Breathtaking live show to be staged on six summer Saturdays

Kynren – an epic tale of England - returns to its spectacular Bishop Auckland stage this summer, with six Saturday performances from 6th August to 10th September.

The open-air show offers enthralling live summer entertainment which delivers thrills, shocks, tears, laughs, goosebumps and gasps on a cinematic scale.

Anne-Isabelle Daulon, chief executive of charity 11Arches, which produces the shows, said: “We are delighted to be staging six performances during the summer holidays, following on from the success of our Jubilee show in June.

“Kynren is a wonderful spectacle which appeals to all ages, providing an exhilarating gallop through 2,000 years of history in 90 minutes.”

The Platinum Jubilee performance last month drew praise from a wide cross-section of the audience, who were mesmerised by the breathless dash through the ages.

Commenting on the Raring2Go! website, Lesley Haley and her daughter Liz, from Sedgefield, said: “We really enjoyed the spectacular sets and historical re-enactments, we were amazed at the attention to detail. It was a really engaging way to see the North East’s contribution to national history celebrated and highlighted. Something all the family can enjoy together.”

Jenny Eyres, from Harrogate, said: “An experience I’ll never forget. This was an utterly magical experience and the biggest production I’ve ever seen. Every time I thought it couldn’t possibly get any bigger or better something new emerged from the water or flew through the sky. Kynren means ‘Generations’, and this is definitely a production for every single generation to come and see.”

The show begins with a boy called Arthur accidentally kicking a football through a window of a hunting lodge at Auckland Castle.

The scene echoes an event that took place in the 1880s, when a young cleric’s exuberant kick led to the retired Bishop of Durham banishing football in the castle grounds. That prompted the birth of Bishop Auckland FC – one of the most successful amateur football clubs of all time.

Arthur then steps into the Gatehouse of Time to take the audience on a thrill-a-minute journey which shines the spotlight on the Romans, Vikings, Norman Conquest, English Civil War, the Age of Steam, World War I Christmas truce, the Queen’s Coronation and lots more besides.

Audiences watch from the 8,000-seater tribune which provides panoramic views across the giant outdoor stage. Join young Arthur on his epic quest, with rebellions, wars, magic, majesty, celebration and heartache in a dazzling outdoor-theatre spectacular.

More than 1,000 cast and crew put on the show, which starts at sunset and ends in starlight with an epic firework finale.

Robyn Nelson, aged 17, loved the Jubilee show, adding that the horses were incredible and the “exciting stunts, water features and fabulous fireworks were the best I have ever seen”.

Kynren provides a pre-booked Park and Ride bus service and there is designated parking for Blue Badge Holders, subject to availability.

Gates open two and a half hours before the start of each show, allowing visitors the opportunity to arrive early for food and drink, whilst enjoying live jazz by the lake.

For more information and to book tickets go to www.11arches.com

• Adults from £26, Under 18 from £16, Children aged 3 and under go free when sat on an adult’s knee. All Kynren prices published exclude a £1 booking fee per ticket.
• Kynren is performed at 11Arches Park, Flatts Farm, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 7SF.
• Email enquiries@11arches.com or call 01388 436033.