Introduction to Cynthia Erivo’s Latest Role
Cynthia Erivo, known for her iconic performance as the evil witch of the West in Evil, is set to play another legendary villain, Dracula, in a one-actor adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic novel. This production is created by the same team behind the West End hit The Picture of Dorian Gray, which starred Sarah Snook and was later transferred to Broadway, earning six Tony Award nominations.
The Production
The piece was originally adapted for the Sydney Theatre Company by Kip Williams and co-produced by the Australian Michael Cassel Group in 2024. Erivo’s portrayal of the bloodsucking Count will debut in London in February 2026. Similar to Sarah Snook’s performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray, Erivo will play all 22 supporting characters, made possible by the production’s innovative merging of theater with live and pre-recorded video, inspired by the style of early horror films.
Erivo’s Background and Preparation
This will not be Erivo’s first time in the West End, having made her debut in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg in 2011. However, it was her Broadway debut as Celie in The Color Purple (2015-2017) that earned her a Tony Award. Erivo was reportedly approached for the role during the advertising tour for Evil nine months ago. In preparation, she visited the Broadway premiere of The Picture of Dorian Gray in March and spoke with Sarah Snook about the mechanics and craft of her performance.
Unique Aspects of the Production
Michael Cassel mentioned that the original Sydney production will not be a blueprint for the West End version, indicating that Erivo will have the opportunity to put her own interpretation on the role during rehearsals in London. Although the piece is not a musical, the audience will be treated to Erivo’s vocals through an original song recorded near the end of the show. Cassel highlighted the draw of theater for actors like Erivo and Snook, who have had amazing experiences in film and television but are attracted to the challenge of live performance, proving their caliber as actors.
