Review – A Knight’s Tale World Premiere

Review – A Knight’s Tale World Premiere

Manchester Opera House 01-05-25 by Tiffany Chevis

Full to the hilt with crowd-pleasers and classic hits, A Knight’s Tale has been transformed into a jukebox musical as camp and brazen as you would wish it to be.

Following William as he goes from daydreaming squire to accidental knight, it’s a tale of taking chances, not letting go of hope, and charging head-first into opportunity. With a re-hashed Medieval aesthetic we’ve come to know and love through shows like Six and &Juliet, the production values of this show are huge. Gabriella Slade’s punky costumes are vibrant and full of energy that enhance Matt Cole’s choreography to fill the stage with colour and movement. Alongside Tom Rogers’ impactful set design, not to mention four (at my count!) different kinds of horse, it’s certainly a visual feast. Of course, We Will Rock You is given ample attention, but there are other unexpected musical treats, from nuns singing I Wanna Dance With Somebody to a hobby-horse led Let Me Entertain You.

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Fans of the film will be gratified to hear that Andrew Coshan truly channels Heath Ledger’s William (Sir Ulric), with wide-eyed optimism and unbridled ambition, whilst Meesha Turner is a commanding Jocelyn, clearly a woman used to getting what she wants.

Oliver Tompsett as the wicked Count Adhemar was every inch the villain with enormous stage presence and clipped delivery. The West End’s original &Juliet William Shakespeare, he certainly has experience with this sort of show which was evident on stage. His performance of Rollin’ In the Deep was as powerful and rocky as you would want and demonstrated some of the strongest vocals of the night.

Emily Benjamin as the bolshy blacksmith Kate brings real vigour and unapologetic Welshness, whilst the role of What was made both hilarious and endearing by Eva Scott. Alongside Emile Ruddock’s loyal Roland, the trio’s interactions are full of wit and comedy timing that ensures moments between musical numbers don’t lose pace.

But it was Chaucer who stole the show – and not just with his revealing entrance. Max Bennett takes great pleasure in quipping with the audience, a knowing grin breaking the scenes in the most engaging ways and bringing the crowd along with him (not least with his own big musical number – no spoilers!). Ensuring things are never taken too seriously, Bennett adds a crucial layer that elevated the entire performance.
With such an irreverent tone throughout the majority of the show, some of the more poignant moments perhaps didn’t hit as emotionally as intended, with a few audible titters from the crowd as the energy dropped. Whether they were meant to provoke more feeling, or the shift in tempo just didn’t quite hit the mark, there’s certainly opportunity to make more of these moments one way or the other.

Recognition must be given to the cast and crew for managing a technical hitch with humour and professionalism too – after all, the joy of live theatre is it’s all happening right in front of you. As song after song gallop across the stage, and bursting choreography duels for your attention, A Knight’s Tale will no doubt be a champion to many.

Get tickets and more details from the official site HERE.