Why base Ensemble ‘84 in Horden?

The decision to locate and house Ensemble ‘84 in Horden was as much about fostering meaningful connections as it was about celebrating the rich history and heritage that binds this community together. Horden is a place shaped by resilience, pride, and shared stories, and we’re honoured to become a part of its ongoing narrative.

Ahead of our upcoming production Pits, People and Players - a newly devised play created in celebration of Horden’s 125th Anniversary - we’ve been reflecting on how the town’s industrial past, cultural roots, and strong sense of identity resonate with our own values as a company. It’s a setting that inspires us to think deeply about the relationships we build, the work we create, and the communities we serve.

We thought we might share a little more about what drew us to Horden, the stories we’ve uncovered, and the unique context we’re now working within. We hope it gives you a glimpse into why we feel so energised about the future of Ensemble ‘84 in Horden and what this place means for the work we hope to achieve together.

Horden – A Rich and Complex Past

Horden’s history is woven into its name, originally called ‘Yohden’ in the Anglo-Saxon period. The first part, ‘Yoh’, translates to ‘yew’, referring to sturdy, important trees that were a resource for materials and held social and spiritual significance, thought to be linked to the underworld, middle-earth (where men live) and the heavens. The second part, ‘den’ points to the dene or valley that shapes the landscape. Nestled in the east of County Durham, Horden grew to prominence as an industrial powerhouse, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the UK’s coal mining industry.

It’s hard to imagine when visiting today, but Horden Colliery was once one of the largest coal mines in Britain. Established in 1900, it rapidly became a centre of production and a vital part of the local community. On 9 May 1930, Horden Colliery set a European record for coal mining, extracting an astonishing 6,758 tonnes of coal in a single day—a record that stood unchallenged for over three decades. This achievement reflected the sheer scale of the colliery and the dedication of the workers who powered it.

However, the mine’s closure in 1987 marked the end of an era, bringing profound changes to Horden and the surrounding region. The economic fallout was immense, with high unemployment, a lack of investment, and social challenges reshaping the area. Decades on, Horden, like many former mining communities, is still navigating the legacy of deindustrialisation. In more recent years, political uncertainties and socio-economic struggles have added further layers to its story.

Despite these challenges, Horden’s heritage remains a source of strength and pride for its residents. The resilience of this community, shaped by its industrial past and rooted in a shared history, is a powerful reminder of its potential for renewal. 

Marra sculpture and Bandstand in Horden Welfare Park

Changes and New Beginnings

Horden’s mining heritage remains deeply embedded in the fabric of the community, a legacy that is visible and tangible across the town. This history is honoured and preserved through places like Horden Welfare Park, with its striking bandstand and plaques on benches that narrate the timeline of cultural and societal change. The iconic Marra sculpture by Ray Lonsdale stands as a tribute to the camaraderie and resilience of miners, while the Horden Heritage Centre offers a detailed account of the area’s journey—from the early days of Horden Hall, a 17th-century manor house, to the rise and fall of one of Europe’s largest coal mines.

Yet, alongside this proud history, Horden has faced immense challenges in recent decades. For many outside the county, the town has become associated with deprivation and hardship. Reports frequently highlight it as one of the most disadvantaged areas in the UK, and its famous numbered streets are now more often linked with crime and anti-social behaviour than with the close-knit community connections they once represented.

This narrative, however, is not the full story. Beneath the headlines, there is a community working hard to redefine itself. The history and heritage of Horden offer more than just a reminder of the past—they serve as a foundation for resilience and potential. As Horden navigates its next chapter, there is an opportunity to reconnect with its cultural roots and imagine a future that reflects the pride and determination that built this town in the first place.

Many Possible Futures

After decades of hardship, it can be difficult to envision what the future might hold for a community as significant as Horden. There are promises on the horizon—investment initiatives, plans for new housing developments, and a renewed focus on creating jobs and fostering economic growth. Time will tell whether these opportunities will translate into tangible change, but what is clear is that this part of the North East needs hope—a reason to look forward, a vision of ambition that reaches beyond the challenges of today.

This year (2025), Horden celebrates a milestone: 125 years since its establishment. This anniversary offers a moment for reflection, not only on its extraordinary history but also on the possibilities that lie ahead. The past has shown us that this community is capable of enduring and adapting. As we move forward, it’s our collective responsibility to nurture the seeds of optimism, to dream bigger for Horden, to honour the resilience that has defined this community, and to ensure that the next chapter in its story is one of growth, connection, and transformation.

So Why Horden?

Horden is now our home. In the 12 short months since Ensemble ‘84’s inception, we’ve grown deeply connected to this village—building relationships across the community and introducing the possibilities of theatre to a place steeped in history yet often overlooked. From the outset, we knew we wanted to locate ourselves in a community, not just near one. It was never about being centrally based; it was about embedding ourselves somewhere meaningful.

Our sister company, Isango Ensemble, is rooted in an area of high deprivation, and their work has shown us how creativity can thrive and bring transformation in challenging environments. That ethos guided our decision. Thanks to the careful and thoughtful work of East Durham Trust and Redhills, the opportunity to settle in Horden emerged. Through this partnership, Horden Methodist Church became not only a practical space but also a symbol of what collaboration and community focus can achieve.

Our name, Ensemble ‘84, resonates with the spirit of 1984—a year that left an indelible mark on the UK. The Miners’ Strikes were a defining moment for thousands of workers, families, and communities, especially here in the North East. Forming 40 years on, we aim to carry forward the essence of hope, resistance, and, most importantly, solidarity that emerged from that pivotal moment in history.

When we arrived in Horden, one phrase came to mind: Close a Pit, Close a Community. For decades, this statement has summed up the pain and loss faced by mining communities like Horden. But as we’ve settled here, our mission has crystallised into a simple yet powerful response: Open a Theatre, Open a Community.

Our work in Horden is only just beginning. We’re committed to being part of the town’s ongoing story, celebrating and building on its history, and working alongside the people here to shape a future defined by creativity, connection, and opportunity. Horden is more than our base—it’s our inspiration.

Pits, People and Players

Tickets are on-sale now for Pits, People and Players, 19th-23rd August, 2025, at Horden Methodist Church - a newly devised production built on memory, testimony and imagination - created in celebration of Horden’s 125th Anniversary. We hope you can join us.

Ensemble ‘84