From Wicked to Dracula: Cynthia Erivo's New Challenge
After years of captivating audiences in Wicked, Cynthia Erivo has transitioned from the vibrant world of Oz to a darker, more demanding role. On the stage of London's Noël Coward Theatre, Erivo performs solo in a new adaptation of Dracula, carrying the weight of a gothic epic alone.
Unlike the fantastical elements of her previous roles, this production features no flying monkeys or emerald cities. Instead, Erivo undertakes a two-hour theatrical marathon, portraying 23 characters and delivering 20,000 words of dialogue. The performance integrates live technology that blurs the lines between film and stage, creating a unique theatrical experience.
During early preview performances, some audience members voiced concerns online, noting that Erivo appeared to be still learning parts of the script and occasionally relied on an autocue. However, speaking after the opening night on Tuesday, the 39-year-old actress addressed these criticisms.
"I'm not paying attention to any of them as no-one knows the experience except me," she said. "It's not for me."
"I have a job to do and I want to do it as well as I can and I want to do it with all my heart. I don't let the comments take the energy that I should be spending on the stage."
Erivo acknowledged that during the preview shows she was "still learning my lines and figuring it out," but emphasized that "bit by bit it's become something that's a part of me, and everyone's learning process is different."
Minimalist Production and Multiple Transformations
The production is notably stripped back and minimalistic. Erivo evokes the Victorian era through her voice and movement. Her portrayal of Dracula is distinctive, featuring a Nigerian accent and bright red hair, among numerous other character transformations.
She transitions between characters with rapid costume changes while several cameras capture her live performance. These images are projected onto a screen, allowing the audience to observe close-ups and much of the action unfold visually.
'I Choose the Challenges'
Bram Stoker's 1897 novel about a Transylvanian vampire who brings terror, obsession, and desire to England is one of the most frequently adapted works of fiction. Hundreds of stage and screen versions have reimagined the vampire for new audiences.
Erivo expressed hope that Stoker would appreciate this adaptation and shared her reasons for taking on the role.
"It challenges me and makes me learn in a different way so I am forced to grow as an artist," she said.
"If things were easy it would be boring so I choose the challenges."
A stage performer at heart, Erivo debuted in the West End in 2011 and has since become one of the few artists nominated for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award, winning all but the Oscar.
When asked about the preparation required for such a demanding performance night after night, Erivo described a disciplined routine based on repetition.
"You have some good people who can help and it takes time and patience," she explained. "You find your way in and the through-line, and it becomes easier to learn."
"Before every show I meditate, have an extensive vocal warm-up and run sections of the show."
Erivo is not the only Wicked alum performing in the West End. Her former co-stars Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey are set to reunite in 2027 for a London revival of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican.
Regarding the possibility of sharing a stage with them, Erivo told ,
"Maybe it's something I'd consider. I'd never say no."
Mixed Critical Reception
Dracula has elicited divided opinions from critics. Nick Curtis of the Standard awarded the show four stars, praising Erivo's performance.
"From defying gravity to defying mortality – Cynthia Erivo gives an extraordinary, shape shifting performance," he wrote.
"Her performance triumphantly walks a knife edge between virtuosity and absurdity."
Conversely, several critics were less favorable. Sam Marlowe of the Stage gave the production two stars, expressing disappointment.
"What could possibly go wrong? Sadly, the answer is: almost everything," she said. "I wouldn't go so far as to say it sucks, but it certainly doesn't bite."
Arifa Akbar of also awarded two stars, describing the show's atmosphere as "sedate" with "no peril whatsoever."
"The story is narrated by Erivo, with only snippets in dialogue," she explained, "which gives the sense of an audiobook accompanied by screen illustrations."
Patrick Marmion of the Daily Mail called it a "wickedly good" adaptation but rated it three stars overall.
"Over a very long and testing two hours and five minutes – unrelieved by the mercy of an interval – [Erivo] gives an astonishing performance," he said.
Sarah Crompton of WhatsOnStage described the show as a "soul-sapping affair," criticizing its lack of drama.
"It's slick, soulless and all about appearances. There's no jeopardy or really any true drama."
Adam Bloodworth of City AM found the use of technology "deeply unsatisfying and at points very frustrating."
"I didn't come here to watch a film about Dracula, I came here to watch a live show," he said. "The production disassociates you with much of the feeling and heft of live performance."
Olivia Garrett of the Radio Times concurred, noting the production is "let down by overproduction" in her three-star review.
"Like Dracula himself, this production sits stranded in the middle, not dead, not alive, but somewhere in between."
More positive feedback came from Dominic Cavendish of the Telegraph, who described the show as "an incredible feat of endurance" that "raises the stakes for British theatre."
"The British actress proves any doubters wrong," he said in his four-star review. "This isn't a flawless night but it's a tour de force even so."
