Buy cheap tickets for Matilda the Musical
Knight, Knight
  • By Esther
  • |
  • 25th Aug 2024
  • |
  • ★★★

The music that welcomes us in is a mix of standard mediaeval fare and the more contemporary Angel, by PinkPantheress which set the tone of what we’re about to experience in Knight, Knight at the Underbelly. Yes, it is a story about a knight pulling a sword from a stone and becoming king, only this knight happens to be in love with his horse!

All in all, a fun romp by way of an urban legend

Optimists hoping for a chance at a no-show ticket are turned away from the Wee Coo as it is once again a full house, a repeat occurrence for one of the festival’s most-talked about shows. Depending on where you’re sitting, it is a little difficult to see the stage but that’s only an issue when the Knight - played by Madeleine Rowe - is crouching or interacting with the front row.

Within the first ten minutes, there is some light bestiality as the Knight begins to make out with his noble steed Hermes, which fortunately for us, is just a hobby-horse. When the Knight does “what needs to be done” after Hermes threatens to tell everyone about their affair, people genuinely gasp. It is a credit to Rowe’s performance that they manage to get us rooting for a human-horse relationship.

Rowe is a verbal clown and plays the knight as a blustering man-child - or what their contemporaries would refer to as a ‘fuckboy’ - both in speech and mannerisms. In true clown form, sometimes Rowe would say or do things that were a surprise even to themselves, but if it got a good reaction, they would draw out the bit even longer.

There are other modern nods on the classic tale (which perhaps explains why Rowe keeps their septum piercing in), such as the Knight badly playing Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On on the recorder like the popular meme and getting a singalong started of Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. All in all, a fun romp by way of an urban legend.

Visit Show Website

Reviews by Esther

National Maritime Museum

Simon Amstell et al - Greenwich Comedy Festival

★★★
Gilded Balloon Patter House

Serious Theatre from Serious People

★★★
Monkey Barrel Comedy

Stevie Martin: clout

★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

A knight pulls a sword from a stone and, as the prophecy foretold – becomes king. No, not that king. Another one. Totally different one. This one is in love with his horse. A clown tale of courage, duty, determination, brotherhood (shoutout to the round table!), grief, and most of all, horses. A wild romp through a medieval world you thought you knew. A ye olde show brought to you by Madeleine Rowe.
Buy cheap tickets for Wicked
Buy cheap tickets for Matilda the Musical

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong
The Play That Goes Wrong

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Stranger Things : The First Shadow
Stranger Things : The First Shadow

From £37.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Nutcracker - London Coliseum
Nutcracker - London Coliseum

From £22.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Fiddler on the Roof
Fiddler on the Roof

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Wicked
Wicked

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for MJ The Musical
MJ The Musical

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Wicked
Buy cheap tickets for The King of Pangea
Buy cheap tickets for Evita
Buy cheap tickets for Spies
Buy cheap tickets for Sabrage
Buy cheap tickets for Barmy Britain
Buy cheap tickets for The Producers
Buy cheap tickets for Born With Teeth
Buy cheap tickets for Matilda
Buy cheap tickets for Christmas Carol Goes Wrong