The multi-award-winning live action outdoor theatre spectacular, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, returns to County Durham this summer to transport audiences through 2,000 years of English history.

 

Performed by a 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew on a seven and a half acre outdoor stage in Bishop Auckland, Kynren brings audiences magnificent sets, mass choreography, combat, stunts, horsemanship, stunning pyrotechnics and amazing special effects, including water jets and state of the art video projections.

 

For 2024, there will be pre-show entertainment at ‘Return of the Vikings’ where audience goers will have the opportunity to wander through the authentic recreation of a traditional 9th century Viking village. Visitors can watch the past come to life and interact with the villagers as warriors prepare for a raid, visit the cookhouse, meet the animals and watch the sparks fly in the forge as the blacksmith produces real chainmail.

 

Anna Warnecke, Kynren’s CEO said: “Kynren is entering its ninth year and we are incredibly pleased to offer our visitors an immersive treat for 2024. Their adventure begins as soon as they step foot into the beautiful setting, even before taking their seat to watch legends come to life.

 

“The scale and complexity of the production, from the spectacle of the costumes and the sets to the jaw-dropping stunts throughout all 29 scenes never ceases to amaze me. We can’t wait to open the doors once more for our next run this summer.”

 

Viewed from an 8,000-seater tribune which provides panoramic views across the giant outdoor stage, the family-friendly experience begins with a boy called Arthur accidentally kicking a football through a window of a hunting lodge at Auckland Castle.

 

Audiences are then taken on a fascinating voyage through time as seen through the eyes of Arthur, shining the spotlight on the Romans, Vikings, Norman Conquest, the bloody outcome of England’s Civil War, King Charles’ final journey to the executioner’s block, the Age of Steam, World War I Christmas truce, the Queen’s Coronation and more.

 

Kynren’s soundtrack has been created by award-winning composer Nathan Stornetta, who has previously worked alongside film score master Hans Zimmer and the dialogue features the distinctive tones of northeast actor Kevin Whately – best known for his roles in Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Inspector Morse and Lewis – to reveal the secret of time travel to Young Arthur, setting him off on his quest for knowledge and discovery of the meaning of ‘Kynren’.

 

The 90-minute performances start at sunset and end in starlight and will be taking place every Saturday night from 27th July to 14th September.

 

Tickets cost from £26 for adults and from £16 for under 18s. Children aged 3 and under are free when sat on an adult’s knee.

 

For further information and to book tickets, visit www.kynren.com.