Viking village will offer Kynren guests an authentic experience

The spectacular live outdoor theatre production in Bishop Auckland takes place every Saturday night from 27th July until 14th September this year and features a 1,000 strong volunteer cast and crew, performed on a huge 7.5 acre stage. 

Watch legends come to life and travel through 2,000 years of history and adventure as seen through the eyes of Arthur, the son of a mining family. From the legendary exploits of Boudicca and King Arthur to the grandeur of Queen Elizabeth I and Shakespeare, groups can immerse themselves in a world where Vikings storm, knights clash, miners toil and spectacular heroes rise under epic skies.

“There will be the chance to talk and interact with the villagers as they go about their daily lives and watch the blacksmith at work in his forge producing real chain mail.”

Anna Warnecke, Kynren CEO

As part of the pre-show entertainment for 2024, visitors will have the opportunity to wander through an authentic recreation of a traditional ninth century village, as its inhabitants prepare for a raid.

In a bid to make the village as authentic as possible, Kynren even has a clutch of rare Icelandic chickens which were originally bred by Vikings and can trace their origins back. They are part of a menagerie of animals featured in the show including 33 performance horses, donkeys, sheep, geese, goats and cows.

Anna Warnecke, CEO of Kynren, said: “The Viking Village provides a really immersive way for audiences to travel back in time and prepare themselves for the adventure to come.

“There will be the chance to talk and interact with the villagers as they go about their daily lives, visit the cookhouse, see them tend to the animals, prepare meals and watch the blacksmith at work in his forge producing real chain mail.

“The Vikings are a popular aspect of the show, featuring incredible scenes such as a Viking longship burial on the water with live Vikings aboard, and the gripping kidnapping of a fisherwoman, all enhanced by dramatic fiery effects and explosions.”