Welcome to The Nest Ensemble
Multi-award-winning theatre company devising new and inspirational theatre since 2004
Co-founded by Artistic Directors Leah Mercer and Margi Brown Ash in Brisbane in 2004, and based in Brisbane and Perth since 2007, The Nest Ensemble generate performances and workshops that deal in ideas, imagination and transformation.
Mrs Weaver at the End of the World
CURRENT WORK-IN-DEVELOPMENT
Bundanon Residency NSW 2027
Braziers Park Residency UK 2026-27
All That We Are Residency TAS 2026
QTC’s Little Play Days 2025
Dead Puppet Society Lab @ The Princess Theatre 2025
Mrs Weaver is tired of all the bad-trouble stories that rent space in her mind. Through simple storytelling and moments of magic, Mrs Weaver at the End of the World explores the importance of friendship and of connection and trust as Mrs Weaver tries to make sense of her topsy-turvy world.
By: Margi Brown Ash
Performers: Margi Brown Ash, Travis Ash & Charles Ball
Director: Leah Mercer
Composer/Musician: Travis Ash
Technical Creator: Freddy Komp
Creative Consultant: Julie Robson
Costume Fabricator: Sharon Grimley
Photographer: Dean Hanson
Mrs Weaver at the End of the World is a multigenerational work that combines performance, puppetry, magical realism and advocacy to address the contemporary challenges of ageism, loneliness, social-division, climate crisis and our relationship with nature within a media landscape where fiction and reality collide.
Inspired by John Lewis’ call to “get in good trouble”, Mrs Weaver at the End of the World creates space to process grief and anxiety while imagining playful, profound ways to explore belonging and empathy as strategies to not just survive, but thrive. Childlike in its whimsy, serious in subject, the work brings generations together, enriching the audience experience while cultivating social responsibility, lifeforce and cohesion.
Audience Responses to The Nest Ensemble
“Stunning performances - raw, real, authentic, true - human! Love ❤️ What a lesson in love and acceptance. So beautifully expressed and felt. ❤️”
“Brave, real, raw, courageous. Thank you for not shying away from the truths of this experience with such grace.”
“Such an important commentary on our humanity. Our decisions and the cost. Thank you.”
“A beautiful work. Teaching the importance of visibility - for all. Thank you.”
“What theatre should be! ❤️”
“I work in aged care - thank you for creating such a respectful, truthful and beautiful show & portrayal of dementia.”
“We change the world a story at a time and this story must continue to be told. Thank you ❤️”
“What an amazing story, with exemplary acting. Not a dry eye in the house.”
“As a trans youth, this was an amazing play to see. Thank you for being the representation we need to see ❤️”
“Your work shows why ART is so central to society...”
“Theatre at its most powerful, poignant & cathartic ❤️”
— Wanderings @ DOOR 3, QTC
“OMG! This show is just phenomenal. How blessed I am and enriched to attend the premiere of Queer of Flux at Sydney Opera House tonight…”
“I laughed, I cried and I left with a heart full of joy. My lesson from this production is Queer is not always angry and divisive, I learnt tonight Queer can be beautiful. Divine. Heartbreaking. Joyous…Absolutely amazing.”
“Transformative for both audience and star. A gift. A love song…I am filled with love and Pride for you and your journey.”
— Queer as Flux @ The Sydney Opera House
“Margi and Leah, your show is delightful. You had me in tears at every turn. In laughter and otherwise. Thank you for your generosity and your beautiful stories.”
— HOME @ Queensland Theatre
“Everything on stage was an immaculate performance. It wasn’t just the incredible acting of the lead; her entire environment came alive with her. Excellent design in lighting score and mise-en-scene.”
— EVE @ The Blue Room Theatre
