Henry VIII once announced a decree that women were not allowed to joust but try telling that to the team at Kynren – An Epic Tale of England.
Audiences might assume the Kynren team of nine jousters are predominantly male riders – but lift their helmets and audiences will discover a group of five women charging at their targets.
Aged from their early 20s to mid 40s, the jousters are also part of a female-strong horse-riding team who are challenging gender norms and are proud to be filling roles expected to be filled by male riders.
Anna Warnecke, CEO at Kynren, also volunteers as a jouster in the award-winning shows. She said: “With stunts involving high speed and a strong impact, there can be an expectation that it will involve men performing them, but we have very driven women here in the North East who are perfectly capable of rising to the challenge.”
Many of the women riding horseback in the world-class outdoor spectacle have been volunteering since Kynren began and trained at the Bishop Auckland site. They all have an unbridled love for the majestic creatures, which live onsite year-round and are looked after to the highest of standards by Kynren’s dedicated and experienced cavalry team.
Boudicca, an icon of female power and British independence features in the blockbuster production which tells the tale of 2,000 years of history, myth and legend. The British Iceni Queen is played by Laurie Robinson who also jousts and is director of cavalry and estates at Kynren.
Laurie said: “People can often assume it’s men and when you explain most of our jousting team is women, they remark “wow but they go so fast, they hit the target so hard!”. It’s nice to challenge the assumption that it’s all men.
“History was often written by men in power and focusses on stories about men, from their perspective, so it’s amazing to portray a woman like Boudicca in a show that also highlights what women can do.”
Alongside their male counterparts, the female horse riders feature throughout Kynren, including the show’s iconic medieval scenes, to depict Britain’s tumultuous history.
Dramatic horse stunts and impressive equestrian feats are displayed throughout Kynren’s 90-minute spectacular including jousting tournaments, rides involving fire and most daring of all, a person dragged by a horse across the seven-and-a-half-acre-stage.
With a female CEO and women making up 69% of volunteers, Kynren is setting a wonderful example for the next generation involved in the North East production that all genders are equal, and everyone can lead the charge in making a change.
The dazzling outdoor-theatre spectacular is ranked 5* on Tripadvisor and the scale and complexity of the production, from the spectacle of the costumes and the sets to the mind-blowing stunts and flawless choreography are what make Kynren the must-see event this summer.
The 90-minute performances, which transport audiences on a spellbinding journey through 2,000 years of history, myth and legend, start at sunset and end in starlight and will be taking place every Saturday night from 19thJuly to 13th September.
Tickets cost from £30 for adults and from £20 for under 18s. Children aged 3 and under are free when sat on an adult’s knee.
For further information and to book tickets, visit www.kynren.com.
About Kynren:
Kynren is a charity dedicated to education, conservation and the arts, bringing history to life while transforming lives forever. Every purchase supports our work to inspire and empower through volunteer, education and training programmes. Thank you.
Since its launch in 2016 in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, Kynren has become the UK’s ‘must-see’ live-action show. The production takes the audience on an immersive journey through 2,000 years of history, myth, and legend. Performed on a sprawling 7.5-acre stage – the size of five football pitches – the 90-minute show starts at sunset and ends under the starlit sky. It follows the story of Young Arthur on his quest through time to discover the story of us and features:
- 29 dramatic scenes including the might of the Roman Empire, Boudicca’s doomed rebellion, Viking invasions, knights jousting for glory, and the grandeur of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
- Relive the excitement of railway mania with our replica Locomotion no 1 in action, roaring across the stage in a recreation of its first journey to mark the railway’s 200th anniversary.
- A 1,000-strong cast and crew of volunteers.
- Dazzling stunts, pyrotechnics, and special effects.
- Magnificent horses and a menagerie of starring animals, including a much-loved gaggle of geese.
- The epic soundtrack, composed by award-winning Nathan Stornetta, evokes drama and excitement, while narration by Kevin Whately guides audiences through the action.
All of this takes place in a purpose-built 8,000-seat tribune, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world.
Pre-Show Experience: Return of the Vikings
Visitors can enjoy the Viking Village pre-show experience, exploring a 9th-century Viking settlement where history comes to life. Feel the heat as sparks fly in the blacksmith’s forge, watch warriors hone their battle skills, marvel at craftspeople weaving and carving by hand, meet fisherwomen at work, and see villagers tending animals. This immersive, hands-on experience sets the stage for the spectacular main event.
About Kynren’s 2025 Season and Tickets
The tenth-anniversary season runs on Saturday nights from 19th July to 13th September 2025, featuring a spectacular 90-minute performance starting at sunset.
Tickets start at £30 for adults and £20 for children, with premium seating options available. Discounts are offered for group bookings.
For more details and to book tickets, visit www.kynren.com
Discover Bishop Auckland:
Kynren is located in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, a town that has evolved into a vibrant cultural destination. Visitors can explore:
- Auckland Palace, Gardens and Deer Park: The impressive residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham.
- The Mining Art Gallery: Showcasing powerful depictions of mining life.
- The Spanish Art Gallery: A unique home to rare and historic pieces of art honouring Spain and its connection to the area.
- The Faith Museum: Exploring 6,000 years of British history through the lens of faith.
Together, these attractions create a rich cultural experience for all who visit, complementing the unforgettable spectacle of Kynren.
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