A brand-new stage adaptation of a beloved early 00s film is set to have its world premiere right here in Manchester.
That’s right – A Knight’s Tale has been turned into a comedy musical.
A Knight’s Tale may be one of Chaucer’s most well-known Canterbury Tales, but for most of us, we tend to be more familiar with Brian Helgeland’s iconic 2001 medieval action comedy film of the same name instead, which of course starred the late great Heath Ledger, alongside Paul Bettany, Rufus Sewell, Mark Addy, and more.
And its the latter that has now been reimagined for modern day and turned into a brand-new comedy stage musical that will charge into Manchester early next year.
From the production team behind recent stage smash-hits including Disney’s Newsies, and 2:22 A Ghost Story, the brand-new A Knight’s Tale The Musical has been 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.
ADVERTISEMENT
MANCHESTER: get ready for a Knight you won’t forget 💘
The brand-new comedy musical A KNIGHT’S TALE (based on the iconic 2001 film) is charging into @PalaceAndOpera for its WORLD PREMIERE from April 2025.
— A Knight’s Tale Musical (@ukknightstale) July 23, 2024
It’s gearing up to be a “rip-roaring tale of chivalry, jousting, heroes, and villains”.
Not only that, but just like the popular film, audiences in Manchester are being told to expect a “truly rockin’ soundtrack” that’s packed with chart-topping hits.
ADVERTISEMENT
Unfamiliar with the premise of the cult-classic film? 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 Will and his dream of becoming the World Champion of the most extreme of sports, however, is the bad boy of the sport Count Adhemar.
The two rivals then go lance to lance at the world finals, and it’s a pretty epic finale to say the least.
The world premiere of A Knight’s Tale The Musical is to open in Manchester next year / Credit: Columbia Pictures | Wikimedia Commons
Just like the film, A Knight’s Tale The Musical apparently “has it all”, so you’re invited to join Will Thatcher and his band of merry misfits for “a Knight like no other” when the show takes to the legendary Manchester Opera House stage next April.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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,” commented Brian Helgeland ahead of the musical’s Manchester debut.
“Sitting at a recent read through of the stage version, I could feel that same joy and love emerging, and I am grateful for the new life they are creating and very eager to see it in all its fully staged glory.”
A Knight’s Tale The Musical will take to the Manchester Opera House stage on 11 April 2025, and run right through until 10 May 2025, and tickets go on general sale next Thursday 1 August at 10am – with members’ pre-sales running prior.
Charli XCX announces massive Manchester arena gig as part of long-awaited UK and European tour
Emily Sergeant
Charli XCX has finally given UK fans the news they’ve been waiting for.
After the genre-bending popstar announced back in June a series of US gigs this autumn to support and celebrate the release of her eighth studio albumMusic, Fashion, Film – which was met with critical acclaim following its release in late July – fans in her home country were wondering when she would announce UK dates to accompany these.
The 34-year-old been had hinting at a UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour on social media over the past couple of months, but nothing was set in stone as of yet.
Then last night, Charli took to Twitter to announce that she ‘finally’ had some information coming today (11 September), and then followed it up with a teaser video – sending fans into a frenzy.
And now, it has been announced this morning that Charli XCX will be taking to the Co-op Live stage early next year.
Support on the UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour will come from US popstar Audrey Hobert.
Hobert has been having somewhat of a star-making year herself in 2026 following the release of her own critically acclaimed debut album, Who’s The Clown?, last year – with her streams racking up daily and drawing in massive crowds on the festival circuit this summer.
Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film Tour UK & EU Dates 2027
13 February – 3Arena, Dublin
15 February – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
17 February – Co-op Live, Manchester
19 February – The O2, London
22 February – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam
24 February – Accor Arena, Paris
Upon release back in July, Music, Fashion, Film the album received acclaim from music critics, who praised its lyrical honesty and experimental production, as Charli took a sonic journey away from the undeniable mega hit that was her 2024 album BRAT, and into ‘Rock Music’ territory.
Music, Fashion, Film topped the charts in the UK and Australia, as well as in Belgium, Hungary, and New Zealand, while reaching the top 10 in countless other countries – including the US.
Charli XCX will be bringing the Music, Fashion, Film Tour to Manchester‘s Co-op Live on Wednesday 17 February 2027, and tickets will go on sale next week.
Featured Image – Henry Redcliffe (Publicity Picture)
Affiliate
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is roaring back into Manchester with a brand-new show next year
Emily Sergeant
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live will be roaring back into Manchester with a brand-new show early next year.
Following the runaway success of last year’s Glow-N-Fire show – named the Pollstar Family Show of the Year – Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live has announced that it’ll be making a big return to Manchester’s AO Arena in early 2027 with an all-new show called Colour Bash.
Colour Bash takes the action to a whole new level, transforming the arena into a full-throttle collision of colour.
Manchester audiences can expect vibrant paint-splattered trucks, bursts of colour, and electrifying lighting turn every smash and crash into a vivid spectacle for the whole family.
A description for the event reads: “When the mischievous Skelesaurus drains all the colour from Monster Truck Island, it’s up to the crew of Rhinomite, Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Bone Shaker, and Bigfoot to win it back – one massive stunt at a time, joined by a mysterious new ally – to be revealed this fall.”
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live will first be pulling up in London at The O2 in January 2027, then going on to visit Glasgow and Birmingham, before arriving here in Manchester on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 April 2027.
“Colour Bash is the most vibrant Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live experience we’ve ever created,” said Ken Hudgens, who is the CEO of Family Entertainment Live.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is roaring back into Manchester with a brand-new show next year / Credit: Supplied
“We took everything fans love about the show – the massive trucks, the jaw-dropping stunts, the can’t-look-away energy – and supercharged it with colour. It’s a brand-new way to experience the action live, and we can’t wait to bring it to families in the UK in 2027.”
Before the trucks take the floor, ticket holders can add on the Pre-Show Party for an up-close, hands-on experience.
And then for fans who want the ultimate day out, a range of VIP packages are available to book, offering exclusive pre-show access, official VIP merchandise, and the chance to get up close with the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks before all the smashing and crashing begins.
Find out more and book tickets from £25 here when they go on presale on 16 and 17 September, and general sale on Friday 18 September.
Emily Sergeant -
24th July 2024 
