Cynthia Erivo, the acclaimed star of 'Wicked', has responded to criticism after audience members noted her use of an autocue during initial previews of her one-woman adaptation of 'Dracula' on London's West End. The 39-year-old performer, who portrays 23 distinct characters in the production at the Noël Coward Theatre, faced backlash for appearing to rely on the device while delivering a 20,000-word monologue.
Erivo's Response to Criticism
In an interview with BBC News on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, Erivo addressed the online comments, stating she is "not paying attention" to the negativity. She explained, "For me, I was still learning the lines and I was still figuring it out but bit by bit, it has become something that’s a part of me." Emphasising her commitment, she added that she has "a job to do" and aims to perform with "all [her] heart," not letting criticism drain her energy from the stage.
Production Details and Creative Team
The adaptation, written and directed by Kip Williams—known for his Olivier-winning work on 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'—incorporates innovative elements such as live camera footage and pre-recorded clips. Erivo stars as the iconic vampire alongside 22 other roles, showcasing her versatility in this demanding theatrical venture.
Career Context and Recent Projects
This role marks Erivo's return to theatre following her portrayal of Elphaba in 'Wicked: For Good', the second part of the musical's film adaptation. Despite an Oscar nomination for the first film in 2024, she was overlooked by the Academy for the sequel, though she received a Golden Globe nomination. Notably, she skipped the Golden Globe ceremony in January to focus on 'Dracula' rehearsals.
Erivo's extensive stage experience includes roles in 'Sister Act's UK Tour', 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at the Hollywood Bowl, and 'The Color Purple' on Broadway, for which she won a Tony Award in 2016. Her television appearances span comedy-drama 'Poker Face', sitcom 'Broad City', ITV's 'Mr Selfridge', and a guest judge stint on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Support from Co-Star Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande, Erivo's co-star in 'Wicked', publicly showed her support by posting a picture from the play on her Instagram Stories, captioning it, "Congratulations my brilliant, unstoppable friend." This gesture highlights the camaraderie between the two performers amidst the controversy.
Overall, Erivo remains focused on delivering a powerful performance, undeterred by early critiques as she continues to refine her portrayal in this ambitious West End production.
