Long before she enchants cinema audiences as Elphaba in the upcoming Wicked film, Cynthia Erivo was captivating audiences on stages across London, building a formidable reputation as one of Britain's most talented musical theatre performers.
A Star in the Making: Early Stage Roles
Erivo's professional journey began in earnest at the Theatre Royal Stratford East in 2010, where she earned praise for her 'delicious' singing in John Adams's songplay, I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky. The following year, her star continued to rise with a role in Kneehigh's adaptation of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg at London's Gielgud theatre.
Her big break arrived in 2011 when she took on a role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg, playing Deloris Van Cartier in a touring production of the joyous musical Sister Act. This was a significant step, showcasing her ability to lead a major production.
Career-Defining Performances and Critical Acclaim
In 2013, Erivo delivered what critic Michael Billington termed a 'career-defining' performance. She took on another iconic Goldberg role, playing Celie in the Menier Chocolate Factory's powerful production of The Color Purple. Her co-star was Christopher Colquhoun, and her raw, powerful portrayal became a landmark moment in her career.
The same year demonstrated her versatility. She starred in the Soho theatre musical Lift, a production about strangers sharing an elevator, and also appeared in the London Palladium's I Can't Sing!, a send-up of TV talent shows.
Erivo also proved her mettle in straight theatre. In 2014, she appeared in Phyllida Lloyd's all-female production of Henry IV at the Donmar Warehouse, playing Poins.
Broadway and Beyond: International Success
Erivo's London success paved the way for international acclaim. Her performance in The Color Purple was so powerful that it transferred to Broadway in 2015, marking her debut on the New York stage. This production also starred Jennifer Hudson, cementing Erivo's status as a global stage star.
Throughout 2015, she remained busy with concert performances, including How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at London's Royal Festival Hall and Songs for a New World at the St James Theatre. Her star power was recognised in 2016 when none other than Michelle Obama embraced her at a Broadway event focused on girls' education.
More recently, in 2025, Erivo took on the title role in a Hollywood Bowl production of Jesus Christ Superstar, sharing the stage with Tyrone Huntley and Phillipa Soo. Looking ahead, audiences can anticipate her return to the London stage next year, where she is set to play Dracula (and 22 other roles) at the prestigious Noël Coward theatre.
From the stages of Stratford East to the bright lights of Broadway and now to the cinematic emerald city, Cynthia Erivo's journey through the world of musical theatre is a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication.
