Dracula at the Noel Coward Theatre: What to Expect

Cynthia Erivo plays every single character in Dracula at the Noel Coward Theatre, a bold one-woman adaptation of Bram Stoker's gothic novel directed by Kip Williams. Running for a strictly limited season until 30 May 2026, this is one of the most talked-about West End productions of the year. Here is everything you need to know before booking.

What Is Dracula About?

This is not a traditional staging of the Dracula story. Director Kip Williams has adapted Bram Stoker's 1897 novel into a solo performance piece where one actor takes on all 23 characters: Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray, Lucy Westenra, Van Helsing, the various suitors and, of course, Count Dracula.

The production follows Stoker's epistolary structure, telling the story through diaries, letters and journal entries as the ancient vampire travels from Transylvania to England and begins preying on those around him. Williams blends live performance with pre-recorded video and live camera feeds projected onto a large screen, creating what has been called "cine-theatre." If you saw Sarah Snook in Williams' acclaimed adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray, this is the final part of his gothic trilogy, following that production and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

The result is part theatre, part film, and entirely unlike anything else in the West End right now.

Who Stars in Dracula?

Cynthia Erivo carries the entire production solo. The Stockwell-born performer has a Tony Award (for The Color Purple on Broadway), a Grammy, an Emmy and three Oscar nominations to her name. She played Elphaba in the Wicked films. Dracula marks her return to the London stage for the first time in nearly a decade, having last performed here in a Menier Chocolate Factory production that launched her career internationally.

On stage, Erivo switches between all 23 roles with the help of quick costume changes and a team of camera operators and dressers who work in full view of the audience.

How Long Is Dracula?

The running time is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes with no interval. There is no break, so arrive prepared.

Who Is Dracula Best For?

This production is recommended for ages 12 and above. It contains some intense and unsettling moments, as you would expect from a gothic horror. The heavy use of video screens and pre-recorded material makes it a very different experience from a traditional play, so it suits theatregoers who enjoy experimental, boundary-pushing work.

If you are looking for a conventional horror story told in a straightforward way, this is probably not it. But if you want to see a singular performer doing something extraordinary with the form, Dracula is a genuine event.

Where Is Dracula Playing?

Dracula is at the Noel Coward Theatre on St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4AU. The nearest tube station is Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines), roughly two minutes on foot. Charing Cross and Covent Garden stations are also within a five-minute walk.

The Noel Coward is a Delfont Mackintosh venue with around 870 seats across four levels: Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony. The auditorium has a traditional horseshoe shape. For this production, the large video screen is a central part of the staging, which means sightlines from higher levels and further back may actually work well since much of the action is projected at scale.

Check Dracula on BritishTheatre.com for current dates, performance times and seat availability.

How to Get Dracula Tickets

Dracula runs until 30 May 2026, with performances Monday to Saturday evenings and Saturday matinees. Midweek matinees vary, so check the schedule carefully when booking.

This is a limited season with strong demand, so booking ahead is recommended. You can check availability and book directly through tickadoo.

Do not leave it too late. Limited-run shows with major stars tend to sell through quickly, particularly at weekends.

Tips for Your Visit

Arrive at least 20 minutes before curtain. With no interval, you will not get a chance to settle in once the show starts, and latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break point.

The Noel Coward Theatre has bars on multiple levels, but with a running time under two hours and no interval, there is no mid-show drinks service. Have a drink beforehand if you want one.

The streets around St Martin's Lane and Covent Garden offer plenty of pre-theatre dining. The area between Leicester Square and Charing Cross Road has options at most price points, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.

The theatre has wheelchair access via a ramp to Box M, with transfer seating available in the Royal Circle. An infrared hearing system is available. For specific access requirements, contact the venue's access department on 0344 482 5137 or by email before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dracula suitable for children? The production is recommended for ages 12 and above. It deals with gothic horror themes and contains some intense moments, including unsettling imagery on screen.

Does Dracula have an interval? No. The show runs for approximately 1 hour 50 minutes straight through with no break.

Is Dracula a musical? No, it is a play. However, Cynthia Erivo does sing briefly during the production. The piece features an electronic score by Clemence Williams.

How long is Dracula running for? The production is booking until 30 May 2026 at the Noel Coward Theatre. Check tickadoo for the latest availability.

What is cine-theatre? It is a hybrid form that blends live stage performance with film techniques, including live camera feeds and pre-recorded video projected onto screens. Director Kip Williams pioneered the approach with The Picture of Dorian Gray.