The European premiere of the original Japanese stage production of Studio Ghibli’s OSCAR-winning classic, SPIRITED AWAY, will open at the London Coliseum in April 2024 for a strictly limited 12-week season.
Created by legendary animator and director Hayao Miyazaki, SPIRITED AWAY has been re-imagined for the stage by Toho Theatrical Department and Olivier and Tony Award-winning director John Caird (Les Misérables).
SPIRITED AWAY is presented by TOHO Co Ltd in a co-production with PW Productions Ltd.
Following a sell-out tour of Japan in 2022, the original Japanese cast including Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi, who play Chihiro, will perform this spectacular production for a strictly limited London season.
SPIRITED AWAY will be presented in the original Japanese, with English captions. Miyazaki’s masterpiece is brought beautifully to life with a live orchestra playing the magnificent film score by Joe Hisaishi arranged by Brad Haak (Mary Poppins), dazzling set design by Jon Bausor (Bat Out of Hell), wildly imaginative puppets designed by Toby Olié (Pinocchio: National Theatre), choreography by Shigehiro Ide (NODA MAP Series), and lavish costumes by Sachiko Nakahara.
A masterpiece of storytelling and stunning visuals, SPIRITED AWAY tells the enchanting tale of Chihiro who while traveling to a new home with her family, stumbles into a world of fantastic spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba. When her parents are turned into pigs and she is put to work in a magical bathhouse, Chihiro must use her wits to survive in this strange new place, find a way to free her parents, and return to the normal world.
The role of Chihiro will be alternated by two Japanese actors, Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi.
SPIRITED AWAY is based on the Oscar-winning animated feature film by Hayao Miyazaki, adapted by John Caird, co-adapted by Maoko Imai and featuring the original score by Joe Hisaishi.
