Japanese stage adaptation of ‘Spirited Away" to grace London's West End in 2024; meet the talented production team!

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Spirited Away," is set to captivate audiences in London. The highly acclaimed production will grace the London Coliseum, the largest West End theater, for a thrilling 12-week run starting in April 2024. Director John Caird expressed his pride and delight in presenting the original Japanese stage production of «Spirited Away» at the Coliseum Theatre. The show, created in 2022, promises to transport British audiences into the magical world crafted by Hayao Miyazaki.

«Spirited Away» narrates the enthralling story of Chihiro, a young girl who inadvertently stumbles into a world of Kami (shinto spirits) cleverly depicted as a mystical bathhouse. As she embarks on a mission to find her parents, who have been transformed into pigs for their greed, Chihiro must convince the bathhouse's formidable boss, Yubaba, to release them while proving her worth through her work. Earning an Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2003, «Spirited Away» achieved global acclaim, making Studio Ghibli a household name. With a remarkable worldwide box office record of $395 million, it became the second highest-grossing Japanese film, a distinction it holds to this day.

The film's successful transition to the stage in 2022, carried out by Toho Theatrical Department and director John Caird, further solidified its reputation. Olivier and Tony Award-winning Caird, known for his distinguished career, including directing «The Seagull» at the National Theatre, masterfully brought the animated wonder to life.

The London production will retain the original cast, featuring Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi, who brilliantly portray Chihiro. The play will be presented in Japanese,