Kynren's latest recruit begins his training as the show prepares for its summer run

20th May 2024

Cosmo, the majestic grey shire horse is being put through his paces as the latest recruit to join the cast and crew of the north east’s much awaited summer production Kynren – An Epic Tale of England.

Preparing for his starring role as a carriage horse, Cosmo is already impressing the cavalry team with his natural ability on the vast seven-and-a half acre stage.

Featuring in some of the processions and the action-packed Viking attack scene where a fisherwoman is kidnapped by Vikings raiding the village, Cosmo has also been introduced to many of the 1,000 volunteers as part of his training.

Laurie Robinson, director of cavalry and estates at Kynren said: “Cosmo has taken to his carriage driving responsibilities exceptionally well – in fact he’s picked up the technique much quicker than we were expecting, he’s a complete natural. He truly is an exceptional horse and we feel very lucky to have him in our team.

“We’ve introduced the training process very gradually with Cosmo as we want to ensure he has a great experience and feels comfortable, and we have followed Cosmo’s lead as he gets used to the noises and scale of machinery involved. We’re also very conscious that teaching horses to drive carriages means using a whole different set of muscles, so we’re taking it at his pace.”

Laurie leads a team of highly-skilled specialists who ensure Cosmo and over 150 animals in the cast are well looked after.

“We have 39 performance horses as well as sheep, geese and goats, which all need to be cared for to the highest standards,” adds Laurie.

Other horses in the production pull an impressive six-horse cart which features in the Queen Victoria procession scene and visitors can also experience the excitement as daring jousting knights on horseback charge at full speed. 

Additional highlights include Boudicca’s courageous but doomed uprising against the Romans and the clash of Viking and Anglo-Saxon leaders at the battle of Stamford Bridge – bringing to life Britain’s history of invasions, royal splendour, war and heroic sacrifice.

The 90-minute performances start at sunset and end in starlight and will be taking place every Saturday night from 27th July to 14th September.

Tickets cost from £26 for adults and from £16 for under 18s. Children aged 3 and under are free when sat on an adult’s knee.