*Doctor Who*'s Ncuti Gatwa and Sharon D Clarke are set to star in a new production of Oscar Wilde's comedy *The Importance of Being Earnest* at London's National Theatre. The production will open on 20 November.

Wilde's play will be directed Max Webster (*Macbeth, Life of Pi*), who is making his National Theatre debut.

The cast includes Richard Cant (*Stan & Ollie, Mary Queen of Scots*) as Reverend Canon Chasuble, Sharon D Clarke (*Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Doctor Who*) as Lady Bracknell,...

Sharon D Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa to star in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' in London

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Oscar Wilde's famous play about false identities will be directed by Max Webster, who is making his National Theatre debut. Performances start on 20 November.


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London Theatre Magazine online: April edition

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Immerse yourself in London's theatre world with our digital flip-through of the April edition of London Theatre Magazine, including interviews, reviews, and insights.

New British musical *Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)* has extended performances by seven weeks at the Criterion Theatre in the West End. The show is now booking until 31 August.

Jim Barne and Kit Buchan's musical transferred to the West End earlier this month, following a sold-out, extended run at London's Kiln Theatre.

The production stars Olivier Award winner Sam Tutty (*Dear Evan Hansen*) as Dougal and Dujonna Gift (*Hamilton, Caroline or Change, Motown: The Musical*) as Robin....

'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)' extends performances through August 2024

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Olivier Award winner Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift star in this adorable two-hander by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan. Performances have been extended to 31 August.

Again! Step, kick, kick, leap, kick, touch… Again! God, I hope I get it… Originally devised, directed, and choreographed by Michael Bennett with a score by Marvin Hamlisch, the 1975 musical *A Chorus Line* returns to London this summer in a fresh production directed by Nikolai Foster and starring Adam Cooper and Carly Mercedes Dyer.

Cooper plays Zach, the domineering director-choreographer casting the chorus for a new Broadway musical who puts the hopefuls through the wringer – physically and...

Learn all about the history of 'A Chorus Line' in London and New York

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The iconic musical plays at Sadler's Wells this summer in an exciting new production starring Adam Cooper and Carly Mercedes Dyer.

A musical version of a chick flick? With spectacular fashion shows, epic backstabbing and a diva who’ll chill your soul, it could well be groundbreaking. *The Devil Wears Prada* struts into the West End this autumn. With an original score by Elton John and a cast led by Vanessa Williams and Matt Henry, start planning your outfit for the most stylish show in town! 

Based on the bestselling novel by Lauren Weisberger and the film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, protagonist Andrea “Andy”...

Everything you need to know about 'The Devil Wears Prada' in the West End

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Elton John's musical version of the hit novel and film arrives at London's Dominion Theatre this autumn, starring Vanessa Williams and Matt Henry.


We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to shows in London, and it can be hard to keep up with everything that’s opening – we all have busy lives and it isn’t possible to fit everything in. Fortunately, second chances do sometimes arise!

A whole host of plays and musicals are being reprised in the West End this spring and summer, from celebrated musicals to classic drama and exciting contemporary writing. If it’s a show you’ve loved before, different cast members and venues can provide a whole...

Catch these incredible theatre shows as they return to the stage in London

From *Sister Act* and *Hadestown* to *Standing at the Sky's Edge*, there's a wealth of fantastic shows coming into town – so don't miss out!

Make a joyful noise! West End favourite [Lee Mead](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/lee-mead) will join the cast of [*Sister Act*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28926-sister-act) at the [Dominion Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/dominion-theatre) this June.

Mead is best known for his West End performances in *Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Legally Blonde*, [*Wicked*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/313-wicked-tickets), and, most...

Lee Mead to join 'Sister Act' West End cast

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The London theatre veteran will join Ruth Jones, Alexandra Burke, and more in the musical based on the hit movie, which currently stars Beverley Knight.

