Death Note: The Musical to have world premiere at the Barbican
Published on 26 February 2026
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.
At its core is a chilling battle of intellect and ideology. When brilliant student Light Yagami discovers a notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes, his vision of justice begins to unravel. As bodies mount, his actions draw the attention of the enigmatic detective L, igniting a tense psychological duel that questions morality, power, and control.
The production features an electrifying score by Tony, Grammy, and Emmy nominee Frank Wildhorn, with lyrics by Jack Murphy and a book by Ivan Menchell. Together, they bring razor-sharp storytelling and driving music to one of the darkest and most compelling narratives ever adapted for the stage.
Write a name. Change the world.
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