Kynren – An Epic Tale of England has released details about its last open call for this year’s season.
The Bishop Auckland based attraction is welcoming interested individuals of all ages* to come along to Flatts Farm on Tuesday 4th March, between 6:30pm and 8pm.
It will be one of the last opportunities in 2025 to join the 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew in the live action theatrical spectacular ahead of the extended run of shows beginning in July.
Wendy Wilshere, head of volunteer casting and engagement at Kynren said: “The open calls are a great way for people interested in joining Kynren to visit the site and explore what it’s all about. Some of our amazing current volunteers will be on hand to provide extra information and advice, so individuals can learn what roles might suit them and how they can benefit from volunteering in the show.”
Each year, Kynren welcomes new volunteers – known as ‘Archers’ – who receive full training tailored to their role. There are still opportunities available in the Experience Team, Show Team (where Kynren is actively looking for male cast members) and Operations Team. Kynren is also seeking rescue divers and water-based surface support.
“We’re dedicated to fostering a sense of community at Kynren. Our Archers have told us how they’ve improved their confidence, made new friends, reached new levels of fitness and added skills to their CV whilst volunteering at Kynren,” Wendy added.
Archers receive training from the Kynren team as well as leading experts in their fields; from stage combat and choreography to animal husbandry, prop making and pyrotechnics.
All volunteers are also looked after by Wendy, whose role is to ensure volunteers have the best experience at Kynren. Wendy has recently been announced as a finalist in VisitEngland’s national tourism superstar award in recognition of her dedication to Kynren and its volunteers and the winner will be decided by public vote.
Open call attendees will also have the chance to ask questions and find out the level of commitment needed to take part in Kynren during the 90-minute session taking place in March.
Jaden Dixon was a volunteer during the 2024 season and has been a part of the show since 2016. He said: “Volunteering with Kynren is always such a fun experience. Not only have I made incredible new friends, but I get to spend my Saturday nights throughout the summer under the starlight performing alongside some very talented people – and I can’t wait to do it all over again this summer.”
Kynren is the UK’s biggest live action outdoor theatre spectacular, which runs on Saturday nights from 19th July to 13th September 2025, transporting audiences of up to 8,000 people on a spellbinding voyage through 2,000 years of history, myth and legend.
The breathtaking production, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary season this year, tells 'the story of us’ on a seven-and-a-half-acre stage and features daring stunts, state-of-the-art special effects, and an epic firework finale, all set to an unforgettable soundtrack.
The Viking Village pre-show entertainment experience returns in 2025, offering visitors the opportunity to wander through the authentic recreation of a traditional 9th Century Viking settlement and see the village dwellers prepare for a raid – watch sparks fly from the blacksmith’s forge, practice battle cries and marvel at craftspeople weaving and carving by hand.
For further information about the next open call on Tuesday 4th March, click here, and attendance to the open call on 4th March must be registered in advance via [email protected].
For anyone unable to make the final open call but would still like to find out more about being part of Kynren, please email [email protected].
*Any child who wishes to become an Archer in 2025 will need to have an adult over the age of 18 sign up with them as well, to act as a responsible adult for him/her on general rehearsals as well as on show nights. This person will need to accompany them to the open call.
To vote for Wendy Wilshere in VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar competition, visit www.visitbritain.org/working-us/visitenglands-tourism-superstar-award