Review | A Knight's Tale | Manchester Opera House | 01/05/2025

Based on the 2001 cult classic, A Knight’s Tale is the latest teen film to get the jukebox musical treatment. While many adaptations can feel like little more than a cash grab, this one is a clear exception, setting the gold standard for screen-to-stage adaptations.

In a time where so many productions rely on screens and projections, this show is a lavishly staged visual feast. With a stunning multi-level wooden set, jaw-dropping pyrotechnics, cleverly staged jousting illusions and even aerial effects, it’s a full-blown theatrical spectacle.  Reminiscent of her Tony Award winning work on Six, Gabriella Slade fuses medieval with modern through the costume design to great effect, pulling you into story from the very beginning.

The cast are superb across the board, not even a show-stop on press night phased them in the slightest. Andrew Coshan leads the company as William Thatcher, with charisma, charm and vocals to match. Stealing the show however is the brilliant Max Bennett as Chaucer in his musical theatre debut. Holding the audience in the palm of his hand, he broke the fourth wall with perfect comic timing throughout. Alongside hilarious sidekicks What (Eva Scott) and Roland (Emile Ruddock), the whole gang will have you laughing from start to finish, all whilst William tries to prove his love for Jocelyn (Meesha Turner).

The music itself is an eclectic mix of 80s, 90s and 00’s bangers. The songs have been reimagined through exciting new arrangements that work seamlessly with Brona C Titley’s hilarious script. Both Emily Benjamin (Kate) and Oliver Tompsett (Count Adhemar) tore the roof off the Opera House with their powerhouse rock vocals with their solo numbers, providing some of the most memorable parts of the show. Even on the hottest day of the year, you couldn’t not get goosebumps!

It is refreshing to see such a large ensemble cast in a new musical. Bursting with an infectious energy, they shine brightest in the large ensemble dance numbers such as ‘Survivor’, ‘Reach’ and act one opener ‘We Will Rock You’. Matt Cole’s choreography is not just exciting, but inventive, even evoking horseback riding through movement alone without any of the impressive effects we see at other points. This show truly fires on all cylinders with each creative element brilliantly executed.

A Knight's Tale knows exactly what it is and doesn’t try to be anything else, managing to keep the spirit of the film whilst forging a whole new identity. Wonderfully silly and unapologetically camp, it is impossible not to fall in love with it. Speaking to several people who had booked to go again before leaving the theatre, this show has the potential to be the next big thing. Hands down the best jukebox musical since '& Juliet', this is not one to be missed.

A Knight's Tale is currently playing at Manchester Opera House as part of the 'Manchester Gets It First' scheme, where it will run until Saturday, 10 May 2025.

Click here for booking details

Note: My ticket was gifted. Irrespective of whether a show is gifted or bought, I always ensure that my reviews are fair and based on my honest opinion alone.