Kynren meaning generation or family from the Anglo-Saxon cynren, is promoted as ‘The Story of Us’. I’m from the North East originally, having left Sunderland in my late twenties and have great affinity for the area – but have lived in the North West since 1986, making frequent visits to family over the past 40 years. I also spent about two years working for English Heritage in Lindisfarne Priory, from 2019, so I know the history of the area. Funnily enough despite Kynren existing for over 10 years I had not heard of it at all, so either I’ve missed it or the marketing is poor.
Attending a preview event recently, unfortunately I arrived late and speaking to a security guard on entry, he guided me to my allotted parking area and gave me directions ro the entrance. I found myself wandering past an adjacent farm, where a kind woman re-directed me to the entrance. So, some signposting will be needed before opening!
Once in I encountered staff who were friendly and helpful in their own way, but I was mis-directed again and missed the Lost Feather bird display – the explanation was that my entry would disturb the birds! So, I spent the next 20 minutes chatting to Beth, who had volunteered for nine years before being employed for two at Kynren. One of the original objectives of Kynren was to regenerate Bishop Auckland and the North East, especially given the general lack of employment opportunities in the area. She explained the history of the event amongst other things informing me that no horse riding stunt school exists in Britain, so many stunt staff who perform in the shows are European. Well, ahem, there is an opportunity for employment in the North East!
The event was originally founded by Jonathan Ruffer, multi-millionaire and philanthropist In 2013, Ruffer donated £18 million to restore the Bishop’s Palace and create a museum on the history of Christianity and faith in Britain. Most of the palace became a visitor attraction, but it still houses the offices of the Bishop of Durham. This is on the other side of the River Wear to Kynren and is well worth visiting. In 2014, Ruffer donated the endowment to create Kynren, a night show telling the history of England, in nearby Bishop Auckland to aid in wider regeneration. The intention being to establish Bishop, as it is known locally, as an international tourist destination.
The show
Kynren has two strands – by day a Time Travelling Park, including The Lost Feather, Land of the Vikings, The Trusty Steed, Legend of the Wear, and Victorian Imaginariums. by night on Saturdays and some Fridays a Live Action show, An Epic Tale of England. I’ll not divulge too much of the shows I saw, namely Land of the Vikings, Legend of the Wear, and Victorian Imaginariums. The first two were scripted and acted to a pre-recorded vocal track. A shame the Legend of the Wear wasn’t done in a local accent, and its content didn’t quite reflect the local Lambton Worm folk song which I have played many times and was the backing tune to the show. Both shows have the moral that cooperation is preferable to confrontation, a message appropriate to current times and possibly a legacy of the Christian, Ruffer, who has a hands-off role. Overall, it’s worth attending the entertaining day shows, but if finances are tight, opt for the night show and, if possible, the pre-show Time Travellers Feast, again with acting elements.
The show is in an 8000-seater arena in a beautiful setting on the banks of the River Wear, with some wonderful sets and spectacular effects – including fireworks. We had fantastic weather, though, inclement weather would not spoil the show. The kids will love it, adults too. Again, acted to a recorded vocal track – which could have been delivered in more local accents, but credit where credit is due, it sounded like Kevin Whateley for one acting part. The 1000 staff and volunteers (including the animals!) provided us with an excellent performance. I’ve never seen anything to compare to it. I was engrossed! Gan’ on and see it, man! For the non-Wearsider – go and see it.
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