DEATH NOTE THE MUSICAL to come to London's Barbican Theatre

Death Note the Musical is based on the best-selling Japanese manga series by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. The story follows Light Yagami, a brilliant but misanthropic high school student in Tokyo who discovers a notebook owned by Ryuk, a mythical god of death. When he realises he can kill anyone by writing their name in the notebook, Light decides to take justice into his own hands and goes on a killing spree, taking out Japan's most wanted criminals. Meanwhile, a mysterious detective known only as L is determined to hunt him down.

The musical had its world premiere in Tokyo in 2015, winning over audiences with its cinematic and immersive design, using LED technology to bring the supernatural world to life.  After a number of sold-out concert performances at the London Palladium and Lyric Theatre in 2023, it's returning to the West End for its first fully staged London run, featuring a revised script and new songs alongside the original score.

This new production will be directed by Stephen Whitson (Hamilton), designed by Jon Bausor (Spirited Away), and choreographed by Fabian Aloise (Evita). It features music by Frank Wildhorn (Bonnie & Clyde, Jekyll & Hyde), lyrics by Jack Murphy (The Civil War) and book by Ivan Menchell (Bonnie & Clyde, The Nanny). Additional lyrics are by Morgan Reilly.

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."

Death Note the Musical will play for a limited season at the Barbican Theatre from 30 July to 12 September 2026.