World-First 'Death Note' Musical to Premiere at London's Barbican This Summer
In a bold theatrical move, the Barbican Centre in London is set to host the world-first stage production of Death Note this summer. This all-singing adaptation of the cult manga series will run from July 31 to September 12, marking a significant addition to the Barbican's annual summer musical tradition.
Barbican's Summer Musical Tradition Expands
Since 2021, the Barbican has established a post-pandemic tradition of staging a big summer musical each year. This summer, the iconic arts centre is elevating its offerings by presenting two major productions. The first half of the season will feature Cole Porter's High Society, a spiritual sequel to the successful Anything Goes that ran in 2021 and 2022, catering to fans of classic musicals.
The second half of the summer, however, takes a dramatic turn with the debut of Death Note. This adaptation brings to life the popular '00s manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, which follows the story of Light Yagami, a gifted student who obtains a supernatural notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it within 40 seconds. Convinced of his divine power, Yagami embarks on a mission to eliminate criminals, leading authorities to enlist the enigmatic detective L to solve the mysterious killings.
An Unconventional Yet Promising Adaptation
While the premise of Death Note might seem unusual for a musical, it is no more unconventional than other successful stage productions like Cats. This adaptation, crafted by Frank Wildhorn, Jack Murphy, and Ivan Menchell, has been in development for over a decade, with various Asian productions and a concert version staged in the UK previously.
Now, it receives its most substantial Western production to date at the Barbican. Directed by Stephen Whitson and designed by Jon Bausor, known for his work on the stage version of Spirited Away, this six-week run promises to be a visually stunning and immersive experience. Tickets for Death Note the Musical will go on sale on March 4, offering theatre-goers a unique opportunity to witness this innovative blend of manga and musical theatre.
This production not only highlights the Barbican's commitment to diverse and cutting-edge performances but also underscores London's status as a global hub for theatrical innovation. As the city continues to recover and thrive post-pandemic, such ambitious projects contribute to its vibrant cultural landscape, attracting audiences seeking fresh and exciting entertainment options.
