Impressive props including a replica fire-engine and authentic Victorian prams will be taking centre stage in a reimagined scene when Kynren returns for its tenth anniversary year on Saturday 19 July.
Kynren is breathing new life into its Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Parade scene, which will feature 311 new props and costumes, 186 characters and 18 majestic horses on stage.
Authentic Victorian prams have been sourced from across the country, including nearby Spennymoor, and will help transport audiences back to the bustling streets of London in the Victorian era, as nannies push them along the stage which lies in the shadow of Auckland Palace.
Anna Warnecke, CEO at Kynren, said: “This new scene is more complex than anything we’ve done before, but that’s what keeps everyone excited and engaged – our cast loves a challenge.”
With a fresh injection of unexpected comedy, fire fighters will also take centre stage using one of Kynren’s newest and impressive props – a full-scale fire engine – in this new performance.
Using the latest technology, the fire engine has been digitally rendered, using as its inspiration one which was originally built in 1890 and found in Beamish Living Museum.
Anna added: “The new prop is modelled off the real fire engine named ‘Nelson’ which was dedicated to Bishop Auckland’s GP as a retirement gift in recognition of his service to the area and now lives at Beamish.
“He gifted it to the community, and it served them up until the outbreak of the Second World War.
“We’re delighted to feature this part of Bishop Auckland’s history in Kynren and it was wonderful to work with Beamish on this project, shining a light on this fascinating piece of local heritage.”
Integral to the props department is the Rossi family, who have volunteered at Kynren since the first season. Former art teacher, Mark Rossi, one of two props team leaders at Kynren, is joined by wife Anne and son Chris and each year the family work together alongside other volunteers to ensure all props are built, created and ready to go for every evening show in-front of audiences of up to 8,000 people.
In the tenth anniversary season, the Rossi family is being honoured for their contribution to Kynren. Ice cream carts will feature in the revamped Jubilee scene and one will feature the Rossi name, which is also homage to Mark’s grandfather who started his ice cream business in Bishop Auckland in the 1920s, one of a number of Italian ice cream families who settled in the market town.
Mark said: “It’s such a pleasure to be a part of the Kynren family – alongside my actual family.
“I have countless sketch books, drawings and designs of many of the show’s props and seeing them come to life on stage is always amazing.
“I think we’ll all be a bit emotional to see the Rossi name on stage as our very own ice cream cart is wheeled out this summer.”
There are over 3,000 props which feature in the blockbuster production including Kynren’s replica of Locomotion No.1, which has extra significance this year as the show celebrates the 200th anniversary of the nearby Stockton and Darlington Railway and the birthplace of the modern railway.
Kynren’s 2025 extended season will begin on Saturday 19 July and run until Saturday 13 September, offering audiences an unforgettable journey through 2,000 years of iconic British history, myth and legend.
For more information about Kynren and to book tickets, visit www.kynren.com.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
