Cynthia Erivo Wows the Crowd in ‘Dracula,’ Receives Thunderous Standing Ovation
Cynthia Erivo wowed audiences at the first preview of her one-woman show, Dracula, on February 7 in London.
The performance, held at the Noël Coward Theatre, earned her a standing ovation, highlighting her triumphant return to the stage. According to Pop Base, Erivo takes on 23 roles in this solo adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel, a production that originally premiered with the Sydney Theatre Company.
The show is directed and adapted by Kip Williams, who brings his signature “cine-theatre” style to the production. This approach blends live acting with real-time video, pre-recorded film, and multiple moving screens, creating a high-tech, haunting world. Erivo portrays everyone from the brave Mina Murray and the innocent Jonathan Harker to the formidable Van Helsing and the infamous Count Dracula himself.
Cynthia Erivo received a standing ovation at the first preview of her one-woman show ‘Dracula.’
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 7, 2026
She performs all of 23 roles.pic.twitter.com/v7gt0Fe39s
Returning to the stage has been a meaningful moment for Erivo, who has spent the last few years working in film. She said about taking on the project, “Returning to the stage feels like a homecoming, one that I’ve been craving for a long time.” She also acknowledged the challenges of performing nearly two dozen characters, adding, “The prospect of doing this show scares me and I know it will be a huge challenge. This show will ask everything of me—and I’m ready to give it.”
The production faced some early hurdles, canceling its first three performances to fix technical issues. The delays allowed the crew and Erivo to fine-tune the complex synchronization required for the show’s 26 cameras and live operators. Previews are now underway, with the official opening night set for February 17. The limited run will continue through May 30.
Erivo has been experiencing a career high in recent years. She dominated the box office with the Wicked film franchise, including Wicked: Part One in 2024 and Wicked: For Good in 2025. Her performance in the latter earned her a historic second consecutive Golden Globe nomination in the musical or comedy category, making her the first Black woman to achieve that milestone.
In addition to her stage work, Erivo has multiple film projects lined up for late 2026 and 2027. She recently finished shooting the film adaptation of Prima Facie, where she stars as a defense attorney confronting a life-altering case. She will also appear in the epic fantasy film Children of Blood and Bone with Viola Davis and Idris Elba and lend her voice to the animated movie Bad Fairies.
Cynthia Erivo’s Dracula is already being hailed as a groundbreaking blend of theater and technology. From my perspective, this show could be a glimpse into the future of stage storytelling, offering something completely different from traditional performances. Do you think the “cine-theatre” style enhances the experience, or do you prefer classic, non-digital stage shows? Share your thoughts in the comments.