Efteling has announced a six-year partnership with Puy du Fou, with the French operator providing the Dutch theme park consultancy services on its popular Raveleijn show.

Featuring stunts and special effects, a team of 50 actors, stunt people, horse riders and falconers are a part of Raveleijn, which takes place across a 1,500sq m (16,145sq ft) stage and is based on the children's book of the same name by Paul van Loon.

The show tells the tale of five children, magically transformed into knights, who free the medieval city of Raveleijn from the evil Count Olaf. The strategic partnership will see Puy du Fou will provide ongoing advice to Efteling, with the aim of enhancing the park's already spectacular show.

"We always seek to work with the best in the field. For the live show, our decision to work with Puy du Fou was an obvious one," said Fons Jurgens, CEO of Efteling.

"Their artistic excellence will help us promote this show even better to the world stage."

Originally created in 2011 and then reimagined in 2013 by Puy du Fou, Raveleijn will return to Efteling in April 2020, with more than 1,200 performances to be staged this year alone. The show, and partnership, will run through to at least the beginning of 2026.

A technical issue had shut down the show for more than three months in 2019 after a large mechanical dragon used in the performance was damaged and had to be completely dismantled for repairs.

"Puy du Fou is the inventor of an artistic model that calls upon the popular imagination in a celebration of the very soul of people," said Nicolas de Villiers, CEO of Puy du Fou.

"Efteling is part of the Netherlands’ heritage and we shall be putting all our energy into reinforcing this spectacular and emotional celebration of the Dutch tale."