NEWS: SYLVIA UK TOUR COMING IN 2026, STARING BEVERLEY KNIGHT & SHARON ROSE

Beverley Knight and Sharon Rose Lead Sylvia UK Tour

The Olivier-nominated musical Sylvia is set to tour the UK in Autumn 2026, starring Beverley Knight as Emmeline Pankhurst and Sharon Rose as Sylvia Pankhurst. The production will visit Salford’s Lowry in October 2026, ahead of a short residency at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall in November.

Celebrating Sylvia Pankhurst: Activist, Rebel, Icon

Sylvia ia a musical tells the untold story of Sylvia Pankhurst, the rebellious middle child of Emmeline Pankhurst, whose activism and determination transformed the lives of working women and men across the world. While her mother and sister fought for women’s suffrage, Sylvia ignited a revolution for the forgotten, often risking conflict within her own family.

The musical fuses hip hop, funk, and soul, with music by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, and choreography and direction by Kate Prince of ZooNation. It celebrates the courage, passion, and joy of the Suffragette movement while bringing Sylvia’s fearless story to life.

UK Tour Dates

The national tour, produced in association with Curve Leicester, opens in Leicester on 24 September 2026 before visiting:

• Birmingham Hippodrome (6 – 10 Oct)

• Edinburgh Festival Theatre (12 – 17 Oct)

• Salford Lowry (19 – 24 Oct)

• Norwich Theatre Royal (28 – 31 Oct)

• Canterbury Marlowe (2 – 7 Nov)

  
  

The tour culminates with five performances at the Royal Albert Hall on 13, 14, and 15 November 2026 — a venue of historic significance for the Suffragette movement.

Tickets for Salford Lowry go on sale to the general public on Friday 31 October 2025 at 10am (Lowry Members can book from 30 October). Tickets for the Royal Albert Hall dates go on sale 7 November 2026.

Cast and Creative Team

Beverley Knight returns to reprise her Olivier Award-winning role as Emmeline Pankhurst, while Sharon Rose plays Sylvia. Other key members of the creative team include:

• Kate Prince: Book, Lyrics, Director & Choreographer

• Priya Parmar: Book

• Josh Cohen & DJ Walde: Music

• Ben Stones: Set & Costume

• Natasha Chivers: Lighting

• Tony Gayle: Sound

• Andrzej Goulding: Video & Animation

• Cynthia De La Rosa: Wigs, Hair & Make-up

• Lolita Chakrabarti: Dramaturgy

• Sean Green: Music Supervisor

  
  

Voices from the Production

Beverley Knight said:

“I could not be more chuffed to reprise my role as Emmeline Pankhurst one more time! The soul, R&B, hip-hop and blues reflects the joy, passion and the fight of the women and their allies. Performing Sylvia on the very stage from which the suffragettes were expelled — the Royal Albert Hall — feels like a triumphant full circle moment.”

Helen Pankhurst, Sylvia’s granddaughter, added:

“I’m thrilled that Sylvia will be touring the UK next autumn, reaching audiences across the country including Greater Manchester, the birthplace of the suffragette movement, and the Royal Albert Hall. The themes explored in this production remain as relevant and topical as ever.”

Kate Prince said:

“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.”

A Musical for Today

Supported by the Arts Council’s Incentivising Touring scheme, Sylvia is a musical full of heart, energy, and revolutionary spirit. Following its sellout world premiere at The Old Vic in 2023, this tour brings the story of a fearless and unforgettable activist to audiences across the UK.

Tickets and further information for all tour venues are available on the official website.