Legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen recently officially opened Ensemble ‘84’s new home The Playhouse ahead of staging Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” to five star reviews.
“Pits, People and Players”, returned to The Playhouse following a hit run during Horden’s 125th anniversary celebrations last year.
The show is very much about the heart of Horden with every scene having its roots in conversations with local people.
Those stories have created something that is rooted in the community and speaks to something much bigger.
The play traces the history of Horden and its intrinsic relationship with the coal pit in a fantastic production from the very talented cast.
The actors relish the dialogue and songs, with poignant trumpet accompaniment from Hartlepool’s very own Dave Harrison, leader of Hartlepool Brass Band.
Horden is too often defined by what it’s lost, and the 80s miners strike and the pits’ closure in 1987 are central to the play’s story.
But this production ends on an optimistic note, celebrating the people, pride and resilience that continue to shape Horden’s future.
Ensemble 84 has had a huge impact on Horden and that future and it will be fascinating to see what they do next.
- Ian Monaghan
Author: Ian
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