Kynren set for August comeback as cast reunites and makes ‘emotional’ return to set

Hundreds of members of Kynren’s cast and crew returned to set as they prepare to welcome visitors back to live performances of the award-winning outdoor show from August.

For many, it was the first time they have been able to re-visit the site in more than a year.

Kynren takes the most magical, bloody and tragic events from 2,000 years of England's history – along with legend and myth – and crams them into a 90-minute show, produced by charity Eleven Arches.

The spectacle is played out upon the rolling hills of a seven-and-a-half acre stage on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

Audiences have flocked to watch the performance every summer since 2016, but last year’s production was cancelled due to Covid pandemic.

Cast members – known as archers – have been taking part in a series of rehearsals at 11Arches Park over recent days.

Anne-Isabelle Daulon, CEO and co-founder of the charity said: "The archers are especially excited to deliver Kynren this year as they all really missed the show in 2020.

"Many were very emotional as it is not just the fact they are somewhere rich with good memories, but also the feeling that presenting Kynren on August 7 is finally a realistic possibility.

She added: "All of us have missed the camaraderie, fun and feeling of community that an event like this brings. There is a real sense of hope, excitement and pride that we're back."

Online training sessions started in November, with hundreds of Archers taking in part in segment rehearsals over the winter.

While some of the training will remain virtual where possible, archers are being allowed on site to piece together some of the more complex or larger scenes, whilst remaining socially distanced.

This year also sees the opening of the new 11Arches Park, which visitors can visit for the afternoon or explore prior to watching the evening Kynren performances.

The park will be open every Saturday from August, 7 till September, 11, 2021, before opening fully in 2022.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

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