Spirited Away
Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: London Coliseum
Cast: Kanna Hashimoto, Kotaro Daigo, Hikaru Yamano, Fu Hinami, Tomorowo Taguchi, Romi Park, Kenya Osumi, Sunao Yoshimura and Obata no Oniisan
A stunning blend of storytelling and visuals, Spirited Away follows Chihiro, a young girl who, while relocating with her family, accidentally enters a realm filled with enchanting spirits. After her parents are transformed into pigs, she must navigate this mystical world, working in a magical bathhouse, leveraging her resourcefulness to rescue her parents and return home.
For those unfamiliar with Studio Ghibli, their animations are a true visual delight, brimming with whimsy that exemplifies the artistry of Hayao Miyazaki. Among these masterpieces, Spirited Away stands out as a fan favorite. As a result, many of us entered this theatrical adaptation with high expectations, and rest assured, it does not disappoint!
The narrative revolves around ten-year-old Chihiro as she navigates the spirit realm. Set in a bathhouse governed by the witch Yubaba, it presents a fascinating assortment of Japanese deities and entities, intricately showcasing the rhythm of their lives amidst leisure and labor.
What is truly remarkable about this production is the relentless vibrancy on stage. In past adaptations of animations, maintaining liveliness has often posed a challenge. However, through effective use of puppetry, live orchestra, and innovative projections, every scene bursts with the colorful charm expected from a Studio Ghibli creation. The dynamic set ensures a constant visual feast, with stunning designs that keep the audience engaged.
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From the moment you enter the theater, you are completely immersed in the enchantment of the story.
The choreography and role distribution are standout features of the show. Many characters require multiple performers to portray them, and even key roles like Chihiro and Lin might be played by up to four different actors throughout the run, showcasing a large and dynamic cast, a common practice in Japanese theater. The portrayal of characters like Haku and Kamaji involves collaboration between the on-stage actor and several puppeteers, all expertly integrated into the performance, enhancing the fluidity of the storytelling.
Audiences are left in awe, unable to process the seamless execution of these magical moments occurring right before their eyes.
Spirited Away remains remarkably faithful to its animated counterpart, although this commitment to detail results in a runtime that extends nearly an hour longer than the original film. This may be something that dedicated fans overlook, as I did. However, for first-time viewers, it’s a consideration worth noting. Keep in mind, this production is still in its early weeks, so timings may adjust over the course of its run.
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The theatrical adaptation of Spirited Away is one of the most breathtaking performances I have ever experienced, and it will leave a lasting impression.
This production promises to resonate with anyone who witnesses it. Even if the story isn’t to your taste, I encourage theater enthusiasts to see what extraordinary feats can manifest on stage through sheer creativity and passion. Spirited Away represents a new standard for West End productions and is an experience not to be missed.
You can book tickets to see Spirited Away at the London Coliseum,
here.
Review originally published on Stage To Page.
