Kate Prince’s Sylvia, enjoying a short run at the Royal Albert Hall, is a lively and timely reminder of just how hard women fought for the right to vote. It also shines a welcome spotlight on one of the movement’s less celebrated figures.

Sylvia Pankhurst, daughter of the formidable Emmeline, was a feminist, socialist and  pacifist who increasingly disagreed with her mother’s approach to winning votes for women. While Emmeline and her eldest daughter Christabel focused on votes, Sylvia wanted the campaign to embrace the working classes, particularly the disadvantaged communities of London’s East End. Their differences over militancy, direct action and pacifism eventually drove a wedge through the family.

It’s a fascinating story, spanning 1903 to 1928, and one with plenty of contemporary relevance when it comes to political divisions and how best to achieve social change.

Prince brings it all to life with infectious choreography, contemporary dialogue and a fabulous score by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde. Blending hip-hop, funk, soul and R&B, the music is wonderfully varied and it is almost impossible to sit still! The choreography is fluid, inventive and frequently hypnotic.

The cast is equally impressive. Naomi Katiyo is terrific as Sylvia, capturing her growing political conviction and the personal sacrifices that come with activism. Her powerful voice moves effortlessly between soulful ballads and exhilarating rap. Her grief following the death of her brother Harry (Uzuazo O’David) is particularly touching.

Beverley Knight is magnificent as Emmeline, bringing powerhouse vocals and real authority to the role. A heated confrontation between mother and daughter is a definite highlight, as both finally express their anger, fear and shared trauma. Knight shows how determination can become inflexibility, while Sylvia’s explosive rap is a thrilling moment of liberation. It’s one of the production’s most emotionally compelling scenes.

There are some welcome lighter moments, too, particularly Castell Parker’s pompous Churchill, Cleve September’s Lloyd George and Kenedy Small’s hilarious anti suffrage Jennie Churchill.

Visually, the production is a treat. Ben Stones’ monochrome set, lively video projections and atmospheric lighting create a wonderfully cinematic backdrop. His costumes also are initially monochrome but later details of politically significant colour are added , such as the red of Keir Hardie’s scarf and stockings.

Sylvia’s later portrayal as almost saintly, with Emmeline becoming increasingly villainous, feels a little one-sided. The light-hearted tone also sits uneasily alongside the darker scenes, particularly the brutal treatment of Suffragettes in prison.

Sylvia is an energetic, entertaining and inspiring evening of theatre. With fabulous performances, irresistible music and an important story to tell, it’s a memorable reminder not to take the rights we enjoy today for granted.

A fascinating history lesson wrapped in a spectacular theatrical experience. Unmissable!

Five Stars.

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Sylvia is playing at The Royal Albert Hall until 15^th November 2026

For tickets and further details see link below

https://tickets.royalalberthall.com/production/98493

Photo credits Tristram Kenton

Cast

Bevery Knight Emmeline Pankhurst

Naomi Katiyo Sylvia Pankhurst

Kirstie Skivington Adela Pankhurst

Ellena Vincent Christabel Pankhurst

Solomon Davy Prime Minister Asquith

Cllette Guitart Clementine Churchill

Tachia Newall Keir Hardie/Lord Cromer

Uzuazo O’David Harry Pankhurst

Castell Parker Winston Churchill

Cleve September Lloyd George

Kenedy Small Jennie Churchill

Ivano Turco. Silvio Corio

Kelly Agbowu. Mrs Flora ‘The General’ Drummond/Betty Savoy

Ebony Clarke Emily Davison/Daisy Parsons

Eloise Davies Annie Kenney/Norah Smyth

Leah Hill Edith Garrud/Mollie Bird

Nathan Louis-Fernand              Swing

Claudia-Rose Carlier                  Swing

Jaye Marshall Swing

Lauren Azania Swing

Zion Battles  Swing