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This production is suitable for ages 12+.
Performance dates
30 July - 12 September 2026
Run time: 2h 20 mins
Includes interval
If you had the power over life and death, what would you do?
This summer, the hotly anticipated world premiere of Death Note: The Musical, arrives at the Barbican for 50 performances only from 30 July to 12 September.
With over 30 million copies sold worldwide, the legendary manga phenomenon by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata is a global sensation that has captivated audiences for almost twenty years, including multiple sell-out seasons of the musical in Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
Now, boldly reimagined for the London stage in close collaboration with the original Japanese producers, HoriPro, this new musical features an electrifying score by Tony, Grammy and Emmy nominee Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Jack Murphy and a book by Ivan Menchell. Death Note: The Musical is set to be the theatrical event of the summer.
When brilliant student Light Yagami discovers a notebook with the power to determine who lives and who dies, his mission to reshape society quickly spirals out of control and attracts the attention of the elusive and ruthless detective L. What begins as justice descends into obsession and forces both Light and L to confront the limits of morality itself.
Write a name. Change the world.
World Book Day celebrates the stories that live long beyond the page, travelling from novels, myths, and comics into new artistic forms. Many of today’s most popular theatre productions began life as works of fiction that captured imaginations around the world.
From classic literature and children’s favourites to modern fantasy and graphic storytelling, these shows demonstrate how powerful characters and narratives can become when reimagined for the stage.
Created by Michael Bond in 1958, Paddington first appeared in the children’s book A Bear Called Paddington. The story follows a kindly Peruvian bear who arrives in London with little more than a suitcase, a love of marmalade sandwiches, and an instinct for finding adventure wherever he goes. The character quickly became a British cultural icon, representing politeness, curiosity, and gentle chaos. The stage adaptation, Paddington The Musical brings the wonderful bear warmth (and signature ‘hard stare’) to audiences through song, storytelling, and family-friendly spectacle.
Published in 2003 by Lauren Weisberger, this novel offers a satirical look at the fashion industry through the eyes of a young journalist working for a notoriously demanding magazine editor. The story explores ambition, workplace pressure, and identity in a high-fashion world. The musical adaptation transforms the humour and social commentary of the book into an energetic stage production that has been developed for West End audiences. Don’t miss The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre.
Based on Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, Wicked reimagines the world of Oz from the perspective of its misunderstood witches. Rather than focusing on traditional heroism, the story explores friendship, prejudice, and moral ambiguity. The musical, with music by Stephen Schwartz, has become one of the most successful West End and international productions, continuing to draw large audiences to its long-running London home.
Written by Roald Dahl in 1988, Matilda tells the story of a brilliant young girl who discovers she possesses extraordinary telekinetic powers. Despite facing neglect from her family and cruelty from school authority figures, Matilda uses intelligence, kindness, and courage to shape her own destiny. The musical version - Matilda The Musical - plays at Cambridge Theatre in London, combining energetic choreography, memorable songs, and imaginative storytelling.
Published by Charles Dickens in 1837, this classic Victorian novel follows the orphan Oliver as he navigates poverty, crime, and society’s inequalities in London. The story introduced unforgettable characters such as Fagin and the Artful Dodger, helping shape modern social fiction. The musical Oliver! brought Dickens’ story to the stage with iconic songs and continues to influence British musical theatre.
Set in 1930s Berlin, Cabaret draws inspiration from Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood. The production examines the rise of political extremism through the intimate lives of performers at the Kit Kat Club. Its famous songs and haunting atmosphere make it both entertaining and deeply political. The West End revival at Playhouse Theatre London continues to captivate audiences.
Inspired by Victor Hugo’s novel Les Misérables, this epic musical explores themes of justice, revolution, love, and redemption in 19th-century France. The sweeping score by Claude-Michel Schönberg has helped make the show one of the world’s most enduring theatrical successes, with its long-running London production continuing to attract new generations of theatregoers.
5 Mar, 2026 | By Hay Brunsdon
30th July is a date you need to write down - just make sure it's the right book - because Death Note: The Musical is finally having its long-awaited world premiere in London. Following critically acclaimed concert stagings at the London Palladium and the Lyric Theatre, the brand-new full-length musical will play at the Barbican for just 50 performances, from 30 July to 12 September.
Based on the iconic manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and captivated audiences for nearly two decades. The musical has already enjoyed multiple sell-out runs in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, cementing its reputation as a modern cult classic.
UK audiences first encountered the musical in English in 2023, with semi-staged concert performances at London Palladium and the Lyric Theatre. Now, the story receives its first fully staged world premiere, reimagined specifically for London in close collaboration with original Japanese producers HoriPro.
26 Feb, 2026 | By Sian McBride
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