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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Huge crowds applaud after defying the weather for epic Kynren opening show
HUGE crowds applauded after the opening show of a spectacular outdoor theatre event telling the story of 2,000 years of English history. The audience didn't let the wet conditions stop them as tenth anniversary celebrations kicked off at Kynren – An Epic Tale of England - in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, last night (Saturday, July 19). The 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew performed on the seven-and-a-half-acre outdoor stage featuring combat, stunts, horsemanship, stunning pyrotechnics and amazing special effects. The opening night of the brand new summer show at Kynren (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) Visitors were also the first to watch Kynren's new scene focusing on Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Parade, featuring new music, costumes, and nearly 200 new characters. The show was brought together by majestic horses and impressive new props to portray the vibrant essence of Victorian society, with unexpected dashes of humour and comedy. Eloise Oakes, one of Kynren's volunteers who stars in the new jubilee scene said: "All of us involved in this reimagined part of the show have been rehearsing thoroughly to ensure this new spectacle wows our audiences. HUGE crowds applauded after the opening show of a spectacular outdoor theatre event telling the story of 2,000 years of English history. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) "The Jubilee scene is incredibly dynamic, with around 180 of us on stage at once, all moving in carefully choreographed sequences alongside some impressive new props. "It's been so much fun learning the detail and seeing it all come together. I think audiences will be amazed by the beautiful new projections too – they really stood out to me when I first saw them. "They're so colourful and help set the perfect tone for this joyful part of the show." (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) Kynren has grown from strength to strength in the build up to its tenth anniversary season, welcoming over 430,000 visitors since it began and contributing £65.5 million to the local economy while creating 146 jobs. This summer also sees the return of the popular pre-show Viking Village, which offers visitors immersive experience with authentic sights, sounds, and interactions in a recreated settlement. Practice battle cries with the magnificent Viking warriors themselves as they prepare for a raid, watch sparks fly at the blacksmith's forge, and witness the characterful sheep, donkeys and real Icelandic chickens whose origins can be traced back to the 9th century. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) Anna Warnecke, Kynren CEO, said: "Saturday evening's incredible performance, the first of our 2025 season, was testament to the hard-work, skill and creativity that has been poured into this production by all involved. "The dedication and passion from our volunteers is truly remarkable, and we appreciate every single person that helps continue the legacy of Kynren and the impact it has on our market town and the region." Kynren is a real whistlestop tour of 2000 years of history myth and legend. It is a spellbinding, family-friendly experience delivering thrills, shocks, tears, laughs, goosebumps and gasps on a truly cinematic scale. Packed out crowds for the opening night (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) READ MORE: Darlington woman shaves head in support of charity providing life-changing services Search intensifies for missing man with County Durham links after three months Driver trapped in overturned car receiving medical care after A1M multi-vehicle crash The 90-minute performances start at sunset and end in starlight and will be taking place every Saturday night until 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
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
