Enchanting 'Spirited Away' Stage Adaptation Arrives in London's West End, April 2024

Get ready to immerse yourself in the magical world of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's renowned anime film "Spirited Away" as it takes center stage in a Japanese stage play coming to London's West End in April 2024. The captivating production will have a limited 12-week run at the prestigious London Coliseum theatre, conveniently located near Leicester Square station. The play promises an enchanting experience as it brings to life the beloved characters and captivating storyline from the original film. Visitors can now sign up for priority booking on the theatre's website to secure their seats for this not-to-be-missed theatrical spectacle.

"Studio Ghibli's Oscar-winning Spirited Away, created by legendary animator and director Hayao Miyazaki is re-imagined for the stage by Olivier and Tony award-winning director of Les Misérables, John Caird. The original Japanese cast perform this extraordinary production with wildly imaginative puppets, dazzling set and costume designs and a live orchestra playing the magnificent original film score by Joe Hisaishi."

The westendtheatre.com announces an exciting new play presented in Japanese with English captions. The adaptation, led by John Caird with co-adaptation by Maoko Imai, brings to life the beloved story with the original score from the film version by Joe Hisaishi. The cast includes the talented actresses Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi, both taking on the role of Chihiro.

Notable talents are contributing to the production, as evident from the website credits. Brad Haak, known for his work on Mary Poppins, handles the score arrangement, while Jon Bausor, renowned for Bat Out of Hell, takes charge of set design. Toby Olié, recognized for his puppetry work on Pinocchio at the National Theatre, adds his expertise to the production's puppets. Shigehiro Ide, associated with NODA MAP, contributes his choreography skills, and Sachiko Nakahara designs the costumes, promising a visually captivating experience.

The play is a remarkable collaboration with Studio Ghibli and is co-produced with PW Productions Ltd. Presented by Toho Co., LTD, this theatrical endeavor promises to be a captivating and unforgettable experience for audiences worldwide.

Toshio Suzuki from Studio Ghibli expressed his respect for the stage play of Spirited Away and looked forward to its reception in London. The play had two runs in Japan, starting in Tokyo's Imperial Theatre in February 2022 and touring various cities until August.

The production was written and directed by John Caird, a renowned director with Tony and Olivier Awards. GKIDS screened both versions of the play in North America. Spirited Away's London run followed the stage adaptation of My Neighbor Totoro at the Barbican theatre.

Additionally, a stage version of Makoto Shinkai's The Garden of Words was scheduled to run at London's Park Theatre from August 10 to September 9. Spirited Away was once the highest-grossing Japanese film globally until Demon Slayer - Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Mugen Train surpassed it. It also remains the only non-English film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.