Studio Ghibli’s ‘Spirited Away’ Makes a Grand Entrance in London

The London Coliseum is now the proud host of the original Japanese stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s ‘Spirited Away.’ This enchanting production, presented by TOHO Co. Ltd. and co-produced by PW Productions, features the original Japanese script with English captions, allowing both Japanese and English-speaking audiences to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

‘Spirited Away,’ based on the Oscar-winning animated film by Hayao Miyazaki, has been brilliantly adapted for the stage by John Caird, with co-adaptation by Maoko Imai and the beloved original score by Joe Hisaishi. The London production boasts a mix of original cast members from the Japanese production and new talent. Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi reprise their roles as Chihiro, alongside a returning Mari Natsuki as Yubaba, who also voiced the character in the 2001 film.

The London cast includes new faces such as Rina Kawaei and Momoko Fukuchi as Chihiro, and Atsuki Mashiko as Haku, enhancing the production with fresh interpretations of these iconic roles. The company also features actors like Hikaru Yamano as the mysterious No-Face and Tomu Miyazaki as Kamaji.

The story follows young Chihiro as she navigates a magical realm ruled by the sorceress Yubaba. After her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro embarks on a quest to save them and return to the real world, encountering a series of fantastical challenges along the way.

The creative team for this production includes musical supervisor Brad Haak, set designer Jon Bausor, and puppet designer Toby Olié, among others, who together bring a visually and musically rich portrayal of Miyazaki’s imaginative universe.

‘Spirited Away’ at the London Coliseum opens in previews tonight and will continue its run until August 24. This staging promises to captivate audiences with its vivid storytelling and innovative stagecraft.