GOVERNANCE

At Ensemble ‘84, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of our work. As an organisation dedicated to artistic excellence and meaningful cultural impact, we recognise the importance of robust oversight to ensure we remain aligned with our values and objectives. We pay fairly and align our standards to those in the industry. We are a member of the Independent Theatre Council – and our pay and contract terms align fully with those agreed by this national body.

Our Governance Approach

Ensemble ‘84 is a Company Limited by Guarantee (East Durham Theatre Company Limited). Our work is not for profit – any surplus goes back into the work of the company. Ensemble ‘84 operates with a clear governance structure that supports responsible decision-making, ethical leadership, and financial sustainability. Our leadership team works in close collaboration with our funders and stakeholders to uphold our mission and deliver high-quality artistic work. 

We are in the process of confirming Ensemble ‘84 as a Charity. This status will provide us with both the endorsement of the work – but also the maintain the effective oversight of the work that we do through the Charities Commission.

Our Board Members

Our Board provides independent oversight, strategic guidance, and expert insight to support the growth and sustainability of Ensemble ‘84. The Board plays a crucial role in ensuring that the organisation remains artistically ambitious, financially resilient, and true to its core values.

MEET OUR BOARD

Our Board members bring a diverse range of skills and experience across theatre, finance, business, and community engagement, ensuring that Ensemble ‘84 is guided by expert leadership and informed decision-making.

  • Graeme Thompson, was Founding Chair (2016-20) of Sunderland Culture, an organisation set up by the University of Sunderland, Sunderland City Council and the Sunderland MAC Trust to programme and develop the city’s arts venues, including the University-owned National Glass Centre and Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art.

    He is also Chair of The Cultural Spring, a successful community arts project for Sunderland and South Tyneside launched in 2014 as part of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme.
    Graeme joined the University of Sunderland as Pro Vice-Chancellor in 2009 after a career with the BBC and ITV.

  • Wendy Smith is Creative Director for The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, where she leads The Glasshouse’s creative programme, including artist relationships and headline artistic projects, the contemporary music, artist development and creative learning programmes, and she co-leads Newcastle Gateshead Music City with Generator. She is a Governor at the Royal Northern College of Music. She started her career based in Durham as a performing artist, a founding member and vocalist in the band Prefab Sprout.

  • Nick Malyan is a cultural leader who has spent his career working at the intersection of arts, heritage and place. Appointed as Chief Executive of Sunderland Culture in September 2024, Nick oversees an ambitious programme of exhibitions, performances and learning and participation projects across the city of Sunderland and in cultural venues including Arts Centre Washington, the National Glass Centre, the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. City-wide programmes include Culture Start, Sunderland’s Place Partnership project which provides engagement opportunities for children living in poverty.

    Prior to taking up his role in Sunderland Nick was the Chief Executive at Redhills Durham Miners Hall - the Grade-II listed union building known as the ‘Pitmen’s Parliament’. It was during Nick’s time at Redhills that the connection with Ensemble ’84 founders Mark Dornford May and Sud Basu was forged. Nick is deeply proud of his family’s mining heritage and is an advocate for the North East’s coalfield culture. He is a trustee of the Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association.

  • Elisabeth Dutton was appointed Professor of Medieval English Literature at the University of Fribourg in 2011, after having spent most of her earlier academic career in the UK, at the University of Oxford where she read for her BA, MA and D.Phil and then lectured for more than ten years, and at a number of universities in London. 

    Dutton's research interests lie principally in the study of medieval devotional practices (the expression of one's religious feelings through such acts as prayers) and in investigating early dramatic performances from the medieval and early modern periods, performances which often focused on religious subjects, so that her two research interests meet in fruitful ways.

  • Gemma Rowe is a trustee of Ensemble ’84, supporting the company’s work to make theatre accessible and create opportunities for people in County Durham. She also works for Durham County Council as part of Horden Together, helping to support local people and strengthen the community. Through her work, Gemma is committed to improving local opportunities, building connections and helping communities thrive. Her involvement with both Horden Together and Ensemble ’84 reflects a shared belief in the power of people, place and creativity to bring communities together and create lasting, positive change.

  • Alison Clark is a leading figure in UK arts and culture, with more than 30 years’ experience in culture and place leadership. She is Director of Culture, Visitor Economy and Sport at the East Midlands Combined County Authority, where she leads work to grow the region’s cultural offer, creative industries and visitor economy. Her role brings together culture, heritage, tourism and sport to support economic growth, attract investment and create opportunities for local communities.

    Previously, Alison spent 15 years at Arts Council England, including as North West Director and National Director of Combined Arts. She helped raise investment and support for festivals, arts centres and community arts, and led the development of its Ambition for Excellence programme. As Head of Culture at Durham County Council, she helped champion Durham’s UK City of Culture bid and the Into the Light programme, supporting cultural activity and creative opportunities across County Durham.

Our Commitment to our Funders and Stakeholders

Ensemble ‘84 is funded through Durham County Council, Arts Council England and the UK Government through their Shared Prosperity Fund. We actively engage with our funders, collaborators, and audiences to maintain an open dialogue about our work. Feedback is a crucial part of our ongoing development, and we are committed to listening, learning, and evolving in response to the needs of our community.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our governance processes, or might be interested in joining our board, please contact us at info@ensemble84.com.