Full cast announced for SYLVIA, with Naomi Katiyo replacing Sharon Rose

Sylvia chronicles the story of feminist and socialist activist Sylvia Pankhurst, daughter of Emmeline Pankhurst. Building up to her eventual split with her mother's activism, the musical takes us from Sylvia's painful childhood and the loss of her father and brother, to her struggle to hold true to her pacifism in light of misogynist threats and police brutality, and her reluctance to break bread with Churchill's government. It features a book and lyrics by world-renowned choreographer and storyteller Kate Prince (ZooNation) and Priya Parmer, with music by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde that joyously unites hip hop, funk, and soul.

Following its sell-out premiere at the Old Vic in 2023, Sylvia now returns for a UK tour that concludes with a strictly limited run at the Royal Albert Hall, which fittingly was the home of over 20 suffragette rallies and some of the most historic speeches in the fight for women to gain the vote.

Renowned singer/song writer and performer Beverley Knight MBE (Sister Act, The Drifters Girl, Memphis The Musical) reprises her Olivier Award-winning role as Emmeline Pankhurst, with Naomi Katiyo (Hamilton, Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical) taking over the role of Sylvia Pankhurst from Sharon Rose, who has withdrawn from the production.

Cast members returning to Sylvia from the Old Vic production include Kelly Agbowu (Mrs Flora ‘The General’ Drummond/Betty Savoy), Claudia-Rose Carlier (Swing), Jaye Marshall (Swing), Kirstie Skivington (Adela Pankhurst) and Ellena Vincent (Christabel Pankhurst). The rest of the cast includes: Lauren Azania (Swing), Zion Battles (Swing), Ebony Clarke (Emily Davison/Daisy Parsons), Eloise Davies (Annie Kenney/Norah Smyth) Solomon Davy (Prime Minister Asquith/Richard Pankhurst), Collette Guitart (Clementine Churchill/Julia Scurr), Leah Hill (Edith Garrud/Mollie Bird), Nathan Louis-Fernand (Swing), Tachia Newall (Keir Hardie/Lord Cromer), Uzuazo O’David (Harry Pankhurst), Castell Parker (Winston Churchill/George Lansbury), Cleve September (Lloyd George/Lord Curzon), Kenedy Small (Jennie Churchill/Edna Payne/Sophia Singh) and Ivano Turco (Silvio Corio/Sir Almroth Wright).

The official album, 'Sylvia - The Essentials', containing 14 selected tracks from Sylvia and produced by Grammy award winner Martin Terefe, is available on all streaming platforms.

Sylvia will play at the Royal Albert Hall for five performances only from 13th to 15th November 2026

Sylvia Tickets