The skies were a blitz of colour over one corner of County Durham last night (Saturday, July 27) as this year’s Kynren outdoor show spectacle began its eight-week run.

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England brought to life “the story of us”, to the appreciation and awe of first-night onlookers, against the backdrop of Auckland Castle.

The expectant audience who filled the seats in the 8,000-seater tribune were not to be disappointed as they were transported through 2,000 years of English history, a whistle-stop tour taking in the Roman and Viking eras, the Norman Conquest, the bloody outcome of England’s Civil War, the Industrial Revolution and much more. 

Kynren's 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew performed the live action outdoor spectacular on a seven-and-a-half acre stage, featuring magnificent sets, mass choreography, combat, stunts, skilful horsemanship, stunning pyrotechnics and amazing special effects.

(Image: North News)

Bethany Shears, one of the mass ranks of volunteers, Shears, said: “Our first public performance was an incredible experience and the audience loved it. 

"The adrenaline you feel when you get up on stage to perform is indescribable and to do this alongside other volunteers who are now my friends was a wonderful feeling. 

"I’ll never forget the cheers and standing ovation we received.”

(Image: North News)  

Kynren’s 150-strong animal cast, including performance horses, donkeys, geese and cows, also rose to the challenge after months of training, wowing the crowd with their respective starring roles. 

Cosmo, Kynren’s newest equine recruit for 2024, took centre stage during his public debut.

The grey shire horse stood out in the epic Viking Invasion scene, where a fisherwoman is stolen from the village by marauding Norsemen.

(Image: North News)

Many of the animal “extras” also played an important role in Kynren’s new pre-show entertainment experience, Return of the Vikings.

They appeared alongside some of the show volunteers, giving a flavour of life in a 9th Century Viking settlement. 

Described as an authentic recreation of a Viking village on the brink of a raid, audience members experienced a working blacksmith’s forge, with sparks literally flying as chainmail was created by hand.

Visitors could also peek inside the 9th Century encampment cottages and cookhouse and wander through the vegetable patch.

(Image: North News)

Anna Warnecke, Kynren’s CEO, said: “It was lovely to see our visitors enjoying the Viking Village.

“Our volunteers had so much fun in their Viking roles, engaging with the public to make this such a memorable experience before the show.

“However, the highlight of the evening for me was the firework finale, as our wonderful cast took to the stage one final time for the evening.

“With the night sky illuminated by the fireworks, the crowd were on their feet cheering, and I could see how much that performance meant to our volunteers.

“After months of training and dedication, they gave our audience a phenomenal show to enjoy, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

(Image: The Northern Echo)

The 90-minute live action night show in Bishop Auckland started at sunset, ending in starlight.

It will be repeated every Saturday night until September 14.

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Tickets cost from £26 for adults and from £16 for under 18s.

Children aged three and under are free if sitting on an adult’s knee.

Further information is available via www.kynren.com, on which ticket bookings can also be made.