Beverley Knight Calls Role in Suffragette Musical "A Gift"

Singer Beverley Knight has described her role as Emmeline Pankhurst in the new musical "Sylvia the Musical" as a "gift of a role." The musical chronicles the story of suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst and the family schism that arose from their fight for women's voting rights.

Knight, who is performing at the Birmingham Hippodrome, expressed her hope that audiences will depart the theatre feeling "empowered" and convinced of their ability to enact change through their voices. "It's an absolutely killer story, and the best thing is it's true," Knight stated, emphasizing the historical accuracy of the narrative.

"Sylvia the Musical" spans from 1903 to 1928, delving into the historical context of the suffragette movement. Knight explained that while Emmeline Pankhurst, a prominent leader, was focused on securing the vote for property-owning women, her daughter Sylvia advocated for universal suffrage. This divergence in aims placed both mother and daughter in opposition to each other and to the government.

The musical, which also features Naomi Katiyo as Sylvia Pankhurst, has been described as a "hip-hop musical" due to its incorporation of R&B, funk, soul, garage, gospel, and house music. Knight noted that the music serves as the central driving force of the show, with dialogue delivered through speaking, rapping, and singing.

Knight also highlighted that the musical's narrative extends beyond the Pankhurst family, resonating with audience members who may have had relatives involved in the suffragette movement. "I want everybody to leave like, let's go, oh my god, that feeling of I can effect change, I can use my voice and effect change. I feel empowered," she said.