Sylvia
Sylvia: The Musical brings the extraordinary and often overlooked story of suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst roaring to life on stage, with Beverley Knight delivering a powerhouse performance as her formidable mother, Emmeline Pankhurst. Set against the turbulent political landscape of early twentieth-century Britain, the musical follows Sylvia as she grows up within the famous Pankhurst family and becomes increasingly determined to fight not only for women’s right to vote, but for the rights of working-class women and communities who were often overlooked by the wider suffrage movement. Her socialist beliefs ultimately put her at odds with her mother and sister Christabel, creating a deeply personal conflict between family loyalty and political conviction.
Blending the history of the Suffragette movement with an energetic fusion of hip-hop, funk, soul and dance, Sylvia transforms a pivotal chapter of British history into something vibrant, rebellious and contemporary. Written and directed by Kate Prince, the musical was first developed as a work-in-progress at the Old Vic in 2018 before returning for its full world premiere there in 2023, earning three Olivier Award nominations, with Knight winning the Olivier for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical, and it's not hard to see why!
From the opening lines of ‘First Steps of a Revolution’, Beverley Knight’s voice explodes onto the stage, and every note is simply magical. I’ll preface this by saying that I’m a massive fan of the Wolverhampton-born star, having seen her in numerous musical theatre roles as well as in her own concerts. Yet, every time I see her perform, I’m still left in awe of her extraordinary talent and those powerhouse vocals. She could quite literally sing the phone book and I’d be happy to listen; however, this role elevates Knight’s talent even further, showcasing her as a true triple threat on stage. She commands every moment with a magnetic presence, proving once again why she is such a formidable performer.
Knight is in great company with this incredible cast, too. Playing her on-stage daughter Sylvia is Naomi Katiyo, who is every inch the star, bringing an abundance of charisma, strength and tenacity to her portrayal of a woman fiercely determined to fight for equality. Katiyo tackles every scene with gusto and conviction, capturing both Sylvia’s passion and her unwavering resolve. She is an absolute pleasure to watch and a performer who holds her own brilliantly alongside Knight.
This show certainly doesn’t shy away from its subject matter, delivering some hard-hitting moments that shine a stark light on the oppression of women during the early 1900s. We meet characters including Winston Churchill, played brilliantly by Castell Parker, alongside his formidable mother, Jennie Churchill, portrayed by Kenedy Small. Small brings an irresistible comedic edge to the role, creating a performance that is particularly worthy of mention — hers is a turn not to be missed! I must also mention Ivano Turco and his incredibly perfect vocal during 'Sylvia, Silvio' in Act Two as he plays Sylvia's love interest Silvio Corio, what an incredible range he has!
The choreography, by Kate Prince, is slick, precise, electric and high-impact, ensuring that every musical number is captivating not only because of its subject matter, but also because of the sheer energy and life the ensemble brings to the stage. Even when seated around the perimeter, their heads nodding along to the music, they remain completely immersed in the action, creating a sense that the entire company is part of the storytelling. To be honest, this was very much my involuntary reaction too; with such infectious music from Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, it is virtually impossible not to find yourself nodding along and getting into the groove.
If you’re a fan of Hamilton, then Sylvia may well be right up your street. Combining a fascinating historical story that deserves to be told with an exhilarating contemporary score, slick choreography and an immensely talented cast, this production really does have it all.
Ultimately, Sylvia is a production that deserves to be seen, not only because it tells the story of a remarkable woman whose contribution to the fight for equality deserves to be remembered, but because it does so in a way that feels fresh, exciting and incredibly relevant. With powerhouse performances, an infectious score, dynamic choreography and a cast that brings so much energy to the stage, there is something here for everyone. It is thought-provoking without ever feeling heavy, educational without sacrificing entertainment, and packed with moments that will have you cheering, laughing, reflecting and, quite possibly, nodding along in your seat. If you love your musical theatre with a little history, a lot of soul and plenty of attitude, Sylvia is absolutely one to add to your must-see list.
This show was reviewed on the 6th October 2026 at the Birmingham Hippodrome where it runs until the 10th October 2026. Tickets available here: Sylvia – Birmingham Hippodrome
Full tour details here: Sylvia: A Musical Revolution
Review written by Emma Rowley
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Photo credit : Tristram Kenton
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