CYNTHIA Erivo is back onstage in a bold new West End adaptation of Dracula, and the performance is already getting plenty of attention.
The award-winning star is leading a demanding solo production at London’s Noël Coward Theatre, taking on 23 characters in a multimedia staging directed by Kip Williams.
The show features live camera work, pre-recorded footage, and a massive 20,000-word monologue, making it one of Erivo’s most challenging stage roles to date.
During preview performances, some audience members speculated online that she may have been using a teleprompter after noticing moments where she appeared to glance offstage, according to Radar Online.
Erivo addressed the conversation by explaining that previews are part of the process and that she was still settling into the material.
She said she has stayed focused on the work itself rather than online commentary, noting that the performance continues to grow each night.
Sources close to the production said the criticism has been frustrating, especially given the scale and complexity of the role.
Supporters have pointed out that preview periods are designed for refinement, and that delivering such a technically complex, character-heavy performance is a major theatrical feat.
The production also arrives as Erivo returns to the stage following major screen work, including Wicked: For Good.
Her performance has already earned praise from friends and collaborators, including Ariana Grande, who celebrated Erivo on social media after attending the show.
With Dracula continuing its run, the conversation around the production highlights both the intense scrutiny high-profile performers face and the enormous challenge behind a live theatrical event of this scale.
Why is the focus on the teleprompter instead of Cynthia’s incredible range? Can’t people appreciate her talent for once?
Honestly, it’s about time someone put a new spin on Dracula. Erivo’s creativity is impressive, but why are we nitpicking the tech?
Oh great, another excuse to criticize a Black woman’s hard work in theater. Why can’t we just support her vision?
Could this actually highlight the challenges of live performance tech? What do people expect with such an ambitious project?
Isn’t it funny how people would rather nitpick a teleprompter than address the brilliance of an actress playing 23 characters? Get a grip!
Interesting that we’re focusing on the teleprompter rather than how Erivo is pushing boundaries in her performance. Is that just typical?
Here we go again, proving some critics will find anything to complain about rather than actually enjoying the art.
What’s the deal with everyone fixating on the tech when there’s so much talent on stage? Maybe focus on the actual performance instead?
I guess some people will always find a way to miss the point. It’s not like Erivo is just reading lines on a teleprompter, right?