Though this hip-hop musical about Emmeline and Sylvia Pankhurst’s struggles – for female emancipation and with each other – is delivered with verve and panache, Hamilton it most definitely ain’t. Written, directed and choreographed by Zoo Nation’s Kate Prince, to music by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, it aims to be larkily tongue-in-cheek but often seems plain silly.
Fortunately, it has the magnificent Beverley Knight and the very impressive Sharon Rose in the full-throated lead roles, leading an ensemble of powerful voices and dynamic, well-drilled bodies, doing the kind of punchy, shoulder-rolling moves pioneered by Janet Jackson and Madonna. So you stifle your giggles. Mostly.
