Raising the Roof – ‘Hollywood’ thatchers add star quality to Kynren's landmark new attraction
10th February 2026
Kynren – The Storied Lands has brought a touch of Hollywood to County Durham after enlisting renowned film and television specialists Brandon Thatchers to create thatched roofs for the full-size, two-storey village setting for one of its spectacular new shows, Legend of the Wear.
The traditional craftsmen are creating thatched structures for the dramatic lakeside set - one of the centrepiece attractions of the ambitious new live action show park, opening this July.
Many of the world’s most recognisable films and television series are made in the UK, relying on specialist craftspeople whose work is rarely seen but essential to creating believable worlds on screen.
Productions filmed in Britain in recent years include titles such as Wicked, Snow White, Paddington 2, Gladiator II, Dungeons & Dragons, Game of Thrones and The Witcher, alongside major studio features and theatrical productions staged by organisations including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
Legend of the Wear will see a vast lake transformed into a theatrical stage, combining full-scale scenery, thrilling water stunts and powerful storytelling as the local legend inspired by the Lambton worm is reimagined in jaw-dropping fashion.
The thatchers’ involvement underlines the painstaking attention to detail behind Kynren – The Storied Lands, which is being created by the team behind the award-winning live action show Kynren – An Epic Tale of England and is set to become one of the UK’s most distinctive visitor attractions.
Anna Warnecke, Chief Executive of Kynren, said the decision to enlist their help was driven by the park’s commitment to authenticity and world-class quality.
“From the outset, our ambition has been to create something truly exceptional, a destination where every element feels real, immersive and meticulously crafted,” she said.
“Brandon Thatchers bring an extraordinary level of expertise. Their work on some of the most iconic and current film productions in the world reflects exactly the standard we are setting at Kynren,” she added.
Based near Rugby, the family-run business’ journey into the film industry began after their traditional craft caught the eye of location scouts while they were working on a historic cottage at an outdoor museum in Scotland.
The team were subsequently commissioned to create a full medieval village for the epic film Braveheart - a breakthrough project that launched decades of work across major film, television and live productions, all rooted in the same commitment to authenticity and detail.
“We’re known for creating period and fantasy environments for film, television and major cultural institutions — from villages and castles to battlefields and mythical worlds,” said Dicken Warner.
“Kynren – The Storied Lands stood out because of its ambition to build something permanent, immersive and authentic. These are full-size buildings, and the craftsmanship being applied here is on a par with the biggest productions we’ve worked on.”
Legend of the Wear is one of several major shows launching as part of Kynren – The Storied Land’s grand opening this summer.
Visitors will begin their journey in Neolithic Britain, stepping into the era of the first settlers, before being immersed in an all-new Viking show where warriors clash amid fire, sparks and roaring action in a visceral, multi-sensory portrayal of Norse life.
They will also experience The Lost Feather, a visually stunning production set on a stage inspired by a giant bird’s nest, exploring the beauty, power and fragility of bird species across the globe.
The adventure builds to one of the park’s largest and most ambitious show, — an epic medieval spectacle where armoured knights thunder across the arena on horseback and a fearless female warrior’s courage and skill are tested in a breathtaking display of horsemanship and daring stunts.
