00:00Sir Ian McKellen has visited Ensemble 84 in the town of Horden in County Durham for its opening of its
00:07Playhouse Theatre in a disused Catholic church,
00:10saying the project brings enormous possibilities for change and renewal.
00:15He said seeing the performer's joy was moving and that it can change lives locally and beyond.
00:21Founded by theatre director Mark Dornford-May, the company was inspired by his Isango Ensemble project in Cape Town Township
00:2925 years ago.
00:30It offers local people paid work, training and auditions through the scheme, focusing on community participation and professional development.
00:39The project is funded by public arts bodies and government support schemes.
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