A review of the Spirited Away stage adaptation

Seasoned fans and newcomers alike would find it hard to deny the magic of Spirited Away performed on stage.

Considered by many as a favourite of Miyazaki’s works (and perhaps one of the most influential animated films of its time), this is one of four Studio Ghibli animations to have been brought to life. Tickets for the show, in London for just a short time before it continues its global tour are becoming harder to come by; however, it is an investment that will stir
something in you from the very first note of Joe Hisashi’s legendary score.

I must admit, there were many parts of the original Spirited Away that I thought impossible to translate onto a stage – and yet! The audience saw Haku fly around the London Coliseum, swirling and whirling with grace; troubled No-Face multiplied in size as he consumed all that the onsen had to serve; Yubaba transformed between her human and bird personas with total ease. Transitions were so seamless that, even to adult minds who knew there must be a masterful dancer or puppeteer somewhere, the dreamlike enchantment was entirely real.

A rotating stage was the vessel by which we could explore the bath house (a staple in Japanese tradition and a must if visiting Japan), detailed and specific in its architecture. Just as thoughtful and perhaps even more moving, however, was that iconic scene on the train; this crucial stage of Chihiro and her companion’s adventure was as simple and effective as it is on screen, with careful and minimal choreography that prolonged the journey as beautifully as in Miyazaki’s original.

Behind this adaptation seems to be a stroke of genius. Expertly performed by its original Japanese cast (in Japanese), Spirited Away is quite unlike anything I’ve seen before – and will likely ever see again!

Spirited Away re-imagined for the stage by Olivier and Tony award-winning director of Les Misérables, John Caird, has unfortunately finished its run, though it will hopefully return soon. Check out updates on their website or the previous review we did of the My Neighbour Totoro adaptation.