STANDING at the top of an 8m high grandstand, Damien Boissinot and Simon Horsley cast their eyes over the sprawling construction site that will stage Kynren - an epic tale of England.

In just over four months time, diggers and workers in hi-vis jackets will make way for hundreds of volunteers and thousands of spectators when the first of 14 live night shows opens at Eleven Arches, Bishop Auckland, on July 2.

When the sun sets and action begins the audience of 8,000 will look out over a flat lake.

Loading article content

But as they are taken on a journey through 2,000 years of history the 7.5acre stage will change shape before their eyes.

Hydraulic systems currently being installed in deep pits will lift dramatic sets including a Viking long ship and a replica of Auckland Castle up out of the ground.

A steel catwalk just beneath the lake’s surface will make actors appear to walk on water and pyrotechnics, light and sound effects promise to create an incredible atmosphere.

A hunting lodge ‘with secrets’ and a ‘gatehouse of time’ will be major parts if the scenery and villages for the 600 actors, cavalry stables and hospitality buildings are also going up.

Director of production Mr Boissinot, who comes from the Puy do Fou attraction in France on which the Eleven Arches concept is modelled, is buzzing with anticipation.

“It is very exciting to see all these people, about 150, working on the site at the moment.

“Groundwork, huge mechanics, a lot of technology and effects, different buildings, the grandstand, a lot of pieces need to come together and they will.

“The contractors are all proud to be part of it, moving ground might not be interesting but because they understand what they are doing it for they all work very hard to make it happen.

“The human adventure is what makes this so special,” he said.

One those keen to join the adventure was Mr Horsley, who joined the team just this week as technical director and will eventually take over from Mr Boissinot.

Having worked in the entertainment and theme park industry for 25 years- most recently at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi- he jumped at the change to be part of Eleven Arches.

He said: “As soon as I saw the job I absolutely needed to apply, I’ve worked on similar things but never on this scale.

“The whole idea, from the volunteers to the show is incredible and here for the long-term.”

Around 1,400 volunteers have joined Eleven Arches and 1,000 will be involved each night including 600 actors, costume, prop and technical teams and greeters.

All want to support the £31m project which is part of philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer’s vision to regenerate the Bishop Auckland area which also includes ambitious plans at Auckland Castle.