The eagerly anticipated Spirited Away stage adaptation has finally hit the London theatre scene, and the reviews are trickling in. With a dynamic cast featuring talents like Mone Kamishiraishi and Kotarō Daigo, known for their roles in beloved anime films, fans were curious to see how they would bring Miyazaki’s iconic characters to life.
Kamishiraishi, famous for voicing Mitsuha in “Your Name.”, takes on the role of Chihiro, while Daigo, known for his performance as Hodaka in “Weathering With You,” steps into the shoes of Haku. Mari Natsuki, who lent her voice to the original Yubaba in the film, reprises her role on stage, adding authenticity to the production.
Critics, however, had mixed feelings about the adaptation. Afrika Akbar lauds the play’s attention to visual detail and choreography, along with its whimsical puppetry. She describes it as a rollercoaster ride of comedy and adventure.
Despite the praise, Akbar notes that the abundance of elements sometimes overwhelms, likening the experience to a lavish feast with too many courses. Sam Marlowe, writing for The Stage, echoes similar sentiments.
While Marlowe acknowledges the play’s aesthetic appeal and the standout performance of No-Face, he feels that the production falls short of fully engaging its audience. He suggests that it lacks the transformative essence that makes theater truly amazing.
Despite these critiques, both reviewers acknowledge the play’s efforts and recognize its potential to enchant audiences, even if it hasn’t quite reached its full magical potential.
