Everything you need to know about Death Note: The Musical

All the information you need as Death Note: The Musical prepares for its world premiere at the Barbican Theatre

Death Note: The Musical opens in London this month, making its world premiere at the Barbican Theatre. This is the international manga phenomenon like you’ve never seen it before, with an original pop-rock score and the finest theatrical talent to bring it to the West End stage. Even the most passionate fans of the original manga and anime should get ready to experience the unexpected – luckily, we’re on hand to give you a brief guide to this exciting new show. Here’s what you need to know about Death Note: The Musical.

Which theatre is Death Note: The Musical playing at?

Death Note: The Musical will play at London’s Barbican Theatre, in the Barbican Centre.

When is Death Note: The Musical on in London?

The show will play just 50 performances from 30 July to 12 September, so chances to see it are limited.

Who’s in the cast?

Xander Pang will star as Light Yagami, the brilliant student who discovers a mysterious notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written inside it. Opposite him, Colin Ryan plays detective L, who Light finds on his tail. The principal cast is completed by Stephanie Zaharis as Misa Amane, Telly Leung as the death god Ryuk, Grace Mouat as Rem, Paolo Montalban as Soichiro Yagami, Chloe Saracco as Jerasu and Elise Buckley as Sayu.

Comprising the ensemble are CJ Benoiton, Louise Liluna Browning, Aoife Haakenson, Samantha Ho, Katie Ka Lay Ho, Olivia Hazel Jones, Matthew Koon, Abel Law, Luchia Moss, Patrick Munday, Richie Paisley, Regine Phua, Nicky Wong Rush and Ernest Stroud. Nicole Carlisle, Renz Cardenas and David Ouch will serve as swings, with Sian Yeo as swing and dance captain.

Who wrote Death Note: The Musical?

The musical features a book by Ivan Menchell, lyrics by Jack Murphy and a score by Tony, Grammy and Emmy nominee Frank Wildhorn.

Who’s on the creative team?

Stephen Whitson directs, leading a creative team that includes choreographer Fabian Aloise, set designer Jon Bausor and musical supervisor Jason Howland. Also working on the show is Katy Richardson as musical director, Billy Jay Stein and Strange Cranium as music producers, Natalie Gallacher for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting as casting director, Sachiko Nakahara as costume designer, Jen Schriever as lighting designer, Peter Hylenski as sound designer, Akhila Krishnan as video designer, Paul Kieve as illusionist and Campbell Young Associates as wigs, hair and make-up designers.

What is Death Note: The Musical about?

The story follows brilliant student Light Yagami, who discovers a notebook with the power to determine who lives and who dies. Although his intentions are good, his mission to reshape society quickly spirals out of control and attracts the attention of the elusive and ruthless detective L. What begins as justice descends into an obsession that forces both Light and L to confront the limits of morality itself.

Is it the same story as the manga?

Yes, Death Note: The Musical is adapted from the manga phenomenon of the same name by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. The manga has also spawned a 37-episode anime TV show, multiple live-action films, video games and a host of other adaptations. A previous version of the musical adaptation enjoyed multiple sell-out seasons in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. The reimagined world premiere of the musical is inspired by the same source material, however the exact plot details of this adaptation have not yet been revealed.

What songs are in Death Note: The Musical?

Death Note: The Musical features original pop-rock songs by Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy.

Why should I see it?

Since its debut in 2003, the manga has captured a passionate international audience, holding them rapt across decades and mediums. This exciting new adaptation allows fans to experience the story in an entirely unique way, but also opens the thrilling game of cat and mouse up to a whole new audience. It’ll be a theatrical event unlike any other you’ll experience this summer – don’t miss out.