Kynren, a theatrical visitor attraction in County Durham, is opening a new pre-show experience called ‘Return of the Vikings‘ for its 2024 season.
Produced by charity 11Arches, Kynren – an epic tale of England is a live outdoor show located near Auckland Castle in the market town of Bishop Auckland.
The performance is brought to life through incredible sets, mass choreography, stunts, pyrotechnics and special effects.
Kynren’s cast and crew is putting the finishing touches to the pre-show experience, which includes an authentic 9th-century Viking village with a working blacksmith’s forge, a cookhouse, a woodworker’s cottage built into the hillside, and wooden roundhouses.
Volunteers at Kynren have also been rehearsing intricate combat scenes to be performed during the pre-show experience and the 90-minute show itself, which takes place on a 7.5-acre stage.
Per a press release, the new experience shows how Viking invaders lived in the north east of England. Visitors can even watch the villagers as they prepare for a raid.
Wendy Wilshere, head of volunteer casting and engagement, said: “We’re continuously building upon Kynren’s offering so that audiences returning year after year find something new to marvel at each time.
“This also means volunteers get more out of the experience, learning new skills and having opportunities to try new things.
9th-century Viking village at Kynren
“We couldn’t do what we do here at Kynren without the volunteers who are always incredibly willing to share their specialist skills with others and I hope they know how grateful we are to work with them.”
Kynren was originally developed in collaboration with Puy du Fou. Instead of coasters and rides, Puy du Fou’s theme parks offer spectacular shows, immersive experiences and period villages.
The French operator is about to start a period of public engagement for its planned £300 million UK theme park in Cherwell near Bicester.
Kynren’s shows begin at sunset and take place every Saturday night from 27 July through 14 September.
Images courtesy of 11Arches
