Latest news with #OutdoorTheatre
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rare breed of horse cherished by the late Queen joins Bishop Auckland theatre show
A rare breed of horse once beloved by the late Queen Elizabeth II, is taking part in a County Durham outdoor theatre production this summer. Nicknamed Major, the 14.1-hand pony is one of only 5,000 Highland ponies left. The Queen was a strong supporter of the breed's conservation and kept her own herd at Balmoral. Major has now joined the cast of Kynren - An Epic Tale of England, appearing in Viking battle scenes alongside shire horse Cosmo. The show, starting this Saturday, July 19, is hosted in the UK's largest outdoor theatre event this summer at 11Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. Major in action as part of the show. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) Laurie Robinson, director of cavalry and estates, said: "Major really is big by name, and nature. "He has made such an impact on the team and is a wonderful character with his own unique personality - he's stolen a few hearts already. "Getting to work alongside the horses, and spending time with them every day, is a huge privilege for the entire cavalry team. "We get to see them flourish - onstage and off - and it really is such a joy to see them get as excited for the shows as we do." Staff at the show's cavalry squad had the job in settling Major to his new home whilst training up for the tenth anniversary summer shows. Major with Lucy Watson, from Kynren's cavalry team. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) Lucy Watson, part of that team, said: "Major has settled beautifully into his new role. "He is a complete natural on stage and he has been loving the attention from our volunteers. READ MORE: Dad stages Darlington run in aid of suicide charity in memory of his son County Durham schoolgirl goes 'viral' after turning up to prom in HGV Teesside comedy legend to return to smash hit series 'Last One Laughing' "We're so pleased to have him here at Kynren and we're excited for our audiences to see him and love him as much as we do." The 90-minute show features live animals and a volunteer cast, covering 2,000 years of English history. Kynren runs Saturdays from July 19 to September 13.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The UKs biggest live action show is back for its tenth anniversary season
Magnificent sets, mass choreography, combat, breathtaking stunts, equestrian feats and stunning pyrotechnics all take centre stage in an unmissable live action outdoor theatre production in County Durham. Celebrating its tenth anniversary season, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England takes audiences on a breathtaking journey through 2,000 years of iconic British history, myth and legend. Everything at Kynren is on an immense scale – it is performed by a thousand-strong volunteer cast and crew on a seven-and-a-half-acre stage (the scale of five football pitches) in front of an 8,000-seater tribune in the heart of Bishop Auckland. Not forgetting its memorable menagerie of 150 animals including magnificent horses, a mother and daughter donkey duo, goats, sheep and even a gaggle of geese who steal the show with their unforgettable scenes. This year's summer season, which takes place every Saturday evening from 19th July until 13th September, will also feature a special celebration of the 200th anniversary of the nearby Stockton and Darlington Railway, the birthplace of the modern railway that shaped this region and the world forever. Kynren's full-scale replica of Locomotion No.1 will be in action as it steams across the stage. New for 2025, Kynren is breathing new life into its memorable Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Parade scene with new props and costumes, fresh energy, impressive projections, innovative choreography and updated music inspired by the Victorian era to mark its tenth anniversary season. This reimagined performance, which centres around the headstrong Queen Victoria as she makes her grand entrance in a six-horse carriage, resplendent with intricate detailing and opulence, promises to captivate audiences like never before. It will now feature over 150 performers and more than 20 horses, bringing the vibrant essence of Victorian society back to life. Anna Warnecke, CEO at Kynren said: '2025 is going to be an unforgettable year for Kynren! We're celebrating our tenth anniversary season and have expanded our run to ensure even more people can be blown away by this truly special production. 'There is an incredible buzz in the park – our volunteers are so excited to be involved once more – and we're all dedicated to make 2025 the best year yet. 'We have some special surprises in store and I'm so pleased that our Viking Village experience is back again. We're ready to amaze and bring a jaw-dropping opening night in July.' The popular Viking Village offers visitors an enhanced pre-show experience with authentic sights, sounds, and interactions in a recreated settlement. Watch sparks fly at the blacksmith's forge, witness the characterful sheep, donkeys and real Icelandic chickens whose origins can be traced back to the 9th century, and practice battle cries with the magnificent Viking warriors themselves as they prepare for a raid. The spellbinding family-friendly experience begins with a local boy named Arthur, who accidentally kicks a football through a window of a hunting lodge at Auckland Palace and sets the wheels in motion for his time-travelling quest. A fascinating voyage full of rebellions, magic, majesty, celebration and heartache follows – as seen through the eyes of Arthur – shining the spotlight on Boudicca's doomed rebellion, the Viking invasions, knights jousting for glory, the Norman Conquest, King Charles' final journey to the executioner's block and the grandeur of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. From the rise of industry to the courage of communities during wartime, Kynren brings history vividly to life. The dazzling outdoor-theatre spectacular is ranked 5* on Tripadvisor and the scale and complexity of the production, from the spectacle of the costumes and the sets to the mind-blowing stunts and flawless choreography, are what make Kynren the must-see event this summer. The 90-minute performances start at sunset and end in starlight and will be taking place every Saturday night from 19th July to 13th September. Tickets cost from £30 for adults and from £20 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
The Star
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Taiwanese girl group S.H.E reunite – for Hebe Tien's concert
