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Cynthia Erivo is set to deliver a tour-de-force performance in Kip Williams’ reimagining of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, taking on all 23 characters in a production that promises to be both innovative and chilling. The production, which has already generated significant buzz, marks Erivo’s return to the West End stage and showcases Williams’ signature style of “cinetheatre,” blending live performance with pre-recorded footage and live video capture.
The Emmy, Tony, and Grammy-winning actress, known for her roles in Wicked, Harriet, and The Colour Purple, will embody the iconic vampire and every other character in the gothic horror story. This ambitious undertaking builds on Williams’ previous success with solo performances, notably Sarah Snook’s critically acclaimed one-woman demonstrate of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, which captivated audiences in both London and on Broadway. The production is the final installment in a Gothic trilogy Williams developed with the Sydney Theatre Company, bringing a unique theatrical vision to a classic tale.
Williams’ approach to Dracula, first staged by the Sydney Theatre Company in 2024, utilizes a dynamic blend of live action and technology. A team of camera operators will transpose the on-stage action to a large screen, merging it with pre-recorded elements to create a visually immersive experience. This technique, previously employed in The Picture of Dorian Gray, aims to heighten the suspense and psychological impact of the story, distancing the audience from the dread in a way that is both unsettling and captivating, according to reviews.
The creative team reunites many of the talents behind the success of The Picture of Dorian Gray, including designer Marg Horwell, lighting designer Nick Schlieper, and composer Clemence Williams. They are joined by sound designer Jessica Dunn, video designer Craig Wilkinson, and dramaturg Zahra Newman, ensuring a cohesive and innovative artistic vision.
Dracula is currently playing at the Noël Coward Theatre in London, with performances scheduled through Saturday, May 30, 2026. Tickets are available for purchase, with the production advising potential attendees to check back for last-minute availability due to ticket returns, and suggesting Mon-Thurs performances in March for best availability, as noted on the official production website.
A Unique Theatrical Experience
Kip Williams’ adaptation of Dracula isn’t simply a retelling of the classic story; it’s a complete reimagining. The production aims to explore the themes of seduction, addiction, and the allure of darkness through a modern lens, presenting Dracula as a “magnificent modern bloodsucker” as described in recent reviews. Erivo’s portrayal, complete with piercings and tattoos, offers a contemporary capture on the iconic character, emphasizing both power and vulnerability.
Building on Past Success
The success of The Picture of Dorian Gray, also directed by Williams and featuring a solo performer, paved the way for this ambitious project. That production, starring Sarah Snook, garnered critical acclaim and demonstrated Williams’ ability to create compelling narratives using innovative theatrical techniques. The use of live video and pre-recorded footage, combined with a strong central performance, proved to be a winning formula, and Williams is now applying those lessons to Dracula. The production is described as a “groundbreaking style of cinetheatre” that takes the concept to “new, heart pounding, heights,” according to the production’s website.
As Dracula continues its run at the Noël Coward Theatre, audiences can expect a theatrical experience unlike any other. With Cynthia Erivo’s captivating performance and Kip Williams’ innovative direction, this production promises to be a highlight of the 2026 theatre season. The production’s exploration of timeless themes, combined with its cutting-edge techniques, is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who attend.
What comes next for this production remains to be seen, but the success of both Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray suggests that Williams’ unique approach to storytelling is likely to continue shaping the landscape of contemporary theatre.
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