children' at our beloved home of Horden Methodist Church. Congratulations to our incredible cast and creative team, our
The reviews are in! A flurry of wonderful reviews of our debut production, 'Mother Courage and Her Children'. Thank you @guardian, @thetimes, @thestageuk, @culturednortheast, @narcmagazine! Performances continue tonight until this Saturday, 24th May
Hear our Artistic Director, Mark Dornford-May, and member of our cast, Julie Ainslie (playing the Farmer’s Wife), on @bbcradio4 Front Row. Together, they chat about Mother Courage and Her Children, the journey to Ensemble ‘84 and the impa

“One of Britain’s youngest and most interesting theatre companies.”

— Mark Fisher, The Guardian