Cynthia Erivo Feels ‘Very Proud’ After Completing Her Intense One-Woman Play: ‘I Made My Dressing Room Basically a House’ (Exclusive)

Cynthia Erivo Takes a Bite Out of ‘Dracula’ in Groundbreaking West End Performance

Cynthia Erivo has recently concluded a remarkable run in the West End production of ‘Dracula,’ demonstrating her extraordinary talent by portraying an incredible 23 characters on stage. The show, which ran from February to May, saw Erivo take on the dual roles of the infamous vampire and numerous supporting characters, an undertaking she describes as both challenging and exhilarating.

During an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival, where her latest film, ‘Prima Facie,’ premiered, Erivo reflected on her experience with ‘Dracula’. “I think I run towards a challenge,” she said, noting that the opportunity to engage in such a demanding performance was unique in her career. “It feels delightful to have come away from that and to have come through it,” she shared, expressing pride in her ability to navigate the extensive demands of the role.

The adaptation, directed by Kip Williams, transported audiences into the eerie world of Bram Stoker’s classic horror tale. In a candid conversation with her ‘Wicked’ co-star Jonathan Bailey last December, Erivo admitted her apprehension leading up to the performance, admitting to feeling “f—ing petrified.” However, she also revealed a sense of excitement, describing the experience as “absolutely nonsensical and insane.”

To tackle the extensive and exhausting performance schedule, Erivo transformed her dressing room into a home-like environment, recognising that she spent far more time there than in her actual residence. “I made my dressing room basically a house,” she said. The commitment required to play 23 parts demanded a careful balance of diet and energy management, which Erivo described as essential to fulfilling her demanding physical role. “It takes a lot of honey and tea,” she explained, while navigating the challenges of sustaining energy for high-stakes performances.

With her fingers now poised to embark on a different type of role, Erivo stars in ‘Prima Facie,’ a thought-provoking narrative centred around Tessa, a barrister who unexpectedly finds herself on the other side of the legal system, becoming an accuser in a sexual assault case. This role, too, presents its own set of challenges, as Erivo elucidated during the film’s premiere.

“There are often stories about the scary man that jumps out from the bushes, but rarely do we have narratives that delve into the grey areas and complicated emotions tied to these issues,” she said, reinforcing the necessity of tackling such narratives in modern storytelling. Discussing the weight of her role, she noted, “I don’t think anyone wants to put themselves through what’s depicted, but it’s vital for the story to be told.”

Erivo’s dedication to her craft is evident in her willingness to participate in provocative and often uncomfortable narratives. When prompted about her selective approach to roles, she joked with co-star Daniel Ings, “You just need a nice light sitcom… just in your jammies.” To which she acknowledged, “I do… I don’t pick the easy ones, do I? I really don’t.”

Looking ahead, Erivo’s schedule remains packed with exciting projects. She will star in ‘Children of Blood and Bone,’ set to release in January 2027, followed by roles in ‘Karoshi,’ ‘Bad Fairies,’ and ‘The Road Home.’ With her remarkable versatility and commitment to challenging roles, Cynthia Erivo continues to captivate audiences on both stage and screen.