Cynthia Erivo addresses complaints after using autocue in early Dracula performance

The ‘Wicked’ star plays 23 characters in her one-woman adaptation of Dracula CultureTheatre & DanceNewsCynthia Erivo addresses complaints after using autocue in early Dracula performanceThe ‘Wicked’ star plays 23 characters in her one-woman adaptation of DraculaLauren Morris Thursday 19 February 2026 05:40 ESTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverCynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reunite for Wicked: For Good premiereYour support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreWicked star Cynthia Erivo raised eyebrows after initially using an autocue in her performance of Dracula on the West End – but she’s not letting the critics bring her down. Erivo plays 23 characters in the latest adaptation of Bram Stroker’s Dracula at London’s Noël Coward Theatre, tackling it as a one-woman show. However, her performance was overshadowed during early previews after audience members complained that she still appeared to be learning her lines and relied on an autocue in certain scenes. Despite the backlash, the 39-year-old film star said that she’s “not paying attention” to the comments, stating: “No-one knows the experience except for me.”When asked how she dealt with online criticism. Erivo told BBC News on Wednesday (18 February): “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.”Erivo – who delivers a 20,000-word monologue on stage – added that she has “a job to do” and wants to do it with “all [her] heart”. She continued: “I don't let the comments take the energy that I should be spending on the stage.”The West End actor stars as the vampire as well as 22 other roles in the production, which incorporates live camera footage and pre-recorded clips into the performance. Kip Williams is the writer and director behind the show, almost two years on from his Olivier-winning adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray with Succession’s Sarah Snook. Dracula marks Erivo’s first project since starring as Elphaba in Wicked: For Good – part two of the hit musical’s film adaptation. She received an Oscar nod for her performance in the first film in 2024, but was snubbed by the Academy last year for her performance in the sequel. While Erivo picked up a Golden Globe nomination for the role, she skipped the ceremony in January to focus on rehearsals for Dracula. It’s far from her first theatre role, with the actor starring in Sister Act’s UK Tour, Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl and The Color Purple on Broadway – earning her a Tony Award in 2016.She has also appeared in comedy-drama Poker Face, sitcom Broad City, ITV drama Mr Selfridge and even Strictly Come Dancing as a guest judge last year. Ariana Grande cheered on her Wicked co-star on Wednesday, posting a picture of her in the play. “Congratulations my brilliant, unstoppable friend,” she wrote on her Instagram Stories. More aboutCynthia ErivoDraculaJoin our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesCommentsMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead next