Cynthia Erivo has alleged that she was subjected to institutional racism while studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), claiming she was forced to sing backstage during an end-of-year production while a white actress lip-synched to her voice. The Wicked star made the revelation in her memoir, Simply More, due for paperback release later this year.
Alleged Incident During Final-Year Production
Erivo, one of only four Black students in a class of 34, graduated from RADA in 2010 alongside James Norton and Nick Hendrix. In her book, she recounts a painful experience during the final-year production of Stephen Sondheim's Company. She claims she was overlooked for a larger role, and when two actresses lost their voices—one to laryngitis and another to food poisoning—she was asked to provide vocals from offstage while they mimed on stage.
Erivo writes: "I was given a small insignificant role. The other girls were given larger roles. I will not describe what they look like, I think you already know." She continues: "Instead [of taking them out and asking me to cover their roles], I was asked to sing backstage for the sick girls. I would sing, while they lip-synched on stage. The powers that be took my voice away from me and gave it to somebody else."
Feeling Erased and Humiliated
The 39-year-old London-born star describes the experience as feeling erased. "I was being kept hidden while these two girls took the stage. I was having to use my voice, what’s mine in the deepest, most intimate sense – to sing for other people. I was being erased while these two were benefiting from my gift." The incident strengthened her resolve, vowing never to allow herself to be humiliated again. She said: "By the time I handed back the microphone, I finally knew what was mine. I was ready."
Appointment as RADA Vice-President
In a twist of fate, Erivo was appointed a Vice-President of RADA in 2024. Reflecting on the appointment, she writes: "In a strange turn of events, and because God loves to play tricks on me, I am the vice president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. I can’t tell you where those other ladies are and frankly, I don’t care."
RADA Responds
A spokesperson for RADA said: "We are very sorry to hear Cynthia’s account of aspects of her experience as a student at RADA. We would not tolerate the practices she describes in our teaching environment today. Our training is designed to develop the talent and potential every individual brings to RADA, and we are committed to an environment that is inclusive, respectful and supportive."
Erivo's Career Since Graduation
Since leaving RADA, Erivo has become one of Britain's most acclaimed performers. She won a Tony, Grammy and Emmy for her performance in The Color Purple, earned Oscar nominations for Harriet, and achieved global fame as Elphaba in Wicked. In May 2025, she completed a critically acclaimed run in the one-woman West End production of Dracula at the Noël Coward Theatre. Her memoir, Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They're Too Much, will be released in paperback in the UK on October 22, 2026, priced between £8.80 and £10.99.
