Dracula
Noel Coward Theatre
When I heard that Cynthia Erivo had been cast to portray 23 different characters as the only member of cast in a new staging of Bram Stokers Dracula, I thought how on earth will one actor be able to accomplish such a feat? Having seen the show, I am still marvelled at how this powerhouse of a performer did just that. Aided by a large crew who capture the live part of the performance each night, Cynthia’s performance is shown on a screen and mixed with pre recorded elements enabling the various characters that she is portraying to interact throughout the show.
Cynthia effortlessly transitions between characters on stage, aided by quick yet effective on-stage costume changes to enable the audience to keep up with whom she is portraying. Whilst the costuming naturally helps, there is a clear distinction between each of the characters she embodies, from their accents to their mannerisms none of them feel like a repetition of the other. From the analytical Jonathan Harker to tragic Lucy who has such ethereal beauty despite what she becomes, each characterisation feels true and rounded out. There are also some characters which provide some light almost comedic relief throughout the journey as the truth about the Count and his true nature is gradually revealed as the play progresses.
Whilst achieving all of this it is key to note that this is a production which lasts 1 hour 50 minutes without an interval and so the pace of the show is quite fast with almost continuous dialogue. There is barely a pause past the initial scene and so it really requires the audience to keep up so to speak to keep track of everything that is happening on stage.
The show is faithful to the novel and so Dracula fans of the original text will not be disappointed by this staging of the show. Whilst naturally one would anticipate there will be an emphasis on blood in a Dracula, this is not gratuitously done in this production, so I would not describe this as terribly gory for any theatre goers who may have such concerns.
The staging of the show is quite simple for most of the play, with props and scenery being authentic to the Victorian era in which the novel was published. With some interesting uses of lighting and the ever-present cameras which enable the characters to communicate with one another. The final scenes are poetically beautiful in a snowy background, as the show finishes with a haunting almost siren like song which is beautifully done. The evening that I attended was met with a full standing ovation, which was richly deserved, this show was a sheer marathon of a performance for Cynthia.
Dracula is playing at the Noel Coward Theatre until May 30, 2026.
Reviewer: Lisa Dawn