The magic returns! [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/25389-my-neighbour-totoro-tickets), the stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki's beloved same-named Studio Ghibli movie, will transfer to the West End in 2025. The [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre) will host the 34-week run from 8 March to 2 November 2025. Opening night is 20 March.

*My Neighbour Totoro* follows two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the...

'My Neighbour Totoro' sets West End transfer

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Following two seasons at the Barbican Centre, the acclaimed play adapted from the classic Studio Ghibli film will play a 34-week run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

All hail Macbeth! *Macbeth*, starring [David Tennant](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/david-tennant) in the title role and Cush Jumbo as Lady Macbeth, will play in the West End this autumn, with performances running at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 1 October to 14 December.

The production comes to the West End from a critically acclaimed premiere at the Donmar Warehouse in fall 2023, with the entire original cast returning. Alongside Tennant (*Doctor Who*) and Jumbo (*The Good...

David Tennant and Cush Jumbo-led 'Macbeth' to transfer to the West End

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The critically acclaimed production played the Donmar Warehouse in 2023, also starring Tennant and Jumbo, and will now have a two-month run in the West End.

Truth is, no one can do what he does. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947, Elton John has been one of the world’s most successful pop stars and songwriters since he released “Your Song” in 1970. 

Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin, some of his greatest hits include “Tiny Dancer”, “Rocket Man”, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, “I’m Still Standing”, “Are You Ready for Love”, and, of course, “Candle in the Wind”, which was revised as a tribute to Princess Diana following her death and became a...

Explore the fantastic stage musicals of Elton John ahead of 'The Devil Wears Prada'

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Follow our guide to the shows composed by legendary pop star Elton John, including *The Lion King, Billy Elliot, Tammy Faye*, and the forthcoming West End musical *The Devil Wears Prada*.  

The award-winning singer [Beverley Knight](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/beverley-knight) will star in [*Sylvia*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/26524-sylvia) in 2023. *Sylvia* begins previews at the [Old Vic](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/old-vic-theatre) on 27 January, with an opening night on 14 February and performances to 1 April. Book *Sylvia* tickets on London Theatre.

*Sylvia* follows the life of Sylvia Pankhurst, political activist and daughter of Emmeline Pankhurst, who charted the suffragette’s campaign for women’s rights. ZooNation’s *Sylvia* was originally commissioned to mark the centenary since the end of World War One, and played for three weeks at the Old Vic in 2018.

Beverley Knight will play Emmeline Pankhurst in *Sylvia*. She previously originated the role of Faye Treadwell in *The Drifters Girl*, and recently starred as Deloris in *Sister Act*.

The *Sylvia* cast includes Sharon Rose as Sylvia Pankhurst, Kelly Agbowu, Verity Blyth, Bradley Charles, Kimmy Edwards, Alex Gaumond, Jade Hackett, Todd Holdsworth, Stevie Hutchinson, Kate Ivory Jordan, Hannah Khemoh, Sinead Long, Jaye Marshall, Kandaka Moore, Razak Osman, Jay Perry, Kirstie Skivington, Antoine Murray-Straughan, Ellena Vincent, and Malachi Welch.

Kate Prince’s company ZooNation created *Sylvia*, with original music by DJ Walde and Josh Cohen and additional music by Prince. Prince and Priya Parmar write *Sylvia* with set and costume design by Ben Stones, lighting design by Natasha Chivers, and sound design by Tony Gayle.

## Who is Beverley Knight? 

Knight is an award-winning singer and songwriter. The gospel and soul singer released hits such as "Shoulda Woulda Coulda," and "Keep This Fire Burning." She made her West End debut in 2013 as Rachel Marron in *The Bodyguard*. [Find out more about Beverley Knight.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/beverley-knight)

*Sylvia* is at the Old Vic.

Book *Sylvia* tickets on London Theatre.

