Sylvia : A Musical Revolution – The Lowry, Salford

Book: Kate Prince & Priya Parmar

Music: Josh Cohen & DJ Walde

Lyrics/Director: Kate Prince

Comparisons with Hamilton are perhaps inevitable, but Sylvia: A Musical Revolution has plenty of its own to shout about. Blending history with hip-hop, funk and soul, this production which is currently performing at The Lowry in Salford turns the fight for equality into a thrilling piece of musical theatre. It is bold, moving and, at times, nothing short of phenomenal.

At the heart of the story is Sylvia Pankhurst (Naomi Katiyo), whose fight for women’s voting rights develops into a wider battle for social equality. While her mother, Emmeline (Beverley Knight), and sister, Christabel (Ellena Vincent), focus on securing the vote, Sylvia becomes increasingly determined to give working-class women a voice. Their differing beliefs divide the family, leaving her torn between loyalty and her own convictions. Her relationship with Labour politician Keir Hardie (Tachia Newall) adds love and personal sacrifice to an already complicated struggle.

Ben Stones’ set initially looks rather bare, with a stepped amphitheatre and a handful of black boxes. That simplicity, however, gives the story and performances room to shine. Natasha Chivers and Hector Murray’s lighting is ambitious and often stunning, while Andrzej Goulding’s video and animation bring further energy to the stage. These elements work beautifully alongside Kate Prince’s fluid direction and energetic choreography, making the production feel constantly alive without distracting from its emotional heart.

It is easy to see why Knight holds an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Emmeline Pankhurst. Commanding and uncompromising, she embraces the character’s less sympathetic qualities, presenting a woman whose determination can be as damaging within her family as it is powerful in public. It is a performance that challenges the comfortable image of a familiar historical figure, allowing the contradictions beneath it to emerge.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Ellena Vincent gives Christabel a sharp resolve, while Kirstie Skivington makes a strong impression as younger sister Adela. Uzuazo O’David brings welcome humour as their brother Harry, and Tachia Newall gives Keir Hardie warmth and conviction. Castell Parker is also a delight as Winston Churchill, finding the comedy in a portrayal that takes a pointed look at another celebrated figure.

The evening, though, belongs to Naomi Katiyo. As Sylvia, she balances strength with vulnerability, making her political convictions and personal struggles feel equally convincing. There is a real emotional weight to her performance, particularly as the distance between Sylvia and her family grows. It is an outstanding central turn that gives the production both its drive and its heart.

The score may offer few instant earworms, but its hip-hop, funk and soul rhythms give the storytelling plenty of punch. The music keeps the action moving and supports the intensity of the performances, even if individual songs do not immediately linger afterwards.

With exceptional performances, striking design and assured direction, Sylvia brings its many strengths together into a hugely impressive evening of theatre. This musical deserves a life well beyond its current UK tour.

Runs until 24 Oct 2026 and continues on its UK Tour