Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo (born 8 January 1987) is a British singer-songwriter and theatre actress. She is best known for her role as Celie Harris in the Menier Chocolate Factory and Broadway productions of The Color Purple, and her role as Deloris Van Cartier/Sister Mary Clarence in the UK tour of Sister Act.

Early life

Erivo was born to Nigerian immigrants in London.^[1] She was later raised in Stockwell, a suburb of London.^[1] Erivo began a music psychology degree at the University of East London, however a year into her degree she applied^[2] and subsequently trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.^[3]

Career

Erivo first appeared in roles on British television programmes such as Chewing Gum and The Tunnel. Her first stage role was in Marine Parade by Simon Stephens at the Brighton Festival.^[4]

In 2013, Erivo played the role of Celie Harris in the Menier Chocolate Factory production of The Color Purple.^[5][6] Erivo had previously portrayed Sister Mary Clarence/Deloris Van Cartier in the UK tour of the musical stage version of Sister Act^[7] which Goldberg also originated in its film adaptation.

Erivo originated the role of Chenice in the West End musical I Can't Sing! The X Factor Musical,^[8] which opened on 26 March 2015, at the London Palladium.^[9] The production closed on the 10 May,^[10] just six weeks and three days since its official opening night.^[11]

She is also featured as a recording artist, co-writing and performing "Fly Before You Fall" on the soundtrack to the American musical drama Beyond the Lights.^[1]

She made her Broadway debut in the 2015 Broadway revival transfer of the Menier Chocolate Factory production of The Color Purple,^[12] reprising her role as Celie Harris alongside American actresses Jennifer Hudson as Shug Avery and Danielle Brooks as Sofia.^[13] The production began performances at Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, from 10 December 2015.^[14]

References