Hi, welcome to my first review here on StageSideUK! No pressure, eh? I feel like Jonathan is going to be watching out for all my mistakes. Alas, (apparently I say that now) I’m here to tell you a little about the brand new musical that has just opened at the Manchester Royal Opera House. I was able to get tickets for the opening (k)night, Friday 11th April 2025, so myself and another ex-drama graduate went to see what it was all about.
About A Knight’s Tale: The Musical
A Knight’s Tale, based off the 2001 iconic film, starring Heath Ledger and Paul Bettany, is about a young thatcher’s son who is on a quest to change his stars. Not being of noble birth, William is not allowed to joust and take part in the competitions for fear of prosecution. Following an unfortunate circumstance, an opportunity arises for William to become the made up character of Sir Ulrich Van Lichtenstine in order to make his wish come true and joust across the continent. William and gang, What and Roland head off to compete, meeting Kate and Chaucer along the way.
With blacksmith and resident hype man in tow, Sir Ulrich becomes the new star of the show. As fame and money rise, Sir Ulrich meets rival Count Adhemar and love interest Princess Jocelyn, but will he be able to hide his true identity and avoid getting though in the stocks, or worse? Will little William be able to changes his stars after all?
A Knight’s Tale Scenography
Let’s talk about set, baby…
As a theatre goer, I’m very much enjoying this whole have the set visible on stage as you walk in thing shows have going on these days. As a designer myself, it’s lovely to get a good nosey before the action on stage begins. A Knight’s Tale, however, chose to give us a hint of the overall vibe before fully pulling up the curtain and turning the lights up. Initial thoughts were &Juliet meets Matlida: The Musical as it featured a giant light up title sign with a stage border of swords and coats of arms. First impressions were ok but I was much more impressed as things got going.
The full set involved a 3 storey piece with medieval arches suitable for cross-continent backdrops as well as inside the Jocelyn’s church. With many moveable pieces and additional larger props, I was impressed with the set on the whole. Lighting greatly aided the atmosphere, even the coat of arms on the border had their moment. Direction and choreography made use of the full set and it was great to see the musicians in pride of place on the top level. There were some lovely moments where everything was stripped back to a dream-like, starry night state which from a design perspective seemed very simple but worked very effectively for the scenes.
When it comes to costume, if I’m to use other musicals as reference again, this time I’d say it was very &Juliet and Six-esque, with a sprinkle of Starlight Express. There was more traditional medieval style base layers topped with a bit of showbiz flare in the likes of broad cone-like shoulders, leather-look accents, and intricate detailing. Similar to Six (featuring the same costume designer), there was a very medieval silhouette that kept up the consistency alongside the additional touches that matched the set throughout. It was fun and colour with a mixture of textures and patterns that kept each scene interesting to the eye, and dare I say, sexy?! And I’m not just talking about Chaucer and his papers.
There were a couple of what looked like costume mishaps but the actors played them off well with the running joke of “I’m attached to you”. Probably not what they wanted but the audience enjoyed the joke and I guess things like that would have happened in that era with costumes and materials like that. (I couldn’t tell if it was a mic or a thread that got caught, but I expect it’s something they can figure out.)
A Knight’s Tale Performance & Cast
I’m going to preface this with, it was opening night with no previews beforehand, and I know the cast and crew hadn’t had much time in the theatre itself following moving up from rehearsals in London. I’m saying this because there were a few bum higher notes that were a little cringe worthy but overall everyone on stage gave it their all. I’m not sure whether this was down to nerves or what but Take on Me seemed particularly difficult. Despite this, everyone on stage had a great voice individually and their sound came together well. The ensemble were great, full of energy and not a beat missed. The main cast had a great bond, ideal for the characters, yet giving each of them their own personality and space to have their own moments.
What (Eva Scott) had brilliant comedic timing, such a lovable character. Emily Benjamin’s voice and just overall performance was my favourite. Andrew Coshan was a suave William, rocking both hairstyles. His chemistry with each character/actor on stage was perfect for the story, building the bond. William is essentially the star of the show but I didn’t feel like his was overtaking, instead it was a nice balance highlighting the friendship. Part of me wanted more from the “side” characters, Chaucer especially. That said, I want Max Bennett as my hype man. Oliver Tompsett’s lovely deep vocals gave the Count a true devilish edge, I’m glad he got some spotlight moments.
