Kynren's Stunt Women Prepare for Their Final Daring Performances
As Kynren approaches the final three shows of its 2025 season, two of its female stunt performers are preparing to thrill audiences with one of the production’s most daring feats.
Rebecca Fielding, 40, and Stephanie Roundsmith, 41, both volunteer horsewomen and long-standing performers, team up every Saturday evening to perform the formidable ‘Dragged Roman’ stunt. In this dramatic scene from Roman Britain, Stephanie is pulled at speed across Kynren’s seven-and-a-half-acre stage by a galloping horse, ridden by Rebecca, in a breathtaking display of skill and precision.
“This is without a doubt my favourite scene!” said Stephanie. “It’s such a unique stunt, and after performing it for many years, I feel I’ve really mastered the technique. I also like to keep some mystery by not looking at the tribune—most people assume I’m a man, and I enjoy keeping that ambiguity alive!
“I’m proud to take on roles like this, alongside the other women in Kynren. That was a big reason I wanted to learn this stunt—to show that it’s not just something men can do. Learning it was challenging, but the sense of accomplishment and pride is unforgettable.”
Training for the stunt was a gradual process, with the scene broken into phases that Stephanie and Rebecca practiced meticulously. Piece by piece, they built speed and confidence until Stephanie felt safe performing the full stunt in front of live audiences.
Rebecca added: “Riding my horse Amarata, I drag the captured Roman during the live night show. I’ve performed this part since it was introduced in 2018, and it’s always a crowd favourite. You can hear the cheers as we canter across the stage, and Amarata clearly loves this scene—he can barely contain his enthusiasm!”
Both Stephanie, a volunteer since 2017, and Rebecca, a performer since Kynren’s first season, also participate in medieval jousts and the glittering Jubilee procession, riding in full costume while proudly carrying flags as their horses canter in formation.
Stephanie added: “I feel incredibly lucky to have such amazing roles in the production, from dramatic stunts to the jousting and Jubilee scenes.
I always ride the same horse, Ufano, who is such a character. We’ve built a strong bond, and he really trusts me—being his regular rider is a real privilege.
“I’m proud to be a Northerner and to work with local people. It’s fantastic to be part of something on our doorstep that supports the region and brings visitors here.”
Rebecca and Stephanie are among Kynren’s 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew, bringing 2,000 years of history to life through epic battles, galloping horses, mass choreography, spectacular sets, and stunning pyrotechnics every Saturday night in summer.
Performances continue until 13th September, starting at sunset and finishing under the stars.
Tickets start from £30 for adults and £20 for under-18s, with children aged three and under admitted free on an adult’s knee.
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.kynren.com