Braes of Derwent South Pony Club members recently enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of the outdoor live action theatre production, Kynren, and met its cast of humans and horses.
Eighty members of the northeastern Pony Club made the trip to Bishop Auckland to visit the stable yard and grounds of the show – including the 7.5 acre stage – and were given opportunities to ask questions to the volunteers as well as meet some of the horses.
Kynren is a 90-minute theatre show which explores 2,000 years of history, myth and legend. Horses are an integral part of the show and feature as part of the procession as well as in medieval jousting and carriage driving scenes.
“It was wonderful to welcome the Pony Club here. They had lots of interesting and insightful questions, and our volunteers did a fantastic job answering these to inspire the members further,” said Laurie Robinson, director of cavalry and estates at Kynren.
“Being onsite means they could really soak up the atmosphere of a working yard which is often full of action, as well as witnessing firsthand the horses in training as we prepare for the rest of our Saturday night shows.”
Range of horses
The team of horses, which include a grey Shire horse and a highland pony called Major, live onsite year-round at Kynren and are cared for by the dedicated cavalry team. Alongside horses, cattle, sheep and geese also live at Kynren and are part of the show.
“All our members found the visit fascinating. Practical demonstrations and the explanations provided a wonderful insight into the show, in particular the cavalry team,” said Alex Emmerson, District Commissioner, Braes of Derwent South Pony Club.
“The visit has inspired many of our older members to look into becoming involved in the show. A big thank you from the Braes Derwent South for this opportunity.”
The Pony Club members also spoke to David Turner-Richardson, Kynren’s expert carriage driver, who drives the six-horse carriage carrying Queen Victoria in the new Jubilee parade scene, and the powerful four horse Roman chariot.
Volunteer opportunities
“Providing opportunities for volunteers of all ages – from just five years old up to 88 – to develop new and valuable skills is central to Kynren’s ethos,” said Anna Warnecke, ceo of Kynren, who is also a jouster in the show.
“In turn, sharing experiences like this with organisations is one way the team at Kynren can extend their skills, talent and learning into our local communities.”
Kynren takes place every Saturday evening until 13 September. Tickets cost from £30 for adults and £20 for under 18s.
For further information and to book tickets click here.
Images © Kynren.
