The Olivier-nominated musical Sylvia will return in Autumn 2026 for a UK tour culminating in five performances at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall from 13th to 15th November.
Starring Beverley Knight as Emmeline Pankhurst and Sharon Rose as Sylvia Pankhurst, Sylvia celebrates the life of the rebellious middle child of the Pankhurst family and her pivotal role in the Suffragette movement.
The Royal Albert Hall, once banned from hosting suffragette events between 1913 and 1918, will now welcome Sylvia to the very stage where history was made.
Produced in association with Curve Leicester, the tour will begin in Leicester on 24 September and visit Birmingham Hippodrome, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Salford Lowry, Norwich Theatre Royal, and Marlowe Theatre Canterbury before concluding at the Royal Albert Hall.
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. It seemed to me like the perfect place to perform ‘Sylvia’ was the very stage on which the suffragettes were roundly expelled and rejected, the Royal Albert Hall. Over 100 years later Sylvia and the Suffragettes are returning to triumph.”
Helen Pankhurst, activist and granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst, added: “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. This production is a stunning retelling of the Suffragette movement, focusing on the fiery personal and political dynamics within my family. With only a few years until the Centenary of Equal Franchise in 2028, this might seem like a story of the past and of one extraordinary family, but the themes it explores are as relevant and topical as ever.”
Directed and choreographed by Kate Prince, Sylvia features a dynamic soundtrack by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, blending hip hop, funk, and soul to tell the story of a woman who fought for the rights of working-class women and men.
Kate Prince said: “I’m so thrilled that we now have the opportunity to share Sylvia with even more audiences. It’s such an essential part of our history and to bring the voices of those who came before us back to life feels so right. From the very beginning, I wanted to create something fresh and relevant, that honoured the past while being uplifting and joyful. Taking Sylvia to the mighty Royal Albert Hall feels like a full circle moment, knowing that many women’s rights trailblazers, including Sylvia Pankhurst herself, once spoke there and inspired audiences. This is incredibly exciting for me and I’m so thankful and proud of everyone who has supported the production from the very beginning, it’s been a real evolution, of a revolution!”
Supported by Arts Council England’s Incentivising Touring scheme, Sylvia will bring its powerful message to audiences across the UK.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
