West End theatre is set for a thrillingly unique event as Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winner and three-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo makes her highly anticipated return to the stage in the UK premiere of Sydney Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of Dracula. This bold, one-actor adaptation of Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece, conceived and directed by the visionary Kip Williams, will sink its teeth into London’s Noël Coward Theatre beginning February 2026.
Erivo, celebrated for her powerhouse performances on stage and screen, will undertake the monumental task of embodying all twenty-three characters in Stoker’s iconic tale. From Jonathan Harker and Mina Murray to the infamous Count Dracula himself and the determined Van Helsing, this innovative reimagining promises a transformative solo performance unlike anything Erivo has tackled before.
This stage return marks a significant moment for the acclaimed actress, particularly following the global release of the highly anticipated Wicked: For Good film this November. Erivo’s commitment to Dracula offers West End audiences a rare opportunity to witness her extraordinary talent live, in an intimate and daring production.
Director Kip Williams, a Tony Award nominee known for his genre-redefining adaptations, including the acclaimed The Picture of Dorian Gray, presents Dracula as the final and most ambitious work in his gothic trilogy. This radical interpretation delves into the enduring metaphorical power of Stoker’s novel, reframing the narrative as a psychological battle between fear and desire. Through Erivo’s solo performance, the production aims to blur the lines between self and other, suggesting the monster may reside within.
First staged by Sydney Theatre Company in 2024, Dracula captivated audiences with its startling originality and haunting exploration of the aspects of ourselves we fear and deny. The London premiere reunites Williams with his award-winning creative team, promising a visually and sonically immersive experience through the innovative use of live video, pre-recorded film, and virtuosic live performance – a hallmark of Williams’ ‘cine-theatre’ approach.
Erivo expressed her excitement for this theatrical homecoming, stating the story’s richness offers a "beautiful opportunity to delve into character, into myth, and into the heart of what makes us human." Williams echoed this enthusiasm, praising Erivo’s extraordinary talent and his contemporary perspective on the enduring vampire myth. This highly anticipated production promises to be an unmissable event, showcasing a phenomenal talent in a daring and innovative reimagining of a timeless classic.
