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.

  • Caroline Murphy is an independent arts consultant based in the North East. 

    Over the past 30 years Caroline has held a variety of leadership roles in the cultural sector, and has a background that includes theatre, literature and visual arts. Caroline has also worked in higher education, leading cultural partnerships at Northumbria University. She is an experienced trustee, and has been Chair of Curious Monkey Theatre as well as Vice Chair of New Writing North.

    “I jumped at the opportunity to get involved with Ensemble ‘84 because it gives me the chance to work with an amazing bunch of people who are serious about creating change. I am inspired by Ensemble ‘84’s determination to make the industry more inclusive and diverse, shaping a future where talent, not background, defines success, and creating a richer, more exciting world for both theatre makers and their audiences.”

  • 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.

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.