Full casting has been announced for the return of Sylvia, the Olivier-nominated hip hop, funk and soul musical from The Old Vic and ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company.
Joining the previously announced Beverley Knight, who reprises her Olivier Award-winning performance as Emmeline Pankhurst, will be Naomi Katiyo as Sylvia Pankhurst. Katiyo takes over the role following the withdrawal of Sharon Rose from the production.
The musical will open at Curve Leicester on 24 September before visiting Birmingham Hippodrome, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, The Lowry in Salford, Norwich Theatre Royal and Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre. The tour will then conclude with five performances at the Royal Albert Hall from 13 to 15 November 2026.
Returning cast members from the acclaimed 2023 Old Vic production include Kelly Agbowu, Claudia-Rose Carlier, Jaye Marshall, Kirstie Skivington and Ellena Vincent.
They are joined by Lauren Azania, Zion Battles, Ebony Clarke, Eloise Davies, Solomon Davy, Collette Guitart, Leah Hill, Nathan Louis-Fernand, Tachia Newall, Uzuazo O’David, Castell Parker, Cleve September, Kenedy Small and Ivano Turco.
Created by Kate Prince with a book by Prince and Priya Parmar, and music by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, Sylvia tells the story of suffragette activist Sylvia Pankhurst and her fight for social and political change.
The production follows its sell-out world premiere at The Old Vic in 2023 and will also host what is being described as the UK’s largest ever education matinee. The special performance at the Royal Albert Hall on 13 November will welcome almost 5,000 children and young people through a partnership with Go Live Theatre and support from The Garek Trust.
The Royal Albert Hall holds a special connection to the suffragette movement, having hosted numerous rallies and speeches connected to the campaign for women’s voting rights in the early 20th century.
Described as “fearless, flawed, and unforgettable”, Sylvia Pankhurst’s story is brought to life through an original score blending hip hop, funk and soul, alongside the signature choreography and direction of Kate Prince.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
