Would-be volunteers keen to join the cast and crew of what is billed as the UK’s biggest live-action show have a final chance to “throw their hat into the ring” today.

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England is staging its final open call at its show site, at Flatts Farm, Bishop Auckland, between 6.30pm and 8pm on Tuesday (April 9).

The multi-award-winning outdoor live theatre event recruits new members all year round, but tomorrow’s open call is an opportunity for potential “Archers”, the name given to the 1,000-strong band of volunteers who make up Kynren’s cast and crew, to join in time to take part in the full training programme for the 2024 season.

The Archers, who can vary in age from five years to the late eighties, will be involved in all aspects of the production.

The Northern Echo: Final open call for potential volunteers for this year's summer show run of Kynren

There are a variety of opportunities to become involved, from being part of the show, itself, to helping behind the scenes or simply meeting and greeting on performance nights.

Volunteers receive professional training from experts in their respective fields from stage combat, choreography, and pyrotechnics to the visitor experience.

Each open call session lasts approximately 90 minutes and gives prospective volunteers the chance to discover all the opportunities available and the profiles relevant to each role, including the commitment required to fulfil the position.

All those attending will also have the chance for a behind-the-scenes look at the Kynren site, learn about the show and listen to team leaders to get a feel for what each group does, including the relevant show, backstage, cavalry, visitor experience and operations teams.

The Northern Echo: Cavalry team appearing in a previous Kynren show spectacular in Bishop Auckland

Anna Warnecke, Kynren’s CEO, said: “I have never known such a dedicated group of incredible individuals who make Kynren such a world-class show year after year.

“Our volunteers become a close-knit family who make friends for life, but many also join to add experience to their CV, learn new skills and even improve fitness.

“And, whilst we’re fortunate to welcome so many people back each season, we’re always on the lookout for new volunteers.

“We’re looking to recruit great people of all ages, from five upwards, with a range of abilities and interests to join us on-stage or off-stage for this year’s show, which is set to be the biggest and most spectacular ever.”

Performed by a 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew on a seven-and-a-half-acre outdoor stage against the backdrop of Auckland Castle, Kynren is a spectacular re-telling of 2,000 years of English history.

The Northern Echo: Captivating culmination to previous year's Kynren outdoor show spectacular

Audiences can marvel at the magnificent sets, mass choreography, combat, stunts, horsemanship, stunning pyrotechnics and amazing special effects, including state-of-the-art video projections.

It transports audiences on a spell-binding voyage through history, myth and legend, as seen through the eyes of Arthur, the son of a mining family.

The Northern Echo:

There is also a pre-show entertainment experience, the Viking Village, which makes a return for the 2024 season.

It offers show-goers the chance to wander through the authentic recreation of a traditional 9th-century Viking settlement and is included in the cost of a Kynren ticket.

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The multi-award-winning shows, which run on Saturday nights from July 27 to September 14, feature daring stunts, state-of-the-art special effects, fireworks and evocative orchestral music.

Further information about tomorrow’s open call is available via: www.11arches.com/join-us, the website of Kynren’s administrative body.

Anyone unable to make the final open call, but still seeking more information about becoming part of Kynren, should email volunteer@11arches.org, the volunteer section of the site.