Beverley Knight stars in Pankhurst musical on Leicester stage
The remarkable story of Sylvia Pankhurst will be told in a new award-winning musical blending hip hop, funk and soul in Leicester in September.
While her mother Emmeline and sister Christabel battled for women's suffrage, Sylvia focused on the needs of working women, the impoverished and the overlooked. Caught between her family and her beliefs, Sylvia took risks to bring change.
The show, called Sylvia, stars renowned singer, songwriter and performer Beverley Knight, who is reprising her Olivier Award-winning role as Emmeline Pankhurst, along with Naomi Katiyo, who will play Sylvia Pankhurst.
Knight said: “The spirit, courage and determination of the suffragettes and in particular Sylvia Pankhurst is so brilliantly celebrated in this show.
"The soul, R&B, hip hop and blues reflects the joy, passion and the fight of the women and their allies.”
Sylvia has already proved a hit at the Old Vic in London. It was nominated for the Olivier Awards in the Best New Musical and Best Theatre Choreographer categories, and was named Best New Musical at the Black British Theatre Awards.
Helen Pankhurst, activist, scholar and granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst, said: “I’m thrilled that Sylvia will be touring the UK.
"This production is a stunning retelling of the Suffragette movement, focusing on the fiery personal and political dynamics within my family. With only a few years until the Centenary of Equal Franchise in 2028, this might seem like a story of the past and of one extraordinary family, but the themes it explores are as relevant and topical as ever.”
Sylvia will run at the Curve from Thursday September 24 to Saturday October 3. Visit www.curveonline.co.uk or call 0116 242 3595 to book.