Death Note: The Musical is heading to the Barbican Theatre.
The show runs from 30 July to 12 September 2026.
The production is based on the bestselling Japanese manga.
Death Note: The Musical goes from the page to the stage.
Death Note: The Musical is heading to the Barbican Theatre. This marks the world premiere of the production, which is based on the bestselling Japanese manga by Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata and Shueisha. Running from 30 July to 12 September 2026, it will feature a new script, songs and an original score.
Death Note has sold more than 30 million copies and inspired a successful franchise spanning animation, film, television and streaming adaptations. Following its sold-out performances at the London Palladium in 2023, the story now embarks on a new chapter on the London stage. The play tells the story of Light Yagami, a gifted student who discovers a mysterious notebook with an extraordinary power: any person whose name is written within its pages will die within 40 seconds.
Death Note: The Musical brings together director Stephen Whitson, who has worked on Hamilton and Moulin Rouge!, Emmy-nominated designer Jon Bausor, who has worked on Spirited Away and Bat Out of Hell, and Olivier Award-nominated choreographer Fabian Aloise, who has worked on Evita at the London Palladium and Sunset Boulevard at The Savoy. Plus, they will be joined by Jason Howland as orchestrator and arranger, and Morgan Reilly providing additional lyrics.
Frank Wildhorn said: “I am humbled, honoured and beyond excited to bring Death Note to the Barbican this summer. I hope it’s a step in a beautiful long life for our manga musical in the West and beyond. So very grateful to HoriPro and Trafalgar for giving our ‘voice’ a chance to be heard!”
Mr Hori, Chairman of HoriPro Group, added: “Since its premiere in Tokyo in 2015, our aspiration has always been to bring Death Note to the London stage. We are delighted to present this work in partnership with Sir Howard Panter and Trafalgar Entertainment, a collaboration built on an enduring artistic kinship and shared vision spanning more than three decades. It is also a privilege to return to the Barbican; having brought a wide variety of our productions to this stage for many decades.”
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Where: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS
When: 30 July to 12 September 2026
Price: Tickets from £29
Contact: www.barbican.org.uk