Manchester’s famous Opera House had hosted multiple productions beginning their theatrical journey as part of ATG’s ‘Manchester Gets It First’ programme with many going on to the West End and Broadway. Ghost the Musical, Bat Out Of Hell, &Juliet, Mrs Doubtfire and who could forget Covid hit Back To The Future? Each one of these productions has a ‘Made in Manchester’ tag securely attached to them and continue to thrive playing to packed houses across the globe.
Now there is a new pretender to the crown, A Knight’s Tale had its World Premiere tonight and judging by the audience reaction the producers will need to find a West End venue pretty quick.
Based on the 2001 cult film A Knight’s Tale follows William Thatcher, a 14th century peasant squire who breaks all the rules when he passes himself off as a nobleman and takes the jousting world by storm. And what a storm this show creates!
Andrew Coshan takes the lead role and owns the stage every time he steps upon it. He is supported by four friends Emile Ruddock as Roland, Emily Benjamin as Kate, Max Bennett as Chaucer and the superb Eva Scott as What.
William falls for Princess Jocelyn played by Meesha Turner, but she has a second gentleman vying for her affections in the form of Count Adhemar played by West End royalty Oliver Tompsett. All the leading players display superb vocals throughout each getting a solo number of their own alongside the big group numbers.
The ensemble plays a huge part in this production and are faultless performing the exceptional choreography from Matt Cole.
The soundtrack to the show is filled with some of the best-known pop songs of all time. Queen, Destiny’s Child, The Proclaimers, David Bowie and even S Club 7 feature, each cleverly woven into the narrative. I don’t mind admitting to groans at some of the choices, but all were cleverly used. Each song backed by the glorious sounding band sat high above the stage under the direction of Alan Berry.
Staging from set designer Tom Rogers is deceivingly simple and masks some very clever effects such as the opening of act 2 and the final jousting scene, a visual masterpiece lit spectacularly by Howard Hudson. Matt Peploe’s sound design is probably one of the best I have heard at the Opera House since Back To the Future was in residence, crystal clear at all times.
One of the strongest parts of this show is the book from writer Brona C Titley which director Rachel Kavanaugh must have squealed with delight when she read it. There are a plethora of jokes from start to finish, some pantomime like in their nature, some topical to the moment and some language the children may not appreciate, but all hit the mark at tonight’s premiere.
I must also note the delicious costume design from Gabriella Slade. It is clear to see no expense was spared in the wardrobe department and the attention to detail was evident even from my vantage position mid-way back in the stalls. I would not be surprised if this design becomes award winning in the future.
To those who know me, I was never a huge fan of juke box musicals. This view changed somewhat after watching the very clever &Juliet a few years ago when it too premiered in Manchester. Tonight, my mind has been forever changed as A Knight’s Tale became my new benchmark in which to compare future productions of this genre to.
A Knight’s Tale is surely destined for the West End and a lengthy run. It is a night of pure escapism, and a walk down the popular music memory lane with a 21st century vibe. Visually and vocally spectacular from start to finish. Who knew jousting could be so much fun?
Reviewer: Paul Downham
Reviewed: 1st May 2025
North West End UK Rating: