Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Cynthia Erivo’s Solo ‘Dracula’ Draws Mixed Reviews as West End Run Begins

Reviewers praise her 23-role feat, with many questioning the cinetheatre design that prioritises screens over stage presence.

Overview

  • The one-woman adaptation is playing at London’s Noël Coward Theatre and is scheduled to run through 30 May 2026.
  • Cynthia Erivo performs all 23 characters in a near-continuous two-hour show of roughly 20,000 words, earning widespread admiration for stamina and versatility.
  • Critics are divided on Kip Williams’s approach, citing heavy use of live cameras, pre-recorded elements and a dominant moving screen that some say dilutes the live connection.
  • Press write-ups range from two to four stars, often applauding Erivo’s commitment but calling the production overproduced versus his acclaimed Dorian Gray staging.
  • Following reports of preview hiccups, including cancelled early shows and autocue use, Erivo said she was still learning the part during previews and is not engaging with online criticism.