Hebe Tien (centre) shared a photo with Ella Chen (left) and Selina Jen on social media on June 26. Photo: Hebe Tien/Instagram Taiwanese girl group S.H.E is back together, though only in support for member Hebe Tien's concert. Tien, 42, is on a Live In Life tour in Taiwan, where she is playing at small, scenic locations on the island. She performed at the Outdoor Theatre of National Kaohsiung Centre for the Arts (Weiwuying) on June 21 and 22. The singer posted several throwback photos of her Kaohsiung shows on social media on June 26. They included one of her with bandmates Ella Chen, 44, and Selina Jen, 43. Both Chen and Jen wore the official white T-shirts of the concert. That photo drew the most number of 'likes' – more than 1,700 – on Facebook, compared with fewer than 400 for the other photos. Tien also posted photos of Chen and Jen entering the venue together. 'The city of Kaohsiung has added different stories to my life, and made me deeply understand the uncertainties of life,' Tien wrote in Chinese on June 26. 'It has also taught me to deeply cherish the daily life of being able to sing safely and healthily.' 'Thank you, Kaohsiung, for your acceptance and patience, and thank you to my sisters who have been loving and supporting me all the way, and to the friends who came and cheered for me. Kaohsiung is very hot, not just due to the temperature, but also due to everyone's passionate love,' she added. In September 2022, Tien had to postpone her concerts at Kaohsiung Arena for a week after she came down with a bad bout of flu. She then had to cancel her third and fourth shows due to safety concerns following an earthquake in south-eastern Taiwan. Formed in 2001, S.H.E left its long-time label HIM International Music in 2018, with the three singers setting up their own management agencies. They said they were not disbanding despite going solo. The group's last studio album was 2012's Blossomy . Tien released her fifth studio album, Time Will Tell , in 2020. It nabbed three awards at Taiwan's Golden Melody Awards in 2021, including for Best Female Singer (Mandarin). Meanwhile, Chen took part in reality shows such as Ride The Wind 2023 , where she emerged the winner, and acted in dramas such as Dr Lifesaver (2023 to 2024) and Us Without Sex (2024). She released her second studio album, Bad Habits , in 2024. Jen starred in her first horror movie Funeral (2022) and released her second mini-album, My Own Beauty , in 2022. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
Daily Express
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
S.H.E reunites in spirit for Hebe Tien's intimate concert tour
Published on: Monday, June 30, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 30, 2025 By: [] Text Size: Beloved Taiwanese girl group S.H.E may not be officially back together, but fans were thrilled to see members Ella Chen and Selina Jen show up in support of Hebe Tien's recent solo concert in Kaohsiung. Tien, 42, is currently touring scenic locations across Taiwan as part of her Live In Life series. During her June 21–22 shows at the Outdoor Theatre of the National Kaohsiung Centre for the Arts (Weiwuying), Chen, 44, and Jen, 43, attended in matching official concert T-shirts. A photo of the trio backstage, shared by Tien on June 26, quickly became a fan favourite on social media, drawing over 1,700 likes on Facebook, far outpacing other images from the concert. In her caption, Tien reflected on her emotional connection with Kaohsiung, citing the challenges and gratitude she experienced. 'Kaohsiung has taught me to cherish the ability to sing safely and healthily,' she wrote. She also thanked her 'sisters' for their unwavering support. Back in 2022, Tien's Kaohsiung concerts were disrupted by illness and an earthquake, making her return to the city especially meaningful. Although S.H.E parted ways with HIM International in 2018 and launched solo careers, they've repeatedly emphasised they never disbanded. The group's last studio album, Blossomy, was released in 2012. Tien's most recent solo album, Time Will Tell (2020), earned her three Golden Melody Awards, including Best Mandarin Female Singer. Chen and Jen have also kept busy: Chen won Ride The Wind 2023 and acted in several dramas, while Jen released a mini-album and made her film debut in the horror flick Funeral (2022). * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Marren Morris Misses The Albums Chart For The First Time
Maren Morris's Dreamsicle debuts at No. 28 on the Top Album Sales chart but misses the Billboard ... More 200, marking a commercial low in her major label career. INDIO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 13: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Maren Morris performs with Zedd at the Outdoor Theatre during the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 13, 2025 in Indio, California. (Photo byfor Coachella) It was almost a decade ago that Maren Morris broke out as one of the most exciting new names in country music. She did so with her major label debut album Hero and its singles "My Church" and "80s Mercedes," which both hit the Billboard charts and made a significant impact in 2016. Lately, Morris has been shaking things up, trying new styles and even stepping away from the country space where she got her start. The plan hasn't worked out as she hoped, and her new album Dreamsicle has turned out to be something of a commercial disappointment — the first of its kind for the singer-songwriter. Dreamsicle was released earlier in May and reaches just one Billboard chart this week, now that its first full tracking frame has concluded. The set opens at No. 28 on the Top Album Sales chart. Luminate reports that it sold a little over 2,900 copies in its first tracking period. Sadly, that's the only roster in the United States where Morris launches her latest project. Dreamsicle is now the first major label album by Morris to miss the Billboard 200, which ranks the most consumed albums in America. Her first three full-length projects with Columbia — Hero, Girl, and Humble Quest — all debuted on the list when they were brand new. She peaked at No. 4 with her sophomore effort Girl in 2019. Three years ago, Humble Quest brought her to a new low of No. 21, but her latest set doesn't even manage to crack the ranking. Since the album veers away from country stylings and into a more adult contemporary pop sound, it didn't leave a mark in the country space either. Morris also misses the top 10 on the Top Album Sales chart for the first time in her career with a new full-length major label release (she did share several albums as an independent artist that didn't chart). Girl stands out as her highest-rising win, as it missed out on hitting No. 1 by just one space. Hero peaked at No. 4, while Humble Quest counted No. 9 as its high point. Morris collects the thirteenth-highest-rising debut on the Top Album Sales chart this frame. The list is dominated by Even in Arcadia by metal act Sleep Token. Also new to the tally are just-released offerings from musicians like Kali Uchis, Forrest Frank, Blake Shelton, Arcade Fire, and Counting Crows.
