Beverley Knight Stars As Emmeline Pankhurst
Singer takes on 'gift of a role' in musical Sylvia, telling the story of the suffragette movement and family rifts, at the Birmingham Hippodrome
Singer Beverley Knight is starring as Emmeline Pankhurst in the musical Sylvia, which tells the story of the suffragette movement and the family rift caused by the fight for women's voting rights. The musical is set between 1903 and 1928 and features Naomi Katiyo as Sylvia Pankhurst.
The musical Sylvia explores the complex relationship between Emmeline Pankhurst, the leader of the suffragettes, and her daughter Sylvia, who wanted to extend voting rights to all people, not just wealthy property-owning women. Beverley Knight described her role as Emmeline Pankhurst as a 'gift of a role'.
The musical includes a range of music genres, including R&B, funk, soul, garage, gospel, and house music. Knight, known for her soulful voice and hits like Shoulda Woulda Coulda and Get Up, said the show was 'musically up my street' and that the music was the 'engine of the show'.
## Why it matters The story of the suffragette movement and the Pankhurst family is a significant part of British history. The musical Sylvia aims to empower audiences and remind them that their voices can make a difference. By telling this story, the musical highlights the importance of the fight for women's voting rights and the challenges faced by the suffragettes.
The musical is being performed at the Birmingham Hippodrome, and Knight hopes that audiences will leave feeling inspired and motivated. With its unique blend of music and history, Sylvia is a must-see for anyone interested in the suffragette movement and its legacy.
