Cynthia Erivo to Star in UK Premiere of Kip Williams’ Dracula at the Noël Coward Theatre

Award-Winning Actor Returns to the Stage in Bold One-Person Adaptation of Stoker’s Classic

Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Cynthia Erivo will return to the stage in 2026 for the UK premiere of Kip Williams’ acclaimed adaptation of Dracula, in a production first staged by Sydney Theatre Company. This highly anticipated solo performance will open at the Noël Coward Theatre on 4 February 2026, marking Erivo’s first major theatrical role in nearly a decade.

In this radical reimagining of Bram Stoker’s gothic novel, Erivo will portray all 23 characters, from Jonathan Harker and Mina Murray to the infamous Count Dracula himself. Directed and adapted by Kip Williams, the production is the final part of Williams’ genre-defining gothic trilogy following The Picture of Dorian Gray and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

A Groundbreaking Return for a Major Talent

Erivo’s return to the West End follows a decade of extraordinary screen and recording success. She most recently starred as Elphaba in Universal Pictures’ Wicked: For Good, and has earned three Academy Award nominations, alongside Golden Globe, BAFTA and SAG Award nominations. Her last major stage role, The Color Purple, earned her a Tony Award and launched her to international stardom.

Reflecting on her return, Erivo said:

“Returning to the stage feels like a homecoming. Dracula offers a rare gift: the chance to inhabit so many voices and perspectives in one piece. Kip’s vision is thrilling, terrifying and deeply human. This show will ask everything of me—and I’m ready to give it.”

Kip Williams’ Cine-Theatre Comes to the West End

Williams’ work blends live performance with pre-recorded video in a form he has pioneered as “cine-theatre.” This production of Dracula uses multimedia storytelling to explore the psychological dimensions of fear and desire, reframing the vampire myth as a haunting metaphor for the darkness within.

Williams said:

“Cynthia Erivo is an artist of extraordinary power and presence. This adaptation expands Stoker’s exploration of fear and longing, placing one performer at the centre of a shifting psychological landscape. It’s thrilling to bring this work to the West End, where Bram Stoker created the original myth.”

The production reunites Williams with his celebrated creative team, including:

• Scenic and Costume Design: Marg Horwell

• Lighting Design: Nick Schlieper

• Composition: Clemence Williams

• Sound Design: Jessica Dunn

• Video Design: Craig Wilkinson

• Dramaturgy: Zahra Newman

Production Information

• Venue: Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London

• Dates: From 4 February 2026

• Starring: Cynthia Erivo

• Adaptation and Direction: Kip Williams

• Produced by: Michael Cassel and Adam Kenwright, in association with Sydney Theatre Company

A Major Theatrical Event on the Horizon

Dracula marks the culmination of Kip Williams’ gothic trilogy and signals the West End return of one of the most celebrated actors of her generation. With its combination of daring theatrical form and star power, this production is set to be a landmark event in the 2026 theatre calendar.

Audiences can expect a visually arresting and emotionally rich reimagining of a literary classic—anchored by an unforgettable performance from Cynthia Erivo.