Sylvia by Kate Prince - ★★★★☆

An electric, moving and pitch-perfect musical.

Sylvia follows the story of the Pankhurst family, led by matriarch Emmeline, founding member of the Women’s Social and Political Union and supported by her daughters Sylvia, Christabel and Adela (Sharon Rose, Kirstie Skivington, Ellena Vincent). While the women were initially united by their fight for women’s suffrage, Emmeline’s ‘militant’ tactics, and Sylvia’s penchant towards socialism, fractures the once united family.

Over a 25-year period we see the evolution of the WSPU, Sylvia’s eventual departure from the party, hunger strikes, a tangled love story and much more. All of this history shared through song, with a hip hop/R&B-inspired soundtrack by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, performed live by an insanely talented band.

The influence of Hamilton on the show is undeniable, from the rap-battles to the casting, it clearly provided some inspiration - but, nonetheless, Prince’s choreography amongst other things ensures Sylvia is able to carve out a place of its own, held up by a very impressive cast.

Beverley Knight is truly magnificent. She effortlessly steps into the shoes of Emmeline, a mother and fierce activist, and Sharon Rose embodies Sylvia, with just as must finesse and passion. Both women filling the theatre with their incredible voices.

The air of magnificence in Sylvia is not limited to the mother-daughter duo, but extends to the ensemble and supporting cast members, who bring gorgeous harmonies and a spell-binding energy to the stage for the 2-hour, 30-minute run. Each cast member is given a chance to shine, and this opportunity is never missed. 

From a poised but devious Clementine Churchill (Verity Blyth) whose presence and vocals captivated both Churchill and the audience, to Churchill’s mother, Lady Jennie (Jade Hackett) who bought humour, energy and importantly a garage-inspired anthem to the stage. And, lastly, Italian heart-throb Silvio (Sweeney) who had sung no more than one riff, before I heard ‘D’angelo is that you, yeah?’.

At times, Sylvia lacked pace, but equally key moments in the history of the suffragettes felt rushed or overlooked. Most notably, the death of suffragette Emily Davison, who collided with the Kings horse at the Epsom Derby.

Squeezing 25-years of events into a 150 minutes is ambitious, and while not without it’s drawbacks, Sylvia provided all that we’d want from a show of it’s kind. A powerful, original and soulful presentation of Sylvia Pankhurst and the suffragette movement, Sylvia is not a show you’d want to miss.

Showing at Old Vic until 08 April.