A former Viking warrior who once charged across the Kynren battlefield swinging an axe has now swapped stage combat for spreadsheets, carving out a new career behind the scenes at one of the region’s most celebrated live productions.
Bethaney Shears first arrived at Kynren in 2016, when she was cast to film a fight sequence for an independent production company on the site.
“That’s how I heard about Kynren,” she said.
“I’d been dancing since I was little and loved performing, so joining the cast felt like a natural fit.”
She began her Kynren journey as a volunteer in the Cavalry team, later returning in 2022 to join the Show Team alongside her partner Paul, where both brought their choreography and combat skills to the production.
The Viking Village at Kynren which is making a welcome return this year. The settlement will give show goers a window into the lives of the invaders who influenced our history so profoundly.
Alongside her on-stage work, Bethaney holds a Law degree from Stirling University, and later completed AAT Levels 2 and 3, working across several accounts departments before joining the 11 Arches team in her new bookkeeping role.
Her time at Kynren has given her skills far beyond performance.
“As a team leader, I’ve learned so much about people management,” she said.
“Nothing compares to hearing the audience react during the show, it gives you an incredible feeling and reminds you that you’re part of something really special.”
Outside of work, Bethaney describes herself as ‘always busy’, dividing her time between rugby, football, theatre trips and staying active.
What she values most about Kynren, however, is the sense of togetherness:
“Being able to do something I love with family and friends is a huge part of why I keep coming back,” she said.
Looking ahead, Bethaney is excited about helping Kynren grow.
“I want to support the development of Kynren into a truly world-class attraction that showcases our corner of the country to the rest of the world.”
In 2026, Bethaney and the team will have the opportunity to do just that with the launch of ‘Kynren – The Storied Lands’, a major new historical live-action attraction, which is set to open in Bishop Auckland in the summer.
Spanning multiple live shows and immersive experiences, The Storied Lands will combine scale, spectacle, and storytelling to transport visitors through centuries of British history, legend, and myth.
It will form the centrepiece of the expanded Kynren park, complementing the award-winning evening production An Epic Tale of England.
