Discover Sylvia Pankhurst's Story

Born in Southampton in 1974, Kate Prince began her career as a choreographer and founder of ZooNation, a hip hop dance theatre company that gives a platform to dancers who have backed pop artists on television and in music videos. With a passion for narrative dance productions shaped by hip hop culture, Prince has created shows such as Into the Hoods and Some Like It Hip Hop, earning her numerous award nominations, including the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer. In 2019, she was appointed MBE for her services to dance.

Prince's latest production, Sylvia, is a musical about the suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst, with a book co-written by Priya Parmar and music by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde. The show explores the life and legacy of a true icon, delving into themes of domestic abuse, sexism, and political persecution. With its unique blend of music and storytelling, Sylvia has received critical acclaim, with reviews describing it as "witty" and "high-voltage". The production features powerhouse talent, including Beverley Knight as Emmeline Pankhurst and Naomi Katiyo as Sylvia Pankhurst.

The musical's story is both uplifting and thought-provoking, asking what happens when a movement fighting for equality cannot agree on what equality means. This is reflected in the fractures within the Pankhurst family, making for a compelling and nuanced exploration of Sylvia's life. With its electrifying vocals and high energy, Sylvia is a production that will leave audiences moved and inspired.

Sylvia will be at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, from Monday, 2 November 2026, to Saturday, 7 November 2026. Tickets are with the button beside the article. With its unique blend of music and storytelling, this production is a great opportunity to learn about Sylvia Pankhurst's life and legacy, and to experience the powerful performances of Beverley Knight and Naomi Katiyo.