Today (23 October) it has been announced that renowned singer/song writer and performer Beverley Knight MBE (Sister Act, The Drifters Girl, Memphis The Musical) will reprise her Olivier Award-winning role as Emmeline Pankhurst, alongside Sharon Rose (Hamilton, Motown, Beautiful: The Carol King Musical) as Sylvia in a UK tour next autumn, stopping off at the Lowry in Salford, culminating in a run at the Royal Albert Hall.
What is Sylvia about?
Sylvia Pankhurst – fearless, flawed, and unforgettable. The untold story of the rebellious middle child of Emmeline Pankhurst takes centre stage in this irresistible hip hop, funk and soul musical that moves your feet and fires your spirit.
Whilst her mother and sister battled for women’s suffrage, Sylvia ignited a revolution for the forgotten: working women, the impoverished, the silenced. Caught between her family and her beliefs, Sylvia risked it all to bring change to millions.
The Olivier Award-winning electrifying musical is fuelled by an irresistible soundtrack by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde that joyously unites hip hop, funk, and soul, and is brought to life by world-renowned choreographer and storyteller Kate Prince (ZooNation).
Beverley Knight said: “I could not be more chuffed to reprise my role as Emmeline Pankhurst one more time! The spirit, courage and determination of the suffragettes and in particular Sylvia Pankhurst is so brilliantly celebrated in this show. The Soul, R&B, HipHop and Blues reflects the joy, passion and the fight of the women and their allies.”
Helen Pankhurst, activist, scholar and granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst, said: “I’m thrilled that Sylvia will be touring the UK next autumn, reaching audiences right across the country including Greater Manchester, the birthplace of the suffragette movement, and the Royal Albert Hall which became a powerful stage for some of the most memorable events in the fight for women to gain the vote.”
Sylvia musical 2026 UK tour dates
Following its sell-out world premiere production at The Old Vic in 2023, Sylvia will visit:
- Leicester Curve (24 Sep – 3 Oct)
- Birmingham Hippodrome (6 – 10 Oct)
- Edinburgh Festival Theatre (12 – 17 Oct)
- The Lowry Salford (19 – 24 Oct)
- Norwich Theatre (28 – 31 Oct)
- Canterbury Marlowe (2 – 7 Nov)
- Royal Albert Hall (13, 14 & 15 Nov)
How to get tickets for Sylvia at the Lowry
Tickets for Sylvia at the Lowry, Salford will go on sale to the general public on Friday 31 October at 10am, here.
Lowry members will have the chance to buy tickets from Thursday 30 October.