A Gothic Classic Reimagined
Cynthia Erivo is set to sink her teeth into a new challenge as she takes on 23 characters in a solo adaptation of Dracula for London’s West End. Directed and adapted by Kip Williams, best known for his “cine-theatre” approach in The Picture of Dorian Gray, this one-woman show promises to blend live performance with pre-recorded video, offering a fresh, modern twist on Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece.
The production will debut at the Noël Coward Theatre on February 4, 2026, and will run for a limited 16-week engagement through May 31, 2026. Williams’ adaptation explores fear, desire, and the monster lurking within us all, with Erivo playing every role—from the infamous Count Dracula to Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray, and even Professor Van Helsing. If there’s anyone who can pull off 23 personalities and still leave the audience begging for more, it’s Erivo.
Erivo’s Grand Return to the Stage
This marks Erivo’s first major return to the stage since her Tony-winning performance in The Color Purple. Reflecting on the role, she described the opportunity as a “rare gift,” acknowledging the challenge and excitement of embodying so many characters.
“Returning to the stage feels like a homecoming, one that I’ve been craving for a long time. To do so with a story as rich, complex, and haunting as Dracula offers a beautiful opportunity to delve into character, into myth, and into the heart of what makes us human,” Erivo said in a statement.
“From the moment I was asked, I could not get the role out of my mind. Kip’s vision is thrilling, terrifying, and deeply resonant, offering a chance to sit with not only the darkness in the world, but also the light we fight to hold onto.
“It’s a rare gift for an actor to inhabit so many voices and perspectives in one piece, and I’m honoured to do it for West End audiences in this extraordinary production. 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.”
A Singular Theatrical Experience
The Dracula adaptation also features an original song composed by Clemence Williams, adding a haunting musical element to the show. The creative team includes several collaborators from Dorian Gray, promising a seamless blend of innovative visuals and gripping storytelling.
Tickets for Dracula are expected to go on sale later this year. With Erivo’s magnetic presence and Williams’ visionary direction, this is set to be one of the most talked-about theatrical events of 2026.
Mark your calendars now—this is one bite you won’t want to miss.
