Cynthia Erivo received an extended standing ovation at the first London preview of her one-woman stage production, Dracula, marking a notable return to live theatre for the award-winning performer.

The preview performance took place on February 7 at the Noël Coward Theatre and drew strong audience response. In the production, Erivo performs 23 roles in a solo adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel, including Mina Murray, Jonathan Harker, Van Helsing and Count Dracula. The show previously premiered with the Sydney Theatre Company before transferring to the West End.

Dracula is adapted and directed by Kip Williams, whose “cine-theatre” style combines live performance with real-time video, pre-recorded film and multiple moving screens. The production uses 26 cameras operated live on stage, requiring precise technical coordination alongside Erivo’s performance.

The production encountered early technical difficulties, with its first three scheduled performances cancelled to resolve synchronisation issues. The additional rehearsal time allowed the creative team to fine-tune the complex staging. Previews are now underway, with the official opening night set for February 17. The limited run is scheduled to continue until May 30.

Erivo’s stage return comes amid continued success on screen. She starred in Wicked in 2024 and Wicked: For Good in 2025, earning a second consecutive Golden Globe nomination in the musical or comedy category for the latter, becoming the first Black woman to do so.

Her upcoming projects include the film adaptation of Prima Facie, the fantasy epic Children of Blood and Bone alongside Viola Davis and Idris Elba, and the animated feature Bad Fairies.