A KEIGHLEY teenager helped create costumes for a spectacular outdoor live-action history show in the north-east.

Joanna Rowling assembled lace bodices and soldiers’ uniforms as part of work experience for the Kynren show in Bishop Auckland.

Kynren, described as an ‘epic tale of England’, was performed on and around the lake by a cast of 1,500 dressed as historical figures including Romans, Victorians, Vikings and medieval knights.

Joanna, 19, was among students from Cleveland College of Art and Design (CCAD) who developed their sewing skills and costume creation as part of the project.

In a dream assignment, students from all year groups of the Costume Interpretation with Design degree viewed the magnificent set in Bishop Auckland as part of a research trip.

This was followed by a visit to the college from senior staff in the Kynren costume department to set the task of creating complete garments for the show.

Using only patterns provided by the Kynren team, the team of students were able to assemble doublets and breeches, the traditional version of jackets and trousers worn by musketeers, and lace bodices for the female characters.

Joanna, who currently lives in Hartlepool, said she loved the work experience and was pleased to put it on her CV.

She said: “The first day we were given bundles of garment pieces ready to assemble with a finished outcome to work out how to construct.

“I haven't seen the show yet but after the research trip we took to find out more about it I definitely want to at some point in the future, the set looked amazing.”

During the summer Joanna has also gained work experience with York Castle Museum, making 1800s garments for their Victorian street, and worked on the Gobbledigook Theatre production of Robin Hood at Bolton Abbey.

She added: “I am really enjoying the CCAD's costume course, as we have so much freedom with the items that we make. I feel that in my first year I have learned so much already.”

Kynren is set on a vast landscaped stage in County Durham with a lake at its centre hiding a host of surprises.

The show takes its audience on a whistlestop tour of 2,000 years of history, myth and legend, showcasing characters and events that have shaped the North East.

The 29 scenes take the audience from the Roman occupation to the Second World War, with the 1,500 volunteer performers interacting with horses, sheep, oxen, donkeys, goats and geese.

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