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Kynren - An Epic Tale of England

@ Eleven Arches, Bishop Auckland

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The UK’s most spectacular open-air live action night show since the opening of the London 2012 Olympics opens in County Durham this summer. It is listed by Rough Guides as one of the world’s top 10 must-see tourist attractions to experience in 2016.

‘Kynren – an epic tale of England’ is an exciting family show, taking you on a spellbinding journey through British history. Taking place on a landscaped open air stage (equivalent to five football pitches with a full-size lake at its centre) against the backdrop of Auckland Castle, you will be immersed in 2,000 years of history, with a movie-like, fast-paced and action-packed journey from Roman times to the Second World War, through the Viking invasions, the splendour of the Tudors, the Industrial Revolution and the Roaring Twenties. As the story unfolds you’ll be treated to ships and a steam train, mass choreography, combat, dance, dazzling pyrotechnics and grandiose lighting and water effects.

More than 1,000 volunteers are involved as cast and crew, with an accompanying cast of animals comprising performance horses, sheep, goats, cattle and even ducks. Our volunteers having been professionally trained by top performance experts, including teams who have delivered the mass choreography of London 2012 Opening Ceremony.

The 90-minute show takes place once darkness has fallen, to create the best possible backdrop for the special effects that will bring the action-packed story to life. The evocative sound track which accompanies the performance is the work of the award-winning composer Nathan Stornetta, which you will experience in superb surround-sound quality.

Read our blog post about Kynren.

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