Review: A Knight’s Tale at Opera House is ‘a fast paced, hilarious treat for all of the family’

Mancunians have been flocking to see the brand new medieval musical, A Knight’s Tale. As part of the Manchester gets it first scheme, the show has taken over the Opera House and turned the stage into a jousting ring.

Traditional attire for attending the theatre is smart casual, but for A Knight’s Tale audiences have been trading modern day looks for medieval outfits, with one audience member donning full chainmail and armour.

The mix of modern and medieval is a theme throughout the show.

A Knight’s Tale at Opera House

A Knight’s Tale is set in medieval France and follows William, a peasant, trying to change his stars and become a knight.

The show follows the story of the 2001 action comedy film, A Knight’s Tale, which starred Heath Ledger as the lead. The musical, which has been rocking the Opera House stage since the 11th of April, has combined the brilliant narrative of the film’s storyline and shaken it up by adding a soundtrack of absolute bangers.

Opening the show with one of the most famous songs of all time, Queen’s We Will Rock You, the cast roar onto the stage as the audience stamp their feet.

Andrew Coshan as William

We first meet William, played by Andrew Coshan, as a young boy with dreams of becoming a knight.

Not the usual career path for a peasant. His father tells him he can achieve his dreams and change his stars, but only if he believes hard enough. So William sets out on a journey with his rag-tag bunch of medieval misfits to become the best knight a peasant can be. To help him on his way, Roland, played by Emile Ruddock and What, played by Eva Scott, are the supportive comedic duo everyone deserves to have as friends.

The team have barely begun their journey when they bump into a man baring all, who turns out to be the father of English literature himself, Chaucer.

The scantily clad Chaucer, played by Max Bennet, offers to join the team to see William become the victor.

Max Bennet as Chaucer

Only William can’t become a knight due to his lack of nobility, but Sir Eldrich von Lichtenstein, a character Chaucer made up, can. Max plays the role of Chaucer brilliantly, he is hilariously witty and he certainly knows how to make an entrance. Often breaking the fourth wall to interact with the audience, he helps drive the narrative of the show and he has an excellent solo.

The songs and music woven throughout the show is expertly placed.

The band perform from the rafters of the stage, which is set like a medieval tavern with large wooden beams, swords and shiny coats of arms along the walls of the stage.

Mixing iconic songs into a theatre show can often be a little tricky and jukebox musicals can be hit or miss, and A Knight’s Tale is an absolute hit.

The musical numbers flow into the story perfectly, with intricate choreographed scenes that work with both the storyline and songs, such as Destiny’s Child’s Survivor which sees the entire ensemble playing large drums while dancing. Each song choice used fits the scene perfectly while still being unexpected and keeping you on the edge of your seat wanting more.

Even though William is the star of the show, the characters who stood out the most were the female leads.

“an amazing ensemble of female leads”

Meesha Turner who plays Princess Jocelyn, Williams love interest, is an absolute powerhouse vocalist. Stunningly beautiful, and she knows it, Jocelyn isn’t going to let William win her over easily.

Meesha is the perfect person to play Jocelyn, she is a beautiful badass who plays the role with a cheeky smile and knows how to expertly dance with a sword.

Another standout performer, and the reason you absolutely can not be late back from the interval, is Emily Benjamin who plays Kate the blacksmith.

Rising from the pit on a blacked out cherry picker, Emily belts out the iconic Chaka Khan tune, I’m Every Woman, as she and the ensemble dance with hammers and mallets and sparks fly from the ceiling.

It is an unmissable performance.

Everything about A Knights Tale is brilliantly executed.

The set design, props and costumes for this show are incredible, and the cast can even make dancing with a hobby horse look cool.

Live jousts are performed on stage with the performers in oversized horse costumes and lances, and each jousts gets bigger and better than the one before.

Everything has been thought about, from, the flashes of colour in the characters hair, down to the boots each cast member wears.

It’s a blend of medieval with modern elements mixed with a hint of metal and rock stylings that fits the vibe of the show.

A Knights Tale is so fast paced, you’re on the end of your seat the entire show.

It’s hilariously engaging. Each character pulls your focus without fighting for attention, brilliantly timed one liners make you crack up, songs slip into scenes and you’re singing along to S Club 7 before you know it.

Manchester audiences are in for a real treat with A Knights Tale, it’s a must see before it’s carted away on the 10th of May to the West End.

Tickets for a Knight’s Tale at Opera House

Knight’s Tale is at opera house from Friday, 11th of April to Saturday 10th of 2025.

You can get tickets by clicking here