Casting and the creative team are now set for the previously announced musical version of A Knight's Tale, based on the 2001 Columbia Pictures film written and directed by Brian Helgeland.

Adapted for the stage by Irish comedy writer and actor Brona C Titley, the new musical will make its world premiere beginning April 11 for a limited engagement through May 10 at the Manchester Opera House. Rachel Kavanaugh directs with choreography by Olivier winner Matt Cole. The jukebox musical will utilize existing pop tunes.

The newly announced cast will feature Emily Benjamin (Cabaret) as Kate, Max Bennett as Chaucer, Andrew Coshan (A Face in the Crowd) as William, Emile Ruddock (Hamilton) as Roland, Jay Saighal (The Great British Bake Off The Musical) as Prince Edward, Eva Scott as What, Giles Taylor (The Mirror and The Light) as Father, Oliver Tompsett (& Juliet) as Count Adhemar, and Meesha Turner (Stranger Things: The First Shadow) as Jocelyn with Robbie Alexander, Lauren Arney, Arcangelo Ciulla, Georgia Clements, Zac Frieze, Elliot Gooch, Gabriela Gregorian, Benedict Hastings, Danielle Huntley, Thomas Inge, Lisa Kerr, Zera Malvina-Aitken, Mehran James McCullough, Ryan North, Ryan Pidgen, and Chioma Uma.

Cristian Buttaci, Cristiano Cuino, Nicholas Teixeira, and Theo Wake will share the role of Young William. Casting is by Lucy Casson with children’s casting and children's general management by Keston and Keston.

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 an earlier 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 added, “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 stated, “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’.”

The forthcoming production will also have musical supervision, orchestrations, arrangements, and additional music by Simon Hale, set design by Tom Rogers, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Matt Peploe, musical direction by Alan Berry, performer flying by Suspended Illusions, intimacy direction by Lucy Hind, and production management by Matthew Ledbury and Esme Driscoll.

A Knight's Tale The Musical is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Isobel David, Adam Spiegel and Tulchin Bartner, Playing Field, and Ramin Sabi, by arrangement with Sony Pictures and Brian Helgeland.

Visit AKnightsTaleMusical.com.