Meesha Turner is currently in rehearsals for A Knight’s Tale The Musical, which is based on the 2001 film A Knight’s Tale, where she will be originating the role of Jocelyn in the world premiere production. A Knight’s Tale The Musical is set to open at Manchester Opera House on 11th April, and Meesha will star opposite Andrew Coshan as William Thatcher and will be directed by Rachel Kavanaugh. Over Christmas 2024, Meesha made her pantomime debut playing Jazz in Aladdin at Norwich Theatre, and prior to this, she was in the West End cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Amongst Meesha’s further projects, she played Mrs Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic and made her West End debut in SIX the Musical as Catherine Parr, also performing with her SIX cast members on Dancing on Ice and at the Platinum Jubilee. We recently caught up with Meesha about being part of the world premiere of A Knight’s Tale The Musical, originating the role of Jocelyn when the musical opens at Manchester Opera House and playing Catherine Parr in SIX the Musical.
Can you tell us about your character Jocelyn in A Knight’s Tale The Musical and about the show?
The show is about a boy growing up in a working-class environment trying to change his stars to become a knight. He falls in love with my character Jocelyn, and she (along with his friends) helps him to become the man he’s meant to be. Jocelyn is sassy, headstrong and very witty. She really knows how to put William in his place, but also how to use her feminine energy to flirt and woo.
Had you seen the 2001 A Knight’s Tale film before auditioning and how does it feel originating the role of Jocelyn in the world premiere production on stage?
Yes, I was already a big fan of the film, so it is honestly a dream come true to be originating the role of Jocelyn in this musical adaptation. Having the film as a starting point is incredible, but then with the addition of what Brona C Titley has written and how she’s fleshed out this character, has given me so much to play with. She’s a lot of fun!
How has it been rehearsing for the musical so far and what are you looking forward to for opening at Manchester Opera House on 11th April?
Rehearsals have been intense but SO fun. The cast are incredible and we’re having such a laugh every single day. I just can’t wait to see the Manchester audience’s reactions. So much of the show is either hilarious or really touching, so as actors I think we will really thrive off of that audience energy.
What is it like getting into character as Jocelyn and what are you enjoying most about working on the show?
I really have to channel my inner Rihanna for Jocelyn. She’s that perfect combo of sexy and smart, so I have to summon my bad b energy. The thing I’m enjoying the most is the people. We have such an incredible cast and group of creatives that it is honestly such a joy entering the rehearsal room every day.
What has it been like meeting the rest of the cast and how is it being directed by Rachel Kavanaugh?
This is going to get boring but the rest of the cast are a dream, and I would marry them all. Rachel is an icon and a legend and she just gets it. She has a vision and knows how to articulate it to get the best out of you. She’s also super open to the actor’s input, which is such a nice feeling to have in the rehearsal room – to know our opinions matter.
Why would you recommend booking tickets to see A Knight’s Tale The Musical and who do you think it will appeal to?
The show is full of heart; the songs are banger after banger; and the script will really make you belly laugh. So this show should appeal to anyone who enjoys joy.
Over Christmas 2024, you were playing Jazz in Aladdin at Norwich Theatre, what was the pantomime like to be part of?
I loved being part of Aladdin! I had such a fun and silly time. It was my first ever panto, and I felt really privileged for it to be at Norwich Theatre Royal – I had a blast.
How was it being in the original West End cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre?
This was the first original show I’d done, so I learnt so much from being part of an originating cast. Working with directors Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin was just incredible; they’re the dream team.
How was your time playing Mrs Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic?
The Old Vic was one of my bucket list venues to perform in, so I was so excited to get to perform there so early into my professional career. It is such a beautiful show, and I was with such a wonderful group of people, that it will always hold a very special place in my heart.
What are some of your stand-out memories from making your West End debut in SIX the Musical, and what was Catherine Parr like to play?
There were so many special moments during my year with SIX. Making lifelong friends for one, but getting to perform on Dancing on Ice, This Morning, and at Buckingham Palace definitely were huge highlights! Playing Parr was a dream. She is me, I am she.
How did you find the experience performing on shows and at events such as Dancing on Ice, This Morning, the Platinum Jubilee and West End Live?
Unreal. I feel very lucky to have gotten to experience them. It was a real whirlwind year that all just felt like an incredible dream.
In 2021, you graduated from Royal Academy of Music, what was it like training there on the Musical Theatre course?
I absolutely loved it. I’d recommend it to everyone and anyone. I learnt so much under the guidance of our head of year Dan Bowling, and I was very fortunate to receive a Disney Scholarship, so I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now without that help.
Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?
I’ve loved theatre from a young age, with my mom having taken me to the theatres in Birmingham on special occasions, where we would watch all of the old-school musical classics together. I did dance classes as a child, and that developed into going to a weekend stage school. But it all just remained a hobby until I attended RAM and decided to pursue it as a career.
What are some of your favourite theatre shows to watch, and which would you like to see that you haven’t done so yet?
One of my favourite musicals is RENT, so I’m going to need that to make a comeback at some point (preferably with me in it!). I recently saw Hadestown with the original Broadway cast, and that absolutely blew me away. I’m really looking forward to The Hunger Games show coming out! Sounds very exciting.
How do you like to spend your time away from performing?
Eating, sleeping, reading, socialising and travelling 😎
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