Review: A KNIGHT TO REMEMBER! ‘A Knights Tale’ Premiere

‘A Knight’s Tale’ is a brand new musical that has premiered right here in Manchester. The Jukebox style musical follows the story of William, son of a Thatcher, leaving home as a child to become a jousting Knight and proving it is possible to change his stars. The story contains everything that a story of dreams, friendship, love and passion needs.

I was unaware this was a ‘Jukebox Style’ musical, and I was not sure what to expect. All I can really say is that this show is just WONDERFUL! It’s hilarious, camp, heartwarming, colourful, and it was bursting with energy from the very first second. Never in my life did I think I would see a musical seamlessly move between Adele, Robbie Williams, S Club 7, Adele, The Killers, Chumbawamba thrown in there?, Destiny’s Child and even the greatest one hit wonder from Chesney Hawkes. The segways into some of these songs, too, were just genius and were so perfectly created that all you are able to do is sit and smile.

An unbelievable number of plaudits needs to be given to this production team. Rachel Kavanaugh (Director) has created something truly special here. This show had the audience in the palm of its hand from the very first second, and it all starts with the directing. Everything was done to perfection, and nothing seemed like it could have been done another way, proving this is something pieced together with impeccable style. This was accompanied by, in my opinion, the best choreography I have seen on a live stage. Matt Cole (Choreographer) has created here, some of the most high-energy and visually captivating dances you can ever see – now those dancers must have some energy levels and hats off to them – but Cole’s idea is not only thriving on that stage, but is giving the punters something truly unique and deserves every compliment it is given.

Moving on to the cast – This is the fun bit.

We will start with Andrew Coshan, the PERFECT leading man. Coshan brings the part of William, or Sir Ulrich of Lichenstein, to life in a way I have never seen before in any musical. From the off, you supported him – we were on the journey to knighthood with him, and it was impossible to look away and not be in awe of his presence and vocal ability. I must make a point on this athleticism, too, because how he sang A-Ha’s ‘Take On Me’ while wielding two swords in a fight scene and seemingly not skipping a beat to breathe, I have no idea. It’s just incredible. Coshan was involved in the hit TV show ‘Neighbours’, but for me, this role was one he was born for, and I hope we get graced with his presence on Manchester stages a whole lot more in the future.

Next, we have 4 individual performances that, not only were brilliant as a singular, but as a group were possibly the best group of principals I’ve ever seen.

Max Bennett, Emile Ruddock, Eva Scott, and Emily Benjamin. Take a bow.

I’ll start with Emile Ruddock. The part of Roland is so important. Not only in supporting William, but also in progressing the story. Ruddock had the perfect mannerism for this part as possibly ‘the more sensible’ of Will’s friends. The quick wit on show and the general positivity of the character was just brilliant to watch.

This was matched alongside a juxtaposed best friend ‘What’ played by Eva Scott. The hilarious, no-filter character that had the audience in stitches with every other line. Scott’s timing was special and so natural to the part that it could not have been any more perfect. She also claimed my favourite line of the play, which I’m not sure can be published in print, but it is ‘He’s got major FF for you, Madame’. That is the best way I would word it. To see what FF means, you will need to go and see the show!

Max Bennett next – the absolute show stealer.

Bennett plays Chaucer. The righter who ends up tagging along on the journey of Will and his friends. And his performance is so important to the success of this play. By far, the best character in the show – containing the ability to ‘break the fourth wall’ with dry humour and clever remarks which can somewhat poke fun at theatrical stereotypes. Bennett has this character down to tee and was perfect for it. A hat tip must also go to his extravagant entrance – being full naked and barely covered up (Not for the only time in the show). He had the audience in strings the whole time. A real rockstar.

Finally, Emily Benjamin. Kate the Blacksmith.

Benjamin played this character the way it was meant to be. If this part is not done right the character becomes completely mute. But Emily looked hand-made for this part. All of her theatrical decisions were purposeful and elevated every scene she was in. She rounded off this rag tag team the supported Will on his journey and rounded them off as nothing short of the perfect squad.

An Hat Tip must go to Meesha Tuner too for her portrayal of Princess Jocelyn. She had a wonderful singing voice and was able to match the energy the energy of Will – she was a perfect match for Sir Ulrich.

The ensemble were able to bring the entirety of the play together and make it so cohesive, as well as bringing unbelievable energy to the stage in every moment. Without a strong ensemble, this production could have fallen flat and this was the absolute opposite.

A Knight’s Tale is in Manchester as part of the ‘Manchester gets it first’ initiative, and is available until the 10^th of May. Tickets are available at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/a-knights-tale-the-musical/opera-house-manchester/

Do not miss out on this stellar show before it moves on. I can imagine this one making a triumphant return and selling out a whole lot quicker when it does.