Hayao Miyazaki’s timeless masterpiece ‘Spirited Away’ has taken the world by storm, making its global stage debut in London, directed by John Caird, the acclaimed director known for his work on productions like ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘Daddy Long Legs.’ This theatrical adaptation, marking the first time ‘Spirited Away’ graces the stage, features a double cast of Japanese actresses playing the role of Chihiro, with Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi leading the ensemble. The production first premiered in Japan, with additional performances in Nagoya, and expanded its reach to include a new cast member, Rina Kawaei and Momo Fukuchi, during its run at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo, which commenced in March 2024. The London production ran from April to August, coinciding with a nationwide tour throughout Japan.
The venue for this historical event, the London Coliseum, is one of the largest West End theaters, boasting a capacity of nearly 2,300 seats. The show, which premiered in previews on April 30th and officially opened on May 7th, marked a significant milestone in theatrical history, becoming the largest-scale overseas performance by a Japanese cast in a Japanese language production. This pioneering endeavor, spearheaded by Toho Co., Ltd., garnered significant attention and acclaim from both local audiences and media.
As the London production draws to a close on August 25th, with Mone Kamishiraishi as Chihiro for the final performance, Hulu will offer a live stream of the grand finale for Japanese viewers. The stream will also include a recording of the March 21st performance at the Imperial Theatre, featuring Kanna Hashimoto as Chihiro. This exciting opportunity to experience the magic of ‘Spirited Away’ on stage will be available starting at 3:30 AM JST on August 25th, allowing fans worldwide to witness the spectacle from the comfort of their homes.
In addition to the live stream, Hulu will be releasing a three-part documentary, ‘Spirited Away: The Journey to London,’ on August 17th. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the stage production will provide viewers with exclusive access to the creative process, the challenges faced, and the triumphs achieved in bringing ‘Spirited Away’ to life on the London stage. A condensed version of the documentary will also be broadcast on the Japanese television network, NTV, as part of their ‘and Hulu’ program on the same day.
The stage adaptation of ‘Spirited Away’ has been a monumental undertaking, showcasing the power of storytelling and the global appeal of Miyazaki’s masterpiece. With the live stream and documentary available on Hulu, fans of the film and theater enthusiasts alike can now immerse themselves in this unique theatrical experience from the comfort of their own homes.
