While many kids have spent their school holidays glued to tablets or gaming consoles, 150 youngsters at Kynren in County Durham have been doing something completely different – starring in one of the UK’s biggest outdoor live-action shows.
Every Saturday night this summer, children aged 5 to 17 have taken to Kynren’s giant seven-and-a-half-acre stage in Bishop Auckland, performing to audiences of up to 8,000 people as part of the epic show Kynren – An Epic Tale of England.
They’re part of a 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew that brings 2,000 years of history to life – with the children’s team learning everything from sword-fighting to choreographed dance routines, and for those over 16, they can also help care for the show’s animals.
Audiences love their energy in big set pieces – riding the very first passenger train in the Locomotion scene, melting hearts as wartime evacuees, riding in the goat cart or dancing in the Miners’ Gala, and even going head-to-head with the Romans.
For many it can be a family affair, with several children volunteering with other family members – which is the case for 13 year-old Lucy Dixon.
She said: “I’m so proud to say that I volunteer in the show with my younger sister who is only six years old! My mam, my uncle, my cousins, my grandma, my great aunty and my aunt are all part of it too. It’s something we do together as a family, and I think that makes it even more special.
“Being part of Kynren is about more than just performing. It’s about being part of something bigger – something that brings the whole town together. Everyone involved is passionate about the story we’re telling and the pride it brings to Bishop Auckland. We know we’re part of the regeneration of our town – showing people from all over the world that Bishop Auckland is full of talent, history, and heart.”
For 12-year-old Finley Milburn, the adrenaline of performing never wears off: “I open the very first scene of the show, running out onto the stage and seeing the eight-thousand-seater grandstand. The first time I did it, at age 11, I had goosebumps – knowing thousands of people were watching. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget.”
And for 11-year-old Archie, he says the experience has been “crazy but cool”: “You’re part of castles rising from the ground, battles, dancing, fire arrows, fireworks – there’s something happening everywhere you look. It’s just so spectacular, and every show makes me proud to be part of Kynren.”
Some young volunteers go on to make Kynren a bigger part of their lives. James Waine, now 19, credits his time in Kynren’s operations team with helping him secure a place at Cambridge University to study engineering, while Jaden Dixon, who joined as Young Arthur in the very first season, is now part of Kynren’s own operations and events team.
But for the current young cast, it’s all about the thrill of the summer season, the friendships they make, and the magic of performing together – with just five more shows left for 2025.
Kynren’s 10th anniversary season runs every Saturday until 13th September, starting at sunset and ending under the stars.
Tickets start from £30 for adults and £20 for under-18s. Children aged three and under go free when seated on an adult’s knee.
For further information and to book tickets, click here.