Sylvia, the Olivier-nominated musical production starring Beverley Knight as Emmeline Pankhurst and Sharon Rose as Sylvia Pankhurst to come to Salford’s Lowry in October 2026 as part of a UK tour ahead of five performances at the Royal Albert Hall in November 2026.
The revolutionary story celebrates the life of Sylvia Pankhurst, the rebellious middle child of Emmeline Pankhurst, and her role at the heart of the Suffragette movement, improving the lives of working women and men across the world.
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, scholar and granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst, said: “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.”
Sylvia Pankhurst – fearless, flawed, and unforgettable. The untold story of the rebellious middle child of Emmeline Pankhurst takes centre stage in this irresistible hip hop, funk and soulmusical that moves your feet and fires your spirit. Whilst her mother and sister battled for women’s suffrage, Sylvia ignited a revolution for the forgotten: working women, the impoverished, the silenced. Caught between her family and her beliefs, Sylvia risked it all to bring change to millions.
Tickets for Sylvia at Lowry, Salford will go on sale to the General Public on Friday 31 October at 10am. Visit thelowry.com. Lowry members will have the chance to buy tickets from Thursday 30 October – for more information on memberships visit here.
