Our first look at Death Note: The Musical
Ahead of the show's opening at the Barbican Theatre, we attended a special preview where the creative team and cast shared the story behind bringing Death Note: The Musical to London. Industry professionals, media and devoted Death Note fans - some dressed in seriously impressive cosplay - were also treated to exclusive performances from the cast.
What is Death Note: The Musical?
Death Note: The Musical is a stage adaptation of the global manga phenomenon, created by the original Japanese producers and brought to life with a powerful score by Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn.
The story follows brilliant student Light Yagami after he discovers a mysterious notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written inside it.
Since first appearing as a manga, Death Note has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, spawning an anime series, live-action films, video games and a Netflix adaptation. This summer marks the production's long-awaited London premiere.
What can you expect from the London debut?
Speaking during the event, one of the show's producers explained how quickly they realised Death Note had become a global phenomenon. Actors from the Japanese productions were regularly recognised by fans while travelling overseas, reinforcing the team's ambition to bring the musical to audiences beyond Japan.
London was a natural next step. The producers described the capital as home to one of Death Note's most passionate fan communities, something that was certainly reflected by the excitement in the room throughout the evening.
The Barbican Theatre was also chosen as the perfect London home for the musical, with production company HoriPro having previously brought several shows to the venue. Fans of the manga and anime can expect many of the story's best-loved moments to make the leap to the stage, while newcomers will discover a fresh take through original music, striking performances and imaginative staging.
Bringing the production to London has been a long-held ambition since the original Japanese production premiered in 2014. As the team joked: "We said, even if it takes 30 years, we'll bring this show across the English Channel!". Fortunately for fans, it only took 10.
The music and performances of Death Note: The Musical
The score comes from Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn, whose credits include Jekyll & Hyde. The producers revealed that Wildhorn initially turned the project down, believing he only wanted to write love stories. Everything changed after mentioning the opportunity to his son, who happened to be a huge Death Note fan. Before long, Wildhorn had changed his mind - and his son now has a VIP seat when the show hits the stage.
We were treated to a glimpse of Wildhorn's work, with the talented cast performing several numbers from the musical. One of the performances featured the show's two leads, Xander Pang and Colin Ryan, in a punchy rock duet that captures the battle of wits between Light Yagami (Pang) and the brilliant detective L (Ryan), giving audiences an insight into the high-stakes rivalry at the heart of the story.
We also got a taste of Stephanie Zahrais as Misa, whose performance of 'We All Need a Hero' was one of the standout moments of the evening. Starting with soft, honeyed vocals before building into soaring belts, she immediately won over the audience with both her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence.
Our first impressions of Death Note: The Musical London
From what we saw, Death Note: The Musical looks set to be a treat for longtime fans, while also offering plenty for those discovering the story for the first time. With its dramatic score, striking performances and intriguing fantasy premise, it's easy to see why the production has built such a devoted following around the world.
Judging by the excitement in the room, London's Death Note fan community has been waiting a long time for this production. After this exclusive first look, we can't wait to see the full show take to the Barbican stage.
Book tickets for Death Note The Musical
Death Note: The Musical runs at the Barbican Theatre for a strictly limited six-week run from 30 July to 12 September 2026.
Book Death Note London tickets now to experience the hotly anticipated show for yourself.