A musical version of A Knight's Tale, based on the 2001 Columbia Pictures film written and directed by Brian Helgeland, will make its world premiere April 11, 2025, at the Manchester Opera House.
Adapted for the stage by Irish comedy writer and actor Brona C Titley, the limited engagement will continue through May 10. Rachel Kavanaugh will direct with choreography by Olivier winner Matt Cole. The jukebox musical will utilize existing pop tunes to be revealed at a later time.
Casting (by Lucy Casson with children’s casting by Keston and Keston) and additional creative team members will also be announced at a later date.
In the A Knight's Tale film—which stars Heath Ledger, 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 him and his dream of becoming the World Champion is the bad boy of the sport, Count Adhemar.
In a statement Helgeland says, "Over 20 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."
Titley adds, “When I saw A Knight’s Tale the movie in 2001, I knew it was an instant classic. 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!”
Kavanaugh states, “I am beyond excited to be directing Brona’s brilliant and hilarious stage adaptation of Brian’s ground breaking film. With a score of well-loved rock and pop bangers, jousting, dancing, adventure, and romance, I hope we can give the audience a knight to remember as we follow the journey of a thatcher’s son and find out if he really can ‘change his stars’.”
A Knight's Tale The Musical is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment and Isobel David, by arrangement with Sony Pictures and Brian Helgeland.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public August 1.
Visit AKnightsTaleMusical.com.
