The countdown is on to the return of theatrical extravaganza Kynren which each summer draws crowds to the region from both home and abroad.
Organisers of the outdoor show, which mixes live action, music and spectacles such as battle scenes, flames, water jets and fireworks, say that 40% of its visitors come from outside the area and as far afield as the US, China, South Africa and the Middle East. Word has spread about the annual event ever since the first Kynren - An Epic Tale of England took place in 2016.
On a giant 7.5-acre set, specially-created on the site of a former quarry at Bishop Auckland in County Durham, the show - produced by the charity 11Arches - has since attracted almost 400,000 people, won a clutch of awards and it now considered to be the biggest live action show in the UK.
Read more: A guide to Kynren from how to get there to what to wear
So, as it prepares for its return, here is what to expect this summer - ahead of big changes said to be in the pipeline for next year.
Kynren - An Epic Tale of England
Dates - Kynren will be back on Saturday nights from July 29 to September 9 when it will be performed at varying evening start times at the 11Arches Park site.
July 29 - gates open 6.45pm; with the Kynren start time at 9.15pm
August 5 - gates 6.15pm; show start 8.45pm
August 12 - gates 6pm; show start 8.30pm
August 19 - gates 6pm; show start 8.30pm
August 26 - gates 5.30pm; show start 8pm
September 2 - gates 5pm; show start 7.30pm
September 9 - gates 5pm; show start 7.30pm
The story - a mix of fact and fiction, taking in 2,000 years of British history in a non-stop performance of around 90 minutes. Action can happen simulataneously at both ends of the stage and also behind and in front of the lake that is at the centre of the set. It begins with the character of young Arthur setting out upon an epic quest.
Kynren's name is inspired by the Anglo Saxon word ‘cynren’ which means generation, kin or family. The show has 29 dramatic scenes. Look out for key moments such as:
Magical moments involving King Arthur, his sword Excalibur and an encounter with the Lady of the Lake
Viking invasion - blink and you might miss the magical appearance of a longboat rising from the water - and the clash with Anglo-Saxons at Stamford Bridge
First and Second World Wars - including the famous Christmas Day truce football game of the former
Royal occasions including Queen Elizabeth l in her royal barge; Charles I meeting his fate and Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee
Horse stunts - there's a huge animal cast and dramatic scenes include cavalry charges and jousting
Prices - prices have been frozen from last year and there is also a new fifth category of seating choice, called Standard Plus, to add more affordable seats. Options start at £26 (£16 for four to 17-year olds) for Standard tickets and go up to £60 for VIP (£50 children). A family super saver ticket is also available, offering 25% off superior seats (£36/£26) when booking for families of four or more. See here.
What's involved - the show relies heavily upon volunteers from the moment of the meet-and-greet onwards. In all, around 1,000 cast and crew are involved, plus there's a cast of animals ranging from chickens to horses. Adding to the epic nature of it all is the tribune theatre set-up which has 8,000 seats, all with a cracking view of the panoramic stage.
Dining - a meal package is on offer in the- site's Arches Hall and pre-show drinks can be enjoyed on an outdoor terrace overlooking the central lake. Those who book the new dining experience can expect a dinner prepared using local, seasonal produce by the on-site chef plus a fast-track ticket check; a show guide and mini Union Jack flag to wave during the performance.
Starters can include the likes of dill-cured smoked salmon with lime and dill crème fraiche and garden salad with roast vegetables, crumbled feta, pesto and pine nuts followed by mains such as spinach and ricotta cannelloni and prosciutto-wrapped free-range roast chicken stuffed with herbs and soft cheese. The cost is s £54.95 and includes a large glass of wine. It can be booked online and for specific dietary requirements contact dining@kynren.com.
What else - the show's dialogue is spoken by Auf Wiedersehen Pet and Lewis actor Kevin Whately and the backdrop to the action is an original soundtrack by award-winning composer Nathan Stornetta.
To book - see here. Later in the year, 11Arches also will be hosting a Pyromusical again. This will take place on November 4.
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