Review: Sylvia, at the Lowry, Salford

On it's UK tour, and currently in Salford, is a story that was born in Manchester from a whole family of Northern women: the Women's Social and Political Union, and its head, Emmeline Pankhurst, the leader of the Suffragette movement along with her daughters. 

You may know of certain events from your history lessons, and you may know about Emmeline Pankhurst leading the way to give (some) women the vote

But did your history lessons tell you about her middle daughter Sylvia? Mine didn't. 

In 2018, the piece, with a book and lyrics by Kate Prince with Priya Parmar, and music by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, played at The Old Vic on what was called as a trail run. 

It was received extremely well, returning for a full run in 2023. This run was nominated for three Olivier Awards in 2023 (including Best New Musical), winning one for Beverley Knight's performance as Emmeline Pankhurst. 

Billed a "A Musical Revolution", this musical tells the Suffrage Movement from Sylvia's perspective

Unlike her Mother, who felt the battle was over when married women over 30 were allowed to vote, Sylvia was very much a socialist and believed in the vote being given to all women, and rights for working people. 

Throughout the show, you see her grapple with those in power such as Churchill (yes, THAT Churchill), but also her beliefs contrasting to her mothers and how they impact their relationship. 

You could derive many a comparison to Hamilton with Sylvia

In fact, I would say that it is the closest British equivalent to Hamilton, even above SIX. Not only is it a historical story which involves people fighting for one cause or another, but Kate Prince's book and lyrics are full to the brim with character and strength, as we get to know these characters. 

You get to see snippets from Christabel and Adela Pankhurst in addition to Sylvia and Emmeline, as well as other suffragettes, politicians on all parties, and more, giving each distinct characteristics and a snapshot into what they want to achieve. 

Sylvia is also the closest British musical we have gotten inspired by Hamilton in terms of its music. A lot of musical influences come from rap and hip-hop yes, but Sylvia also holds a lot of soul and funk music influences too, even little touches of gospel. It delivers fast-paced and action-packed songs that heighten up the tension and thrusts you into the action of the protests. 

Kate Prince doesn't just write, but she directs and choreographs Sylvia too

The choreograph is a fusion of street dance and many other styles. It feels fresh and new, and fits so well with the music and the story. There are moments as well when it is used to provide some powerful emotions, particularly the end of the first act. 

March Women March is strong, defiant and empowering. Then it cuts to Be The Change, which is such an emotional punch, in which you see these women beaten during their march, and still having the power to get back up again. Being honest, it made me cry, and I was grateful for the interval so I could wipe my eyes. 

The other piece of the puzzle is an incredible cast, with a stunning debut and an Oliver winning powerhouse

Naomi Katiyo took over the role of Sylvia Pankhurst from Sharon Rose (Jingle Jangle) at almost the last minute so the latter could star in One Day. Katiyo is outstanding in this part, being the heart and soul of the show, and even from the back row, you could read every emotion on her face. 

I can now finally say that I have seen Beverley Knight on stage. Reprising her Olivier winning performance as the matriarch Pankhurst, this is such an amazing vocal and acting role for her. 

As we get to see the rift forming between her and her daughter on their views on class, and her becoming much more conservative than Sylvia, we get to see her in more of an antagonistic light. Knight eats it all up. And, as you would expect, her vocal soars and even growls to the back of the theatre. 

There's also some fantastic supporting performances, from Ellena Vincent (Little Shop of Horrors) and Kirstie Skivington (Fantastically Great Women) as Christabel and Adela Pankhurst respectfully, Castell Parker as a pompous Churchill, Colette Guitart as the witty Clementine Churchill and Tachia Newall as Sylvia's inspiration Keir Hardie. We also had the performing return of Leah Hill, who is back on stage after doing choreography work for many years (including Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde), and you could see she was enjoying being back on stage so much. 

Sylvia is emotional, powerful and empowering - and I implore you to see it

I have managed to see the show twice during its week at Lowry, once as a ticket buyer with my Mum, and another ushering Front of House, and it moved me both times. I find it astounding that women have only had the vote for (almost) 100 years. Sylvia is a perfect example of a piece of art which can empower and inspire. Case in point for me is that schools were in for both shows I saw, and I could tell they were enraptured by it. 

Whether you have tickets for its final performances at Lowry, the dates at the Royal Albert Hall, or any other on its UK tour, you are going to have such an powerful and emotional experience with Sylvia.