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=26524&content_product_id=26524&venue_id=191)

*Photo credit: Sylvia (Photo by Chantel Gale)*

*Article originally published on 6 Oct. 2022.*

Beverley Knight to star in ‘Sylvia’ at the Old Vic

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10+. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

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The Company in Sylvia at The Old Vic 2023 (1)

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Hear Sylvia Pankhurst and the suffragettes roar in *Sylvia* at the Old Vic. 

The Pankhursts changed the lives of working women around the world. You’re probably familiar with Emmeline Pankhurst forming the Women’s Social and Political Union. But what did Sylvia, Emmeline’s daughter do? 

Throughout the *Sylvia* musical, you’ll discover how this forward-thinking activist and rebel not only strode in her mother’s footsteps, but made her own mark on British politics and continued the fight for the right to vote.

*Sylvia* was originally commissioned as a short work in 2018 to mark a centenary of women's suffrage. Now, after five years of development, the groundbreaking musical returns to the Old Vic. Listen to DJ Walde and Josh Cohen's contemporary score, bursting with hip-hop, reggae, and soulful rhythms. Plus, ZooNation's Kate Prince directs and choreographs *Sylvia* with a commercial flair. *Sylvia* is a musical moment to remember.

Beverley Knight won the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical. *Sylvia* also picked up Olivier nominations for Best New Musical, and Best Choreographer (Kate Prince).

### Who is Beverley Knight?

[Beverley Knight](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/beverley-knight) is an award-winning gospel and soul singer. She is best known for her chart-topping songs such as “Shoulda Woulda Coulda” and “Keep This Fire Burning.” In recent years, Knight’s starred in West End musicals including *The Drifters Girl* and *Memphis*. Knight will play Emmeline Pankhurst in *Sylvia* at the Old Vic.

Sylvia - LON - London Theatre

Book theatre tickets for Sylvia in London. Choose your seats and find the best availability on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

Sylvia Tickets | London Theatre

Sylvia Pankhurst — rebel, activist, feminist, socialist. Is there anything she can't do? Join the Pankhursts as they changed the lives of working people worldwide. See the Olivier-winning actress Beverley Knight in the hip-hop suffragette musical. Get tickets to *Sylvia* at the Old Vic today.

When *Sylvia* premiered at the Old Vic in 2018, the show marked 100 years of women’s suffrage. The musical also supported the Mayor of London’s #BehindEveryGreatCity initiative — a campaign that showcased London's role in gender equality.

At first, *Sylvia* was commissioned as a dance show. Five years later, *Sylvia* is now a fully-fledged musical. This contemporary retelling of Sylvia Pankhurst’s story delivers a modern twist on the story of the fight for women’s votes. Listen out for the a cappela chorus speaking words of female solidarity. 

## What to Watch For:

- Kate Prince directs and choreographs *Sylvia*. The ZooNation founder’s West End credits include *Everybody’s Talking About Jamie*, *Some Like it Hip Hop*, and *Into the Hoods. Into the Hoods* broke boundaries as the first hip-hop show in the West End.
- In the office of Old Vic’s former manager, Lilian Baylis, there was a neon sign that read “Dare, Always Dare.” It’s a rallying cry that echoes throughout *Sylvia*.

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Get the best prices on theatre tickets for Sylvia on TodayTix. The long-awaited world premiere comes to London!

Sylvia Tickets | London | TodayTix

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Buy tickets for Sylvia at the Old Vic in London. Find official theatre tickets to Musicals with Box Office.

Sylvia Tickets | Box Office

Kate Prince’s hip-hop take on the [Suffragettes](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/a-complete-guide-to-sylvia-starring-beverley-knight) has the cheer-worthy aim of ensuring we all understand how long and how hard these incredible women fought to secure our rights. In fact, it’s also been something of a battle to get this new work to the stage: originally a dance show, *[Sylvia](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/26524-sylvia)* was meant to premiere in 2018 as a musical, wound up semi-opening as a work-in-progress, and is now finally ready to bring us those “first steps of a revolution”.

As per the title, the focus is mainly on Sylvia, daughter of the almighty Emmeline Pankhurst. Unlike her more biddable older sister Christabel, Sylvia diverged from her mother’s approach: while Emmeline focussed on securing votes for women, an increasingly socialist Sylvia wanted to expand to the working-class. Emmeline grew militant when diplomacy failed; Sylvia grew more enamoured of pacifism.

It’s a fascinating dynamic, placing conflict over how to achieve change (so debating the merits of direct action, message discipline and intersectional solidarity – although, oddly, race is never mentioned) at the heart of a family. You could parallel that with any number of current issues, whether it’s environmental protest or Brexit dividing families.

Prince’s use of contemporary dialogue, music (Josh Cohen and DJ Walde's enjoyable mix of hip-hop, funk, soul and R&B) and infectiously fun, propulsive movement also helps bridge that gap. However, there’s a large elephant in the room, and its name is *[Hamilton](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/20561-hamilton-tickets)*, to which this inevitably invites comparisons.

But, while Lin-Manuel Miranda made very deliberate and thoughtful choices about paralleling his Founding Fathers with modern rappers, and where to deploy diverse casting (crucially, George III is played by a white actors), *Sylvia* feels conceptually muddled.

Prince (who co-wrote the book with Priya Parmar, and also directs and choreographs) has spoken about hip-hop culture being rooted in oppression. Yet all of its characters sound and move in the same way, whether the Suffragettes or their male opponents. In fact, the most dynamic performance comes from a “Braap!”-roaring, show-stealing Jade Hackett – as Winston Churchill’s fiercely anti-suffrage mother. So what are we meant to take from that? 

Churchill is also played by a black actor, but is a foppish, hen-pecked cartoon villain. The tone generally skews light-hearted, which makes the material engaging, but it’s challenging to switch tack for horrifying moments like the hunger-striking Suffragettes being force-fed in prison, or a vicious beating by the police (although Prince does find an expressive movement language for both). If we can’t take the opposition seriously, we’re in danger of underestimating our heroines. 

*Sylvia* also zips through the years, giving us little time to really dig into the lead characters’ lives and motivations. I wished we could have seen the Pankhursts interacting as a family, rather than just spouting slogans at one another, so we could feel the weight of what is sacrificed here – or that Christabel’s queerness could be characterised as more than just a potential PR problem. 

Charming though Alex Gaumond makes him, there’s too much time devoted to Sylvia’s romance with Labour Party founder Keir Hardie instead. It’s also a shame to see the argument weighted so heavily in Sylvia’s favour in the latter stages: she’s painted as a peace-loving, saintly martyr, adored by the working class (who we only actually meet briefly), while Emmeline becomes an elitist monster. 

And yet: one phenomenal number, in which Sylvia and Emmeline finally spill their fear, anger, resentment, desires and shared trauma, demonstrates what this show could be. With roof-raising vocals and diva riffs, [Beverley Knight](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/beverley-knight) shows how Emmeline’s courage, passion and determination is calcifying into dictatorial intransigence, while Sharon Rose’s Sylvia finally breaks free with a rush of innovative rapping. It’s emotionally revealing as well as a fraught political fight, and it’s given space to fully land.

That’s not the case elsewhere in a show that is often highly entertaining and inspiring, thanks to a committed company and creative elements like Andrzej Goulding’s lively video projections. Yet ultimately it feels overstuffed – too much telling, not enough dramatising. Prince might take a cue from the Suffragettes: “deeds, not words.”

*Sylvia is at the Old Vic through 1 April. Book Sylvia tickets on London Theatre.*

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=26524&content_product_id=26524&venue_id=191)

*Photo credit: The cast of Sylvia at the Old Vic (Photo by Manuel Harlan)*

'Sylvia' review – Beverley Knight leads an inspiring but overstuffed hip-hop Suffragette musical 

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Read our review of Beverley Knight in the hip-hop musical *Sylvia*, now playing at the Old Vic through 1 April. Get *Sylvia* tickets on London Theatre.

Beverley Knight MBE was born in Wolverhampton in 1973.&nbsp;Throughout her teens, she sang in a church choir, whilst being raised listening to gospel music. She was also inspired by Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin, who mixed elements of both gospel and secular music. In 1994, she signed to her first label, releasing her debut LP, The B-Funk, which won critical acclaim.

She is perhaps best known for a number of smash hits, including "Get Up!"&nbsp;and "Shoulda Woulda Coulda", both from her third LP, Who I Am, which led to a Mercury Music Prize nomination. In 2004 she went onto release her biggest-selling album yet, *Affirmation*, which included hits such as “Keep This Fire Burning” and “Not Too Late for Love.”&nbsp;Subsequently, she won a lifetime achievement award at the Urban Music Awards.

In 2006, Knight released a platinum-selling compilation album. Following this, she started hosting Beverley’s Gospel Nights on BBC Radio 2, talking about gospel music, with interviews with celebrities including Michelle Williams and Shirley Caesar.&nbsp;Knight was one of the many performers in the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony, a performance which was highly praised.&nbsp;

In 2013, Knight made her West End debut playing Rachel Marron in <a href="/show/the-bodyguard">The Bodyguard</a> at the <a href="/theatres/adelphi-theatre">Adelphi Theatre</a>. In 2014 she starred in West End production Memphis The Musical at the <a href="/theatres/shaftesbury-theatre">Shaftesbury Theatre</a>, and in 2015, she played Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats at the <a href="/theatres/london-palladium">London Palladium</a>.&nbsp;Knight led the cast as Faye Treadwell in the world premiere of <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/the-drifters-girl">The Drifters Girl</a>.

In 2023, Knight will play Emmeline Pankhurst in *Sylvia* at the Old Vic. She won her first Olivier for *Sylvia,* winning the Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical category. She'll then reprise the role of Deloris Van Cartier in *Sister Act* at the Dominion Theatre in 2024.

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Read all about soul superstar Beverley Knight and her latest London theatre shows at LondonTheatre.co.uk

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A Christmas Carol | Old Vic - LON [24716] 

A Christmas Carol | Old Vic

A Christmas Carol fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in London’s longest running adaptation of this beloved festive favourite.

The Old Vic, originally named the Royal Coburg Theatre, was designed in 1818 by Rudolph Cabanel. Its name was later changed to the Royal Victoria Theatre, then the Royal Victoria Hall, before it took on its nickname of 'The Old Vic' as its official name in 1925. 

The Old Vic has housed acclaimed performances with such celebrated actors as John Gielgud’s *Hamlet*, Laurence Olivier’s *Macbeth* and *Othello* in 1937, and Judi Dench’s Juliet in *Romeo and Juliet*, which was privately performed for The Queen in 1957.

In 1963, the Old Vic became the home base of the [National Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/national-theatre) of Great Britain during its formation under Laurence Olivier. The theatre continued to host the National Theatre until the move to South Bank in 1976. 

There are two entrances to the Old Vic: one on The Cut and the other on Waterloo Road, which is an accessible entrance. In 2019, 'Penny', an accessible basement cafe and bar was opened, offering drinks, sandwiches and snacks. 

## Old Vic Seating Information

The auditorium has three levels - Stalls, Dress Circle, and the Lilian Baylis Circle.

Despite the Dress Circle overhang, this doesn’t affect the view due to pillars. There is also a staggered rake that will be noticeable from row J to allow better viewing.

The Lilian Baylis Circle is high above the ground and overhangs the Dress Circle at row C meaning row E will miss the top of the stage. There are also standing seats available at the sides of this circle.

Beverley Knight to star in ‘Sylvia’ at the Old Vic

Who is Beverley Knight?

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