Gary Donaldson previews the big shows in the Barbican’s theatre this summer.
From 30 July in the Barbican Theatre, a musical of a very different nature arrives in the shape of “Death Note: The Musical”, a world premiere of a brand-new production, featuring a revised script and new music alongside its original acclaimed score. Following 10 years of sold-out productions across Asia and record-breaking concerts at the London Palladium in 2023, this much-anticipated reimagined production will open for a strictly limited six-week season.
Based on the internationally best-selling Japanese manga “Death Note” by Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata and Shueisha, “Death Note: The Musical” features a score by Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award nominated composer Frank Wildhorn (whose scores include “Jekyll & Hyde”, “Bonnie & Clyde” and the Whitney Houston hit “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”) and lyrics by Tony Award-nominated Jack Murphy and book by Emmy-nominated Ivan Menchell.
Colin Ryan & Xander Pang (Credit Danny Kaan)
The show brings together a heavyweight creative team behind some of the West End’s biggest hits, including director Stephen Whitson (“Hamilton” UK and “Moulin Rouge!” UK), Emmy-nominated designer Jon Bausor (“Spirited Away”, “Bat Out of Hell”) and choreography by Olivier Award-nominated Fabian Aloise (“Evita” at the London Palladium and “Sunset Boulevard” at The Savoy) alongside Jason Howland as orchestrator and arranger, with additional lyrics by Morgan Reilly.
“Death Note” tells the story of Light Yagami, an exceptionally gifted high school student who one day discovers a mysterious notebook bearing a chilling rule: “Any human whose name is written in this notebook will die in 40 seconds.” The notebook, known as the Death Note, has been dropped into the human world out of boredom by the Shinigami Ryuk. Disillusioned by a justice system he believes fails to punish criminals, Light tests the notebook’s power triggering the sudden death of a criminal live on television.
Convinced he has been chosen to become the “god of a new world,” Light begins using the Death Note to eliminate criminals across the globe. As unexplained deaths mount, the public coins the name “Kira” for the unseen killer, with supporters praising his actions as crime rates plummet. With no physical evidence to follow, the authorities turn to the enigmatic master detective L, setting the stage for a gripping psychological battle between two brilliant minds.
Now the evolution of this internationally celebrated story continues on the London stage. Rooted in the source material, this reimagining is the definitive theatrical incarnation of this unique story. Bookings are very strong, and the season runs until September 12.
I’ll be back in the Autumn to share a selection of forthcoming theatre treats to tempt you, but until then may I wish you and your loved ones a very happy and enjoyable Summer.
