Beverley Knight to star in a musical as suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst

Virgin Radio

6 Oct 2022, 09:31

Beverly Knight will repeat her role as suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst in Sylvia at The Old Vic theatre.

It first appeared as a work-in-progress show back in 2018.

The show will now return for a limited run from January 27 to April 1 2023.

Sylvia is the story of legendary suffragette leader Pankhurst and her daughter Sylvia, who will be played by Sharon Rose.

The show is produced by ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company.

Writer Prince is “incredibly grateful” to announce return of the show: "I’m particularly grateful for this second chance and to be able to finish what has been the most extraordinary creative challenge yet of my life."

“I’m over the moon that Beverley Knight is returning to the role of Emmeline Pankhurst and that Sharon Rose will be joining the cast as her daughter Sylvia.

“The musicians, performers and creatives collaborating together on Sylvia are all extraordinary.

“They inspire me every day. I’m truly excited to finally share this work and Sylvia’s wonderful, inspiring story.”

Knight agreed: “I am so happy to be reprising my role as Emmeline Pankhurst in the utterly brilliant Sylvia.

“The workshop version in 2018 pointed the way to what I believe will be a British musical theatre game-changer, both in the way the story is told through music and movement and in pulling in a different demographic to experience the joys of theatre.”

Also in the cast will be Kelly Agbowu, as Mrs Drummond/Mrs Savoy, Verity Blyth as Clementine Churchill/Mrs Scurr, Kimmy Edwards as Emily Davison/Lillie Hardie/Mrs Watkins, and Alex Gaumond as Keir Hardie, and more.

Knight added on Instagram: "Major newsflash! Sylvia is BACK!"I’m reprising my role as Emmeline Pankhurst in the Hip Hop musical #Sylvia at the Old Vic.This time around, we are going to ready and right on time. So happy to be back with a couple of my OG cast @jadehackett @toddholden and many of my cast members with whom I did the workshop.Do not miss this absolute game changer of a show! 

Matthew Warchus is the artistic director of The Old Vic.

He said: “At long last, we are delighted to deliver the completed version of this hugely uplifting show, which first appeared at The Old Vic in an embryonic workshop version four years ago.

“Even then, this thrillingly kinetic, fun and emotional show was a giant hit with audiences and I’d urge you not to miss the much-anticipated finished article.”