London Production of 'DEATH NOTE: The Musical' Announced for Summer 2026! [Co-Produced by Horipro and Trafalgar Theatre Productions]

The production announcement for 'DEATH NOTE: The Musical,' set to premiere this summer at London's Barbican Theatre with a London cast, was held at a major event in one of the city's newest clubs—an unusual venue choice that drew theatre professionals and influencer fans of the original manga.

Zander Phelps as Light Yagami, Colin Ryan as L, Stephanie Zharis as Misa Amane, Terry Loong as Ryuk, and Grace Mouat as Rem took the stage. Together with the ensemble, they performed 'Kira,' 'ALL OR NOTHING,' 'WE ALL NEED A HERO,' and 'WHEN LOVE COMES,' thrilling the 250 attendees with their powerful vocals.

Based on the manga by Tsugumi Ohba (story) and Takeshi Obata (art), published by Shueisha, 'DEATH NOTE: The Musical' was first adapted into a musical in 2015 by Horipro, with music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Jack Murphy, and book by Ivan Menchel. Since then, it has been performed for over a decade in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Following a concert performance at the London Palladium in 2023, the show returns this summer as a reimagined production at the Barbican Theatre.

Yuzo Kajiyama, Executive Officer of Horipro's Production Division, who has been involved since the original production's planning stage, spoke at the announcement. He expressed deep gratitude to Michiya Kujiyama, the original production's director, saying, 'Without him accepting the challenge of turning a manga into a musical over 15 years ago and leading the project, this work would not exist.' He also acknowledged the support of the IP360 program by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which promotes overseas expansion of Japanese content.

Reflecting on the early days, Kajiyama shared a story about composer Frank Wildhorn, with whom he had previously collaborated on multiple projects including 'Jekyll & Hyde.' Initially, Wildhorn declined the offer, stating he was only interested in love stories. However, upon returning to the U.S. and discussing it with his son—a fan of Japanese manga—his son responded, 'Why are you turning this down? This is big business; you should do it!' Wildhorn immediately called back to accept. Kajiyama added that he was amazed and impressed by the enduring global popularity of the 'DEATH NOTE' manga, from its early days to the present.

He also recalled Horipro Group Chairman Yoshiyoshi Hori's declaration at the original production's announcement: 'This work will cross the English Channel, even if it takes 30 years.' Performing at the Barbican Theatre—where Horipro has staged numerous productions directed by the late Yukio Ninagawa—realized that vision in just 15 years, half the original estimate. Kajiyama expressed gratitude to Trafalgar Entertainment and declared the new goal: to bring this production to audiences worldwide.

Yoshiyoshi Hori (Chairman, Horipro Group) Comment

When we first adapted 'Death Note' for the stage ten years ago, I never dreamed that one day actors of such extraordinary talent from around the world would perform these roles. I am immensely proud of the exceptional company assembled for this new London production. With a visionary creative team, they will undoubtedly create an unforgettable experience.

Lord Howard Panter (Co-CEO / Creative Director, Trafalgar Entertainment) Comment

We have assembled a truly outstanding company for 'DEATH NOTE: The Musical.' We have brought together performers filled with talent, energy, and passion to breathe life into this exciting new production. With their creativity and skill, this reimagined version will be an extraordinary event. We look forward to welcoming audiences to the Barbican Theatre this summer.

Creative Team

Director: Stephen Whitson

Choreographer: Fabian Aloise

Set Designer: John Boas

Music Supervisor / Orchestrations / Arrangements: Jason Howland

Additional Lyrics: Morgan Large

Music Director: Katie Richardson

Music Producers: Billy Jay Stein / Strange Cranium

Casting Director: Natalie Gallacher CDG (Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting)

Costume Designer: Sachiko Nakahara

Lighting Designer: Jen Schriever

Sound Designer: Peter Hylenski

Video Designer: Akila Srishnan

Illusions: Paul Kieve

Wigs, Hair & Makeup Design: Campbell Young Associates

'Death Note: The Musical' is produced in London by Horipro and Trafalgar Theatre Productions, co-produced by Pinnacle Productions, with Barbican as a collaborating partner.

Performance Information

Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

Opening Night: July 30, 2026

Press Night: August 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Final Performance: September 12, 2026

Performance Times: Monday–Saturday at 7:30 PM; Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2:30 PM

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (including intermission)

Recommended Age: 12 and over

Ticket Prices: From £25

Barbican Box Office: Barbican.org.uk or 020 7870 2500

(Phone hours: Monday–Friday, 12:00–5:30 PM)

https://deathnotethemusical.com/