Kynren – An Epic Tale of England
Embark on a magical journey with Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, an unforgettable outdoor live-action theatre experience. Set against the backdrop of Auckland Palace, this multi-award-winning spectacle immerses you in 2,000 years of history through dramatic storytelling, stunning visuals, and spellbinding performances.
Kynren is the tale of England seen through the eyes of Young Arthur, the son of a mining family from the North East. Embarking on a quest to discover who he is and where he has come from, Arthur travels through 2,000 years of history, myth and legend. Rebellions, wars, magic, majesty, celebration and heartache are vividly brought to ground-shaking life in this unforgettable live action night show. It’s a family-friendly experience that delivers thrills, shocks, tears, laughs, goosebumps and gasps on a truly cinematic scale.
This epic outdoor theatre spectacle takes audiences through iconic moments from England’s past – from Boudicca’s battles with the Romans to Vikings, Tudors and the fate of Charles I. With a cast and crew of 1,000 on a breathtaking 7.5 acre stage, you’ll see awe-inspiring stunts, incredible horsemanship, dazzling pyrotechnics and jaw-dropping special effects every Saturday evening from 19th July to 13th September 2025.
Highlights Include:
- Boudicca’s Defiance: Watch the courage of Queen Boudicca on horseback as she leads her people against Roman invaders.
- Battle of the Vikings & Anglo-Saxons: Witness the dramatic clash at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
- Legendary Arthur and Excalibur: Be enchanted by the legend of young Arthur as he draws Excalibur, symbolising his destiny as king.
- Knights Joust for the Prince Bishop: Feel the thunder of hooves as armoured knights compete in a thrilling display of skill and bravery for the Prince Bishop of Durham.
- Shakespeare Meets Queen Elizabeth I: Join Queen Elizabeth I as she encounters Shakespeare and his timeless characters aboard a regal barge.
- The Fall of King Charles I: Trace the dramatic journey of King Charles I to the executioner’s block.
- Celebrate the grandeur of royal pageantry during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
- Journey with the brave soldiers to the battlefields of the continent during both World Wars recreating the drama and heroism of these defining moments in history.
- A tribute to Locomotion, celebrating 200 years of railway history with a full-sized replica roaring across the stage as it recreates its first journey.
These are just some of the 29 dramatic scenes as Kynren takes audiences on a thrilling, action-packed, and emotional journey through time.
Each scene is brought to unforgettable life and enhanced by an original soundtrack by the award winning composer Nathan Stornetta.
The dialogue itself features the distinctive tones of Kevin Whately, best known for his roles in Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Inspector Morse and Lewis. Kevin’s voice plays the part of Old Arthur, the character who reveals the secret of time travel to Young Arthur, setting him off on his quest for knowledge.
‘Kynren’ itself echoes the Anglo Saxon word ‘cynren’ meaning generation, kin or family, and is a fitting name for Arthur’s epic discovery of his roots.
Rated ‘Excellent’ on TripAdvisor, Kynren is a must-see evening out – a breathtaking outdoor theatre adventure that brings history roaring to life like never before.
Don’t miss the Viking Village which you can explore before the Kynren show begins.
Book now and be a part of the epic journey!