Sylvia, Curve Theatre Leicester Review
Sylvia, UK Tour production image. Photo by Tristram Kenton.
Read all about it! Bringing a musical revolution of noise, marching and strength across the nation and to Leicester’s Curve Theatre this week is Beverley Knight MBE and her suffragette comrades in this electrifying musical, which offers a lens on a significant historical period of time. You thought you knew the story of Emmeline Pankhurst? What about her dynamic, strong and equally powerful family?
Fix up, look sharp and join the movement in 1903 as the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) fight for their rights and the future of women. Join the women in their first steps of the revolution with their catchy and upbeat first song, ‘First Steps.’ With its clever, curated choreography by Kate Prince and energetic ensemble cast, this song is the epitome of how you open a show.
The suffragettes shout about sisterhood and solidarity as they aim to get their message about votes for women heard. They’re not being quiet, and they’re certainly not silent as they lead debates, get arrested and go on hunger strike. These difficult moments in history are portrayed effortlessly by the entire cast, as the story incorporates modern references, memes, and light-hearted humour. The addition of hip hop, R&B and soul music is a strong artistic direction to take, but it absolutely works on bringing this production to a new audience.
Aiming to turn the whole world upside down whilst leading the talented cast in her titular role as Sylvia Pankhurst is the phenomenal Naomi Katiyo. With her powerful voice and natural camaraderie with her fellow actors on stage, she puts a spotlight on the daughter of the famous suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst. Having Emmeline as her mother alongside the constant pressure to impress, Naomi is able to portray Sylvia as a confident woman who will stick by what she believes in even if this involves going against her family’s wishes.
The role of her mother, Emmeline, is played by the incredibly talented Beverley Knight MBE, who won an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a musical for playing Emmeline in the original production in 2023. Her vocal range is its own character in the production as she sings numerous powerful musical numbers, including the catchy and energetic ‘March Women March.’
Although they didn’t want to be lawbreakers, they wanted to be lawmakers; Sylvia and her circle of high achievers aim for change during a dangerous time as they travel along the road to justice. Alongside Naomi is Kirstie Skivington, who plays Adela Pankhurst and Ellena Vincent, who plays Christabel Pankhurst. Together with Naomi as a trio, they play the formidable sisters naturally well whilst also highlighting the differences between the sisters and their differing beliefs. Uzuazo O’David plays their younger brother, Harry Pankhurst, who not only portrays his character development really well but is able to showcase his extraordinary dancing skills.
Although this is a show about women, a special mention has to be made to the talented cast members playing the lead male roles, including: Castell Parker as Winston Churchill, Tachia Newall as Labour MP Keir Hardie and Ivano Turco as Silvio Corio. They are all able to provide outstanding acting performances as well as command the stage during their musical numbers and dances. But it’s important to note that this cast layer one another so beautifully in this show.
Bringing the performance together with sensational music that is both modern and memorable is Musical Director Sean Green and his live band. Ben Stones’ direction regarding the set and the costumes is also incredibly clever and powerful and represents the power struggles of the time whilst reflecting the emotive turmoil and change in relationships that the family and their fellow suffragettes go through.
Whilst bringing history to the forefront of our minds, this particular production feels especially timely given what has been happening in the world, both in recent weeks and throughout the past couple of years. One of the most poignant moments in the show comes at the end of the first half, and it is difficult not to be moved by what unfolds before your eyes—particularly knowing that it is rooted in events that are all too real.
Clever artistic choices have been made both in the choreography and the choice of monochromatic costumes in Sylvia to allow audience members to realise similarities and differences between other material with the theme of social injustice, such as The Handmaid’s Tale. It conveys the message that women are amazing when they take action together. Victory for women!
Funk it up and stand up as you experience this new wave of rebellion! Grabbing a ticket to see this musical revolution will be the best decision that you make this side of Christmas!
Sylvia is playing at the Curve Theatre, Leicester, before a limited UK tour.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Written by Hollie for Theatre and Tonic, September 2026.
