Cynthia Erivo’s Dracula one-woman show divides theatre critics: Actress receives mixed reviews as she is praised for an ‘incredible feat of endurance’ but the play ‘lacks bite’

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Cynthia Erivo’s performance in her one-woman show, Dracula, has received mixed reviews. While critics have lauded her stamina and dedication, many feel the play itself isn’t very impactful.

The actress known for Wicked, age 39, is taking on her most challenging role yet: playing Dracula and a total of 23 different characters in a fresh take on the classic Bram Stoker story.

Early previews of the show left many viewers disappointed, with The Telegraph reporting that it appeared the star was being prompted with her lines.

However, commentators noted she now appears to have mastered long-distance running, praising Cynthia’s incredible performance.

Most critics praised Cynthia’s performance, calling it exceptional. However, Kip Williams’s adaptation of the work received less positive feedback.

Critics found the play to be rambling and much too long, describing it as dull and emotionally draining.

Okay, so The Daily Mail’s Patrick Marmion? He… he didn’t get it, honestly. Only three stars! He said the actual play wasn’t amazing, which, I mean, whatever, because Cynthia Erivo? She was breathtaking. Absolutely breathtaking. He totally acknowledged she was incredible, and that’s all that really matters, right? It’s all about Cynthia!

In a remarkable two hours and five minutes – without a single break – she delivered an incredible performance, portraying all 23 characters from Bram Stoker’s classic horror novel.

He explained that the intricate details of Stoker’s story began to overshadow the elaborate nature of Williams’s direction.

‘But I still find myself tipping my pointy hat to Erivo.’

On the more positive end was The Telegraph’s Dominic Cavendish, who gave the play four stars. 

The British actress silenced any critics by brilliantly playing 23 different characters in a single, lengthy performance. While not perfect, it was a remarkably powerful achievement.

My only criticism is that her performance sometimes lacks energy. However, she’s achieving something remarkable and deserves our support. Performances like hers are vital for keeping British theatre thriving.

Clive Davis of The Times also awarded the performance four stars, calling it a truly captivating theatrical event. He compared watching Cynthia Erivo perform her one-woman adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel to witnessing an Olympic ice skater competing for a gold medal.

The exciting final chase might be a little hard to follow for those who haven’t read the book, but the beautiful snowfall and when Erivo unexpectedly starts singing an original song create a truly spectacular, almost operatic, moment.

Nick Curtis of The Standard, a four-star reviewer, praised the performance, saying that anyone watching Cynthia Erivo’s ‘Dracula’ with an open mind will be captivated.

At the story’s dramatic and unsettling climax, she sings a short but powerful song alone, her image filling a large screen shaped like a cross, all while a simulated blizzard swirls around her. It’s a truly striking moment.

I was so thrilled to see the Financial Times’ Sarah Hemming give this production four stars too! She really captured what makes it special – Cynthia Erivo is just phenomenal. She’s this incredibly dynamic performer who flawlessly embodies all 23 characters, especially the tricky, untrustworthy voices from the novel’s letters. It’s an absolutely outstanding performance – she just bounces between them all so brilliantly!

‘As the plot rumbles on, the text itself becomes a drag and the show begins to feel overlong.’

However, she also noted that the production then captivates you with a beautiful image of Erivo, standing alone in a snowstorm on stage. While not Williams’s most impressive gothic creation, it’s still remarkably well done.

In a three-star review for WhatsOnStage, Sarah Crompton noted that the actress playing Cynthia was hampered by a sprawling and unfocused adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. While talented, her performance was overshadowed by flashy but ultimately empty theatrical effects, as the production prioritized style over substance.

The performance I saw was well-received by the audience, but it made me question what we were actually celebrating. Cynthia Erivo is a talented performer and deserves a much stronger, more impactful production – something with real substance, not this weak and draining show.

Alice Saville from The Independent wasn’t as impressed, awarding the show a two-star rating.

According to one observer, Erivo’s performances sometimes felt a bit uneven, and there were even rumors she initially relied on a teleprompter. This is understandable, given that she has to deliver lengthy passages from the novel and quickly move between designated spots on stage, leaving her little time to breathe.

However, the character truly comes alive – and becomes terrifying – when she fully embodies Dracula. She creates a uniquely powerful monster: a Nigerian-accented, gender-bending figure with a striking red wig, who understands that people are most susceptible to harm when they’re feeling affection.

Sam Marlowe from The Stage also gave the production two stars, noting that Cynthia Erivo appeared uncomfortable with the show’s content. He observed a lack of confidence in her performance, suggesting she seemed unprepared for the technological aspects of the production.

‘I wouldn’t go so far as to say it sucks, but it certainly doesn’t bite.’

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2026-02-18 13:38