I did feel like there were a few too many songs and would have appreciated more script between the main group. Some of the stand out moments were when they got the chance to talk between each other and to the audience. There were a couple of choices that took me out of it, namely the change of music with the nuns and the prop choices for one of Adhemar’s song. The choreography, costume and props at that point took the already sexy essence a little too far, I get that whips make sense for horses but it felt a little too jockey and a little too BDSM, not fitting with the vibe.
Finally, let’s take a moment for the jousting. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone but I really enjoyed it. It was unique and they mixed it up enough each time that it didn’t get boring. One note would be to make it look more like the lances actually hit the other person or make more of the winner and loser, it was a little difficult to see who actually won until the speech said it.
Rating
Overall, I really enjoyed this show and would recommend going to see while it’s still on in Manchester. Some iconic songs, brilliant energy and lovable characters. My only minor downfall was the amount of songs. It’s a great crowd pleaser, even with a first night mishap causing the show to stop just before the end, the audience kept singing and enjoying themselves even with the added break. Props to Max Bennett for quickly getting the show back on its feet and building up momentum once again. An all-round bundle of joy for all audiences. Great for fans of the movie and new fans alike. I hope the show goes on to be successful in Manchester, London and hopefully in a later tour to take it wider.
Accessibility
Generally the sound was not too loud throughout with no sudden bangs that were noticeable to myself. Thought there are no strobes or regular flashing lights, they do use a outward facing slow flash during the jousting scenes. If you want to be mindful of these, it is usually when the lances are hit the opponent.
Value for money
Ticket prices start at £15 and range up to £147 depending on the day. For a good view, prices average at £60 so pricings are sitting in the standard for for bigger shows at the Palace or Opera House in Manchester, closer to West End prices. That said, the show would still be good in any restricted view places for the cheaper prices. If you’re a student, keep an eye out for student offers – I was able to pay £25 for a tickets in the more expensive zone.
Tickets and more information about the show are available here.
Check out available student offers on ATG shows here.
Have your say!
Have you seen A Knights Tale at Manchester Royal Opera House? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
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Featured images have been referenced and are used in line with fair usage, in the copyright act. All images in this post taken by Johan Persson.
Jonathan Harper
we were there on opening night and loved every single minute of it all, very funny, loved the music, loved the characters, great costumes. The final joust was inspired. I would go again. The power loss near the end wasn’t an issue for me, couldnt be helped and the cast got right back into swing. Fantastic night out
I’m glad press night wasn’t the same night so there was time to iron out things! Really impressed how they got straight back into it! Just been so see another show where a similar thing happened and it really knocked off the pacing so I’m glad AKT managed well!
I’m lucky enough to have seen it twice now and would go again in a heartbeat, I found it totally unexpected and brilliant, it follows the story but with a modern twist, one where the music changes were great, and some great voices on stage, the horses were well thought out and they worked very well on stage, I have nothing bad to say, go and see it
Oh I am so sad I haven’t seen it. Major FOMO xD I have heard nothing but good things about the show!
We went yesterday and loved it. I thought the music was great and the cast were really good loved the comment about the S Club 7 song.
It definitely one to watch.
Aww lovely! I hope you had the best time! I really need to get tickets, major Fomo haha
We went on Thursday. What a blast. The first song I admit to saying wtf? But by the second song I was hooked lol. The whole cast was brilliant, Adhemar and Kate were personal favourites, but the whole cast are amazing. The sets were brilliant, the jousting hilarious. Chaucer was fab.
Missed out the end farting scene though. That should have been included. Should have included Jocelyn’s maid Christiana, as she was the one passing messages to Will, mainly through Roland, who gets feelings fir the maid. Jocelyn did not do that herself, especially not as a “princess “. That’s my only gripe. Jocelyn is a noble woman, not a princess