Stunt rider Marine Gourdon is the star of a spectacular new equine theatrical performance at 11Arches Park, Bishop Auckland.

The Frenchwoman is taking the lead role in 'Fina and the Golden Cape', a stunning 50-minute show taking place every Saturday until September 11th.

The show provides an opportunity for Marine to wow audiences with her incredible riding skills.

She is one of the only female riders in Europe to have attempted a “drag fall”, in which she is pulled along the ground by a galloping horse. It has led her to becoming an equine stuntwoman on a series of television and film productions.

Her daredevil career began as a teenager when she took a summer job at Puy du Fou, a French theme park similar to 11Arches.

She enjoyed it so much that on completing her training to become a PE teacher, she decided to turn her attentions to the historical attraction, spending eight years trying to land a male character's role as a trick rider.

Marine's fearlessness meant she was often paired with the wildest horses and despite suffering many falls, she was never injured, which convinced her to become a full-time stunt woman.

At the age of 32, Mario Luraschi, one of the world's greatest horse trainers and stunt riders, asked Marine to work with him and under his tuition she successfully completed her first drag fall – a feat she describes as the best day of her life.

She has since worked for Mario doing stunts for films and shows, before joining the 11Arches team for 'Fina' in 2019.

The show has been receiving rave reviews as the crowning glory at new daytime visitor attraction 11Arches Park, which opened earlier this month.

In addition to the climactic equine show there is a host of family-friendly pre-show activities, including The Maze of Fame, Kids' Viking Lair, the Dancing Waters show, Animal Croft and the interactive Viking Village.

Visitors can get close to nature, step back in time and lose themselves in the immersive and exhilarating live action show on the panoramic outdoor stage, which is set in a beautifully landscaped open space.

Featuring trick-riding, vaulting and chariot-racing, 'Fina' is the latest addition to one of the UK's largest outdoor shows 'Kynren – an Epic Tale of England' which is performed in the evening by a 1,000-strong cast and crew on a 7.5-acre outdoor stage.

There are only three Saturdays to go before the park closes, ahead of fully opening again in 2022 – so don't delay in securing your ticket for a truly spectacular experience. To book tickets and check start times, visit www.11arches.com

11Arches Park and Kynren – An Epic Tale of England are produced by 11Arches, a registered charity, whose objective is to produce world class shows and attractions, underpinned by an innovative and engaging arts, education and community development programme.

WHAT:            Fina & The Golden Cape at 11Arches Park

WHEN:            Open Every Saturday, until 11 September 2021

ADMISSION:  

• Book up to 72 hours in advance and secure a reduced price - Child £10, Adult £15.50
• Full price tickets Adult £18 Child £15.50

WHERE:           11Arches Park, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7SF

WEBSITE:        www.11arches.com

For more information, please contact:

Nikki Smith nikki@flamingo-marketing.co.uk T 01637 873379 / 07525 780624

Victoria Bryson Vbryson@11arches.org T 01388 439802 / 07969991985

Interviews can be arranged and tickets to view show.