Beverley Knight came into the limelight as a 1990s soul singer and has also made her name as a musical theatre supremo. She turns 50 in March and claims never to have had it so good: she is starring in Sylvia, a radical new musical mixing hip-hop, R&B and funk by Kate Prince at the Old Vic in London. Knight plays the redoubtable suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst (the mother of Sylvia).
How do you see Emmeline Pankhurst?
I did lots of research – I’m a history buff, a bit of a nerd. I read lots of nonfiction. I saw that Emmeline was a complex woman – as most heroes are. Here was a woman who, at great cost to herself, her liberty, her family relationships and her mental health – fought with everything she had to push through votes for women.
In what ways do you think the suffragette story is relevant now? The musical’s catchphrase is: “Be the change that you want to see” – but can you live that way?
I think you can – as much as ordinary life allows. This show reflects what’s going on right now. Look at the differences still entrenched in British society. Look at the class system and who is regarded as a full citizen with full rights and who is not – there are so many parallels.
You once described yourself as “the mouthy one who would never back down” – does this make you natural casting for Emmeline?
Probably! I always speak my mind, although with social media, I have to be more considered – it’s easy to get it wrong. But my age, and the fact I’m a well-known figure to some, carries a certain amount of weight.
And yet your casting as Emmeline was criticised during the work-in-progress version of this musical five years ago – why?
Racism – and, in some cases, not understanding the medium of theatre and that this is a theatrical production, not a biopic.
What’s your take on the bigger picture with casting and diversity?
It’s not black and white [laughs]. You wouldn’t cast someone white as Nelson Mandela because race is intrinsic to his story. But I can relate to Emmeline’s fight for suffrage – and, as a woman, I understand that having your own voice and using it is crucial. Casting is a detailed process – it is not simplistic, it is case by case.
Can you describe the show’s evolution from a work-in-progress to finished production?
I absolutely knew this show was a diamond, which was why I committed to doing it again. First time round, it was too long. It needed polishing to become a show of traditional length while maintaining all its details – at the musical’s beating heart is a family with strong ideals and it is about how the pursuit of those ideals ripped the family apart.
While we are on families, you grew up in Wolverhampton. I know you are a big Wolves supporter – what did your parents do?
I am, yes! My mother was a nurse, my father had his own business as a builder. I’ve been in London a long time but I love home. The people have the warmest hearts – they’re very earthy folk and I love going home because of that. That earthiness has shaped and moulded me into the adult I am now.
Your parents were Windrush second generation. What’s your take on Suella Braverman’s ditching of the Windrush pledges?
It’s disgusting. She’s a risible character. I cannot believe she’s in government. I cannot believe she is our home secretary. Priti Patel I thought was awful – but then in true hold-my-beer style, Suella Braverman entered the picture…
What did growing up singing gospel music and doing a theology degree give you?
It gave me a wider understanding of the diverse ways in which people think. It’s useful if you’re going to meet people from all walks of life. These things don’t frighten me in the way they seem to frighten those who have a natural mistrust of people who don’t look or think like them.
What did you learn from Prince and David Bowie, who were fans of yours and mentors (Bowie nicknamed you “Little Aretha”)?
Prince encouraged me to be bold and to make the choices I wanted to make. And if ever there was someone who was walking performance art, it was David Bowie. As the biggest star in the world, he showed how to walk around in society as normal as you like.
Your husband, James O’Keefe, started a podcast, The Plus Ones, about being the non-famous one in a couple. What did you make of it? How would you describe the balance of power in your relationship?
I loved it but it’s currently on pause because he’s concentrating on men’s mental health, which exploded over the pandemic. We are an equal couple – that’s where our strength is. There’s no hierarchy, no: I’m lesser, he’s greater.
I’ve read that you’re a pescatarian…does that still apply? How good are you at taking care of yourself?
To be honest, I was a pescatarian but have started to eat just about everything [laughs]… But I really care how I eat. I’m quite good at looking after myself – I have to be because of what I do.
How do you feel about turning 50?
It’s a milestone but, in my career, I’m on an upward trajectory. Women are always traditionally saying: “Oh! It’s the end!” Well, it’s really not. I feel I’m going from strength to strength – 50 is a good age.
And what are your hopes for the future? Do you have an ideal part you’d like to play?
I’d love to play the role of Aretha [Franklin] – that’s not been done on stage. It would be wonderful. The ambition has not dimmed. I’m looking ahead to more albums, film, TV and theatre – the world is my oyster.
