World premiere of new musical A KNIGHT'S TALE to open in Manchester in 2025
It has been announced that the world premiere production of A Knight's Tale will open at Manchester Opera House on 11 April 2025 for a strictly limited run until 10 May 2025.
It is adapted for the stage by Irish comedy writer and actor Brona C Titley, directed by the award-winning Rachel Kavanaugh and choreographed by Olivier Award-winning Matt Cole.
A Knight’s Tale has it all. Expect a truly rockin’ soundtrack, packed with chart-topping hits! Join Will Thatcher and his band of merry misfits for a Knight like no other.
Casting is to be announced.
The film A Knight's Tale was released by Columbia Pictures in 2001, written, co-produced and directed by Oscar winner Brian Helgeland. The film is a stylish, music driven, action packed adventure starring Heath Ledger, with heroic performances from Paul Bettany, Mark Addy, and Rufus Sewell.
Ledger plays 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. The only thing that stands between William and his dream of becoming the World Champion of the most extreme of sports is the bad boy of the sport Count Adhemar. And when the two rivals go lance to lance at the world finals, you’d better arm yourself and hang on tight for the ride of your life!
The hit film, which mixed modern music with its medieval setting, garnered a lot of positive attention and has been cited by some as paving the way for hits like Netflix’s Bridgerton.
Brian Helgeland said: "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 go on general sale on 1 August, with further info here.