A new live-action show park in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, has opened its gates, offering visitors an experience devoid of rollercoasters and thrill rides, yet managing to captivate an entire family, including those typically averse to traditional theme park attractions.
Kynren – The Storied Lands, which debuted this month, is being billed as the UK's first live-action show park. Instead of mechanical rides, the attraction features a series of historical and mythical performances on a large outdoor stage.
One of the main draws is "The Trusty Steed," a daytime show set on a 7.5-acre stage. The performance includes knights on horseback, fire-baton jugglers, and acrobats. Sword fights and fast-paced equestrian stunts, such as performers hanging from their saddles, aim to create a sense of realism, eliciting awe from children and holding the attention of adults.
"The Trusty Steed" is one of five shows performed at the Tribune, an 8,000-seat venue. This venue also hosts the established nightly show, "Kynren – An Epic Tale of England," which has been running for ten summers and has reportedly contributed significantly to the local economy, providing jobs in Bishop Auckland, a former coal-mining town.
Other daytime attractions include "Legend of the Wear," which recreates a 12th-century riverside village and tells the legend of the Lambton Worm. This show incorporates water jets and fast-paced action from performers, accompanied by an orchestral score.
Another performance, "Lost Feather," takes place in a 2,500-seat arena designed to resemble an eagle's nest. It features a cast of 250 birds, including ravens, vultures, parrots, and owls. However, some early performances experienced minor issues, such as birds deviating from their routines or brief absences.
"Land of the Vikings" was a particular favorite, featuring dramatic elements like booming drums, fires, and a broken longship, complemented by fight scenes that engaged younger visitors.
The park's flagship evening show, "Kynren – An Epic Tale of England," condenses 2,000 years of English history into a 90-minute performance. It utilizes a cast of 1,000 volunteers and features historical reenactments from Boudicca and King Arthur to World War I. Spectacle elements include flaming arrows, Viking ships, animal herds, and equestrian stunts. The show also incorporates emotional narratives, such as depicting miners going to work and not returning.
Kynren – The Storied Lands is open Tuesdays through Sundays until September 12. Admission prices are £30 for adults and £20 for children, with free entry for children under three. The "Kynren – An Epic Tale of England" show runs on Saturday nights until September 12, with additional performances on August 21 and September 4. Tickets for the evening show start at £30 per person. The park's website for bookings is kynren.com.