Erivo halts 'dracula' performance over filming incident
A performance of Dracula at the Noël Coward Theatre in London was abruptly stopped Monday night after the star, Cynthia Erivo, discovered an audience member actively filming the show. The incident highlights a growing concern over unauthorized recordings impacting live theatre experiences.
A moment of disruption
According to sources, Erivo, who is responsible for all 23 roles in the production, noticed the activity approximately an hour into the performance and immediately halted the show. Theatreboard forum user, who witnessed the event firsthand, described Erivo’s reaction: ‘Are you filming? Is someone filming?’ The clear signal brought the performance to a standstill.
The rise of recording concerns
This isn’t an isolated incident. Theatres across the UK are grappling with the issue of illicit recordings. At Romeo and Juliet, starring Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe, staff are now actively placing stickers over audience members’ phone lenses upon entry – a procedure also implemented for David Tennant’s Good. The problem extends beyond just these productions; in 2023, nude scenes from A Little Life featuring James Norton were leaked online, sparking widespread outrage.
Strict rules and mounting frustration
Theatrical producers are implementing increasingly stringent measures. Filming is strictly forbidden, and audiences are regularly reminded to refrain from taking photographs and videos during curtain calls. Les Manville, herself starring in Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the National Theatre, recently expressed her displeasure, stating, ‘Clap or don’t clap, but don’t just stick up your phone in our faces.’ Her sentiment echoes the concerns felt by many performers and creatives.
Technological challenges and production techniques
The issue is further complicated by the show's innovative use of stagecraft. Dracula, directed by Kip Williams, utilizes sophisticated onstage camerawork, mirroring the complex character work of Williams’ 2024 hit, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which similarly relied on multiple performers portraying a single role. Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, which operates the Noël Coward venue, prohibits the use of recording equipment and encourages the disabling of mobile phones. While they offer GalaPro for closed captioning and audio description, the underlying problem remains: a significant portion of the audience seems intent on capturing the performance, disrupting the immersive experience for everyone else. The show continues to run until May 30th.”n