Interview with Meesha Turner, A Knight’s Tale: The Musical
Conducted by Emmie for Theatre & Tonic
The 2001 film was quite iconic, so the news that A Knight’s Tale would receive a stage adaptation in the UK this year was very exciting! Brought to the stage by the producers behind Disney’s Newsies and Girl from the North Country, this rip-roaring tale is supported by a soundtrack featuring hits from the likes of Queen, Destiny’s Child, and David Bowie - it has the potential to head to the West End in the future. But what is it like to bring a new musical to the stage? We asked Meesha Turner, who originates the role of Jocelyn in this production and has previously worked on shows such as Stranger Things: The First Shadow and SIX The Musical.
What initially drew you to the role of Jocelyn in A Knight’s Tale and how did you prepare for it?
I was a huge fan of the film, so when I found out it was being turned into a musical, I immediately took a screenshot and sent it to my agent, saying, “I have to be seen for this.” I didn't even know what role would be suitable for me—I just knew I had to be involved with the show. I think that my agent initially auditioned me to play Kate, but then he was called by the casting people and asked to have me come in to audition for Jocelyn.
For those who don’t know a lot about it, can you tell me what A Knight’s Tale is about?
A Knight’s Tale follows a boy who wants to change his destiny. He was born and raised in Cheapside, London - a very working-class area. His father is a thatcher, and while he's expected to follow in his footsteps, he’s always been fascinated by knights. But as a low-born thatcher’s son, becoming a knight is something he could never realistically hope for—it's something you're supposed to be born into.
He meets lots of people along the way, falls in love, has a great group of friends who help him achieve his dreams.
The musical is a fantastic adaptation of the film. It stays really true to the original story—nothing major changes—but everything feels bigger. There’s more character development, more depth, and of course, the addition of music and dance really brings it all to life.
The character of Jocelyn is seeking independence and freedom in a male-dominated world but in different ways. How does the musical adaptation explore or expand this compared to the film?
In the film, it touches on Jocelyn being a strong-willed character who clearly won’t take much nonsense, but the music really expands on that idea and deepens it. She discusses feminism and has a stronger voice in the stage production. She often puts William in his place - definitely more than in the film. It truly reflects the current day. I feel like there are many issues with films from the 90s and the early 2000s, as they don’t feel as relevant today. However, everything in this adaptation brings it to life, even though it is set in a medieval world and features songs from the 2000s. Nonetheless, A Knight’s Tale Musical very much lives in the world of today.
You touch on the growth of more movie to stage adaptations. Do you feel like A Knight’s Tale is a good example of when it is done correctly?
Oh 100%. It feels like this is meant to be - of course, the jousting was a concern! How are they going to do that on stage? That was the only thing that didn’t feel natural for the stage. Obviously, I can’t give anything away, but the way we’re doing it is incredible. It’s such a spectacle for the audience to see how this is being presented.
The original film had a unique blend of medieval and modern elements. How does the musical incorporate this, particularly in the music and staging?
All elements in this production are supporting that really. There are a couple of songs that feature in the film that are also being used in the musical. It’s all from a world from either when the film was released or before them, which definitely gives a nostalgic feel to the show. There’s also the costumes by Olivier Award-winning costume designer Gabriella Slade who has done an amazing job of having it feel medieval. There are so many other elements here that are nods to the 2000s as well as from 2025 that work so well together.
What is it like working on a new musical and does that alone present challenges?
It’s been amazing. Working on a brand-new musical definitely comes with its challenges because it’s never been done before, you’re paving the way. That means long rehearsal days, constant changes, songs getting cut or tweaked, things are always evolving. But honestly, the positives far outweigh any of the tough bits.
Every day in rehearsals, we’re just having such a good time—laughing, playing, building something from the ground up. Brona’s writing is already so funny, but then we’ll find little moments in the room—improvise something or deliver a line in a new way—and it just clicks. It’s such a creative and collaborative process.
It’s a really special feeling to take an iconic film and be part of the team bringing it to the stage for the first time. We’re setting the tone for what this show looks and feels like, and that’s an honour. Of course, there are always going to be challenges with any production, but these are the best kind for sure.
There are people who may not be inspired to see this show as its a movie adaptation, how would you encourage them to give A Knight’s Tale a chance?
Yeah, I think there are a lot of stage-to-screen adaptations going on now, and it's understandable—they do incredibly well. If a film is already successful and has a huge following, then people are bound to want to know how it's adapted for the stage. So I completely understand the appeal.
But why should people come and see A Knight’s Tale? Well, first of all, if you’re a fan of the film, it’s a no-brainer. The movie is iconic, and seeing it reimagined live on stage is such a fun experience. But even if you’ve never seen the film or don’t know anything about it, the show stands completely on its own.
It's got heart. There is just no chance at all that you're going to leave the theatre with this massive smile on your face. It's absolutely hilarious, but it's also got some genuinely emotional, heartfelt moments—moments where you're going to laugh so hard, moments where you’re gonna cry, moments that you are also going to relate with the characters you are seeing on stage.
And even if you're not a huge theatre person, just come for the music—it’s hit after hit. The soundtrack is full of absolute bangers that’ll have you singing along and going, “Oh my god, I forgot how much I love this song!” It’s just one of those shows that’s guaranteed to give you a great night out. So who doesn’t want to have fun?
Of course, its premiere is in Manchester, but do you think it has the potential to be a hit in the West End too?
I can 100% see this coming to the West End. There are so many other things that it fits in with but also it stands apart from too. There’s going to be things on stage you would have never seen in shows before, but it also feels like it would be right at home in London’s West End.
Finally, if you could give Jocelyn any modern-day advice, what would it be?
She could probably give me some advice. She’s so strong-willed. She doesn’t take any shit from anybody and she knows what she wants, but also she’s like a real lover girl. She likes the romance and stuff but also knows her worth and knows what she deserves and won’t settle for less!
A Knight’s Tale The Musical plays at the Opera House Manchester until 10 May 2025
