Emmeline Pankhurst: Angel or Anarchist?

Written by Chris Jaeger

This powerful one woman show, starring acclaimed actress Liz Grand, brings to life the extraordinary story of Emmeline Pankhurst, one of the most influential and iconic British women in history. A tireless champion of women’s rights, Pankhurst led the fight for women to gain the vote, enduring multiple imprisonments and undertaking numerous hunger strikes in the name of equality.

After nearly thirty years of being ignored by Parliament, she famously turned to Direct Action. Under her leadership, the Suffragettes escalated their campaign—throwing stones at politicians, setting fire to letter boxes, damaging property, and chaining themselves to railings—to make their voices impossible to ignore.

Although their determination ultimately succeeded, the path to victory came at a great personal cost to many brave women. And despite her pivotal role, Emmeline herself was not universally admired. Some argued that the more confrontational methods delayed, rather than accelerated, progress.

This performance offers a compelling, intimate portrait of a woman whose courage reshaped history—and of a movement that changed the world.