Kynren - An epic tale of England

Watch legends come to life in a thrilling tale told on an epic scale - 2,000 years in the making. Kynren - an epic tale of England is a multi-award-winning live action outdoor theatre spectacular set in the grounds of Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland which takes you on a spellbinding voyage through history as seen through the eyes of Arthur, the son of a mining family.

Watch Boudicca’s courageous but doomed uprising against the Romans and the clash of Viking and Anglo Saxon leaders at the battle of Stamford Bridge.

Experience the excitement of daring jousting knights on horseback charging at full speed, for the entertainment and merriment of Bishop Bek, the Prince Bishop of Durham, and his colourful entourage.

Witness the future King Arthur’s magical encounter with the Lady of the lake and as he draws the sword Excalibur from the stone.

Step aboard Queen Elizabeth I’s royal barge as she invites Shakespeare to introduce some of his most famous characters, trace the bloody outcome of England’s Civil War and follow King Charles’ final journey to the executioner’s block.

Join in the lavish celebrations of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and travel with the brave soldiers to the battlefields of the continent during both World Wars.

New for 2019, experience the Year of the Viking! 

Before the show experience the more peaceful side of Viking life in the brand new Viking Village. Visit the cookhouse complete with its own vegetable patch and the woodworker’s cottage built into the hillside.

Take a stroll along the stream and watch the past come to life at the working blacksmith’s forge where you’ll be able to see real chainmail being made. Don’t miss the village’s animal inhabitants like the impressive Highland cattle and the curly haired Wensleydale sheep.

2019 show dates 

• Saturday 29th June - 9.30pm start
• Saturday 6th July  - 9.30pm start
• Saturday 13th July  - 9.30pm start
• Saturday 20th July - 9.00pm start
• Saturday 27th July  - 9.00pm start
• (Saturday 3rd August - no show)
• Saturday 10th August- 8.30pm start
• Saturday 17th August - 8.30pm start
• Saturday 24th August - 8.30pm start
• Saturday 31st August - 8.00pm start
• Saturday 7th September - 7.30pm start
• Saturday 14th September - 7.30pm start

Gates open 3 and a half hours before show for you to enjoy the pre show experiences and Food Village, showcasing local food.