‘Spirited Away’: A Studio Ghibli Classic Takes the West End Stage with a Stellar Cast

Hey there, Studio Ghibli fans and theater lovers! Big news coming your way: the full cast for the much-anticipated stage adaptation of ‘Spirited Away’ has just been announced, and it’s all set to make a splash in London this spring. This isn’t just any adaptation; we’re talking about the original Japanese stage version of the Studio Ghibli masterpiece, making its grand entrance to the West End.

Thanks to TOHO Co Ltd and PW Productions, this magical journey will be presented in its original Japanese glory (with handy English captions, so no worries there) at the London Coliseum. If you’ve been mesmerized by Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning animated film, you’re in for a treat. The stage version, adapted by John Caird and co-adapted by Maoko Imai, promises to bring the enchanting world of ‘Spirited Away’ to life, complete with Joe Hisaishi’s original, unforgettable score.

The cast list reads like a who’s who from the original Japanese production. We’ve got Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi sharing the role of Chihiro, with Kotaro Daigo and Hiroki Miura as Haku. Fans will be thrilled to know that Mari Natsuki, the original voice of Yubaba in the 2001 film, will reprise her role on stage. They’ll be joined by a mix of returning talents and fresh faces for the London production, including Rina Kawaei and Momoko Fukuchi as Chihiro, and a whole host of others embodying the film’s beloved characters.

‘Spirited Away’ on stage is the tale of young Chihiro, navigating a spirit world to save her parents and find her way home. It’s a story of courage, adventure, and the kind of magic that only Studio Ghibli can conjure.

With the creative prowess of Brad Haak on musical supervision and a dream team of designers and choreographers, this production has already extended its run due to overwhelming demand. Kicking off on 30 April and now running through to 24 August 2024, it’s clear this show is shaping up to be a must-see.

So, whether you’re a die-hard Ghibli fan or just love a good adventure on the stage, ‘Spirited Away’ is ready to whisk you off to a world where spirits roam, witches rule, and a little girl’s bravery shines the brightest. Get ready to be spirited away this spring!