Brian Helgeland’s medieval sports movie is heading to the Manchester Opera House next year. With songs, obviously. More on the A Knight’s Tale musical below.
If there’s one image from A Knight’s Tale that endures more than probably any other, it’s the sight of a hundred medieval peasants stamping their feet to We Will Rock You (the song, not the musical. We’re talking about a different musical which, unhelpfully, might also include the song We Will Rock You – more on that below).
Combined with re-imagining Geoffrey Chaucer as a wrestling announcer and more pop culture references than you can shake a lance at, the 2001 film always had a cheerfully anarchic relationship with reality. A perfect choice, then, for a stage musical.
Irish comedy writer and actor Brona C Titley has penned a new adaptation, which is having its world premiere at the Manchester Opera House in a strictly limited season from 11th April to 10th May 2025. Award-winning Rachel Kavanaugh is set to direct, with Olivier Award-winning Matt Cole handling choreography.
Kavanaugh has described the show as featuring “a score of well loved rock and pop bangers” – which sounds like a jukebox musical to us. The original film took much of its score from HMV’s ‘1970s’ section, so it’s reasonable to assume the stage version will do likewise.
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“When I saw A Knight’s Tale the movie in 2001, I knew it was an instant classic,” Titley said. “Upon innumerable rewatches, I can confirm… it still is! Adapting it for the stage has been more fun than I ever thought possible to have at work. This show is a sexy, silly, jousty, dancey, romance-y, musical extravaganza! It’s been one of the most fulfilling jobs of my career so far, and that was even before I met the incredible director, and team of legends that are working together to make it an unforgettable night out. I hope audiences love it as much as I do – do not miss this joyous, dizzy ride people!”
The film’s writer-director Brian Helgeland has also given the production his blessing: “Over twenty years ago I had the time of my life surrounded by a supreme cast and crew making a film we all fell in love with while we were joyfully making it. Sitting at a recent read through of the stage version, fashioned by Rachel Kavanaugh and Brona C Titley, I could feel that same joy and love emerging. I am grateful for the new life they are creating and very eager to see it in all its fully staged glory.”
Tickets for A Knight’s Tale: The Musical will go on general sale on 1st August.
