VICTORIAN PRAMS AND A FULL-SIZE FIRE ENGINE TO FEATURE IN KYNREN’S NEW JUBILEE SCENE
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 th July.
Kynren is breathing new life into its Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Paradescene 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.
As the chimes of Big Ben ring out, several new characters will emerge – from newspaper boys
darting through the crowds and chimney sweeps popping up to well-dressed ladies meandering and
bankers walking purposefully – and this revitalised scene will bring to life the vibrant essence of
Victorian society.
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.
“And whilst the London setting will be instantly recognisable, we couldn’t resist including parts of
our local history and local people in the performance who have such a huge impact on what Kynren
is.”
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 one which was originally built in
1890 and found in County Durham’s Beamish Living Museum as its inspiration.
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 Living Museum 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 and was only 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.”
As well as featuring in Kynren’s new reimagined scene, which centres around the majestic Queen
Victoria as she makes her grand entrance in a six-horse carriage, resplendent with intricate detailing
and opulence, props are an essential part throughout the entirety of the 90-minute spectacular,
helping to tell the country’s 2,000-year-old tale.
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
200 th 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 th July and run until Saturday
13 th 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
