Organisers of the UK’s most spectacular open-air live action night show since the opening of the 2012 Olympics have appointed their first Technical Director to help deliver the epic production which is set to wow audiences in Bishop Auckland this summer.
Eleven Arches has appointed Simon Horsley, who boasts 25 years’ experience in the theme park and entertainment industry, to work alongside Production Director, Damien Boissinot, who is acting as Eleven Arches’ ‘borrowed brain’ from France’s Puy du Fou on which the Eleven Arches concept is modelled.
Simon will work alongside Damien and the strong technical and design team who have relocated from France to guide the highly complex production which presents a storytelling journey of 2000 years of British history, as seen through the eyes of the North East. Set on a 7.5 acre stage with a huge lake at its centre, the show will feature intricate hydraulics, water, lighting, audio, video and pyrotechnics’ effects. More importantly, Simon will ensure that the wealth of knowledge invested by the Puy du Fou in Eleven Arches’ success is embedded and built on in years to come.
Previously Technical Manager within the entertainment department at Alton Towers Resort, Simon was responsible for the technical management of large scale special events including the annual fireworks shows, Scarefest, as well the Christmas events.
Most recently, Simon worked as Solution’s Architect within the engineering team at Holovis International, a company that specialises in technical systems for large theme parks and visitor attractions worldwide.
Speaking of his appointment, Simon said: “The role is something that excites me immensely. Within the UK the Eleven Arches project is truly unique, pioneering, and ground-breaking. Having been involved with the technical management of live events and entertainment for the whole of my working life, to be involved with such a large scale, technologically advanced, community based project at the outset is a lifelong ambition.
“I have been aware of the world leading reputation of Puy Du Fou for many years, and I’m hugely looking forward to working with their team and also volunteers from the local community to bring the technical elements of the Kynren show to life in 2016, and also for many years to come.
“Not only does the production utilise many technical systems found within traditional theatre and entertainment venues such as lighting and audio systems, but also there are also totally unique scenic elements and special effects which bring even more exciting challenges to the role providing dramatic capabilities and visual impact to the performances not found elsewhere. I’m looking forward to not only using and sharing my previous technical skills, experience, and knowledge, but also leading, developing, and training the technical team at Eleven Arches.”
Tickets for the Kynren, comprising 14 summer shows getting underway from 02 July 2016, have gone on sale priced £25-55 for adults and £19-41 for children. For ticket bookings please visit www.kynren.co.uk.
For further information on the show, visit www.elevenarches.org and the Twitter feed #Kynren.