Following a sell-out season at the Barbican Theatre this year, Death Note: The Musical has been confirmed it will return to London next year with a sophomore run at the Barbican.

Death Note: The Musical will return to London’s Barbican Theatre in 2027, running from 23 March until 15 May 2027. The musical is set to take its final bow on 12 September 2026, following a sell out season at the venue. The Barbican has also confirmed that Death Note broke record for the highest-grossing single week of a musical, before going on to break the record for the highest-grossing single performance of a musical five times over.

The story follows Light Yagami, a gifted high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it, as his actions spiral into chaos and draw the attention of the brilliant detective L.

Death Note received glowing reviews during its 2026 run, with The Times, The Stage, The Guardian and more praising the production for its electrifying energy. It brings the iconic Japanese manga to life with a thrilling rock score, soaring power ballads, spectacular design and a striking visual world. Its return to London in 2027 reflects the growing global influence of Japanese and Eastern popular culture, from manga and fashion to the worldwide phenomenon of K-pop.

Manga meets musical theatre

Based on the best-selling manga series by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note: The Musical features music by Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award nominee Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Tony nominee Jack Murphy, additional lyrics by Morgan Reilly and a book by Emmy nominee Ivan Menchell.

Since it was first released as a serialised story in 2003, Death Note has been adapted numerous times, spawning several anime and live action versions, including a blockbuster Hollywood film in 2017 starring directed by Adam Wingard, starring Nat Wolff and Margaret Qualley.

The musical first premiered in Japan in 2015, and has since toured Japan and South Korea before it arrived in London this year.

The creative team behind Death Note the Musical

This award-winning musical (Best Musical, Korea Musical Awards) features a score by Tony and Grammy Award winning composer Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde, Bonnie & Clyde) and lyrics by Tony-Award nominated Jack Murphy, additional lyrics by Morgan Reilly and book by Emmy-nominated Ivan Menchell.

Alongside Wildhorn, this new production at the Barbican brings together an acclaimed creative team behind