SENSATIONAL ALL-ACTION SHOW WOWS OPENING NIGHT AUDIENCE
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England kicked off its eight-week run with a spectacular opening night that captivated a packed audience. On Saturday, 27th July, attendees in the 8,000-seat tribune were taken on an exhilarating journey through 2,000 years of English history, featuring moments from the Roman era to the Viking invasions, the Norman Conquest, the English Civil War, and the Industrial Revolution.
The 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew delivered an unforgettable live-action outdoor theatre experience on a seven-and-a-half acre stage. The performance featured grand sets, mass choreography, combat scenes, stunts, horsemanship, breath-taking pyrotechnics, and impressive special effects.
Bethaney Shears, a volunteer at Kynren, shared her excitement: "Our first public performance was an incredible experience, and the audience loved it. The adrenaline you feel on stage is indescribable, and performing alongside friends made it even more special. The cheers and standing ovation we received on Saturday will stay with me forever."
Kynren's 150 animals, including horses, donkeys, geese, and cows, played their roles brilliantly after months of training, impressing the crowd with their performances. Cosmo, the newest addition for 2024, made a striking debut in the Viking Invasion scene, showcasing his talent as a grey shire horse.
The animals also featured in Kynren's new pre-show entertainment, "Return of the Vikings." This authentic recreation of a 9th-century Viking settlement allowed audiences to experience a working blacksmith's forge, explore 9th-century cottages and cookhouses, and wander through a vegetable patch.
Anna Warnecke, CEO of Kynren, expressed her joy: "It was wonderful to see our visitors enjoying the Viking Village on Saturday. Our volunteers had so much fun in their Viking roles, engaging with the public to create a memorable experience before the main show. However, the highlight of the evening for me was the firework finale. Seeing our cast take to the stage one final time under the illuminated night sky, with the crowd cheering, was a moment of immense pride. After months of dedication, our volunteers delivered a phenomenal show."
The 90-minute live-action night show in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, begins at sunset and concludes under the stars, running every Saturday night until 14th September.
Kynren offers a whirlwind tour of 2,000 years of history, myth, and legend, providing a spellbinding, family-friendly experience filled with thrills, shocks, tears, laughter, goosebumps, and gasps on a truly cinematic scale.
Tickets start from £26 for adults and £16 for under-18s. Children aged 3 and under are free when seated on an adult’s lap.
For further information and to book tickets, visit www.kynren.com.