The stage adaptation of Spirited Away will return to the London Coliseum in March 2028.
It is part of the World Tour 2026-2028, in Taipei, Toronto, Los Angeles, London, and five cities in Japan.
Film News Blitz’s Moe Ikeda, who watched the show in London in 2024, takes a look at the production and the points you should know before booking.
What is ‘Spirited Away’?
This is the on-stage version of the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away, released in 2001.
The story is about the adventure of a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro, who is trapped in the world of the gods.
It beautifully portrays her growth and the beauty of strength to live.
Adapting the fantasy film into a live-action stage play sounds impossible, but the production put huge effort into making it real by using puppets, creating massive sets, and beautiful costumes.
Music is also a big part of this production, as a live orchestra performance graces the stage, playing songs used in the original film, composed by Joe Hisaishi.
High demand for ‘Spirited Away’ on stage
At the London Coliseum in 2024, the production of Spirited Away on stage recorded spectator numbers exceeding 300,000.
Moreover, it won Best New Play at the Whatonstage Awards in 2024.
During the last tour, tickets for all shows in Japan and other Asian territories sold out immediately, and shows in London quickly sold out, too.
Even though the company will visit more cities during the new tour, it may be difficult to get tickets for good seats.
A faithful adaptation
The storyline of the on-stage version is the same as the original anime film released 25 years ago.
As it’s on stage, you can easily escape into the world of Spirited Away.
However, there is a big factor that English speakers should know before buying tickets: the production is performed in Japanese.
During the last tour in London, English subtitles were displayed on screens located to the sides and above the stage.
So, even if you don’t speak Japanese, there is no need to worry about following the Japanese dialogue.
Key point: Will Mari Natsuki join the tour?
Mari Natsuki, an actress, singer, and philanthropist, provided the voice of Yubaba and Zeniba in the original film of Spirited Away.
She returned to the story during the London leg of the tour in 2024, playing Yubaba/Zeniba.
She is the only person who participated in the original anime film and joined the on-stage version.
Whether she participates in the next London tour is an intriguing prospect.
Be ready to reserve your tickets for the next world tour
Tickets for London shows will go on sale in early 2027. To be the first to hear when tickets are released, you should register your email address on the official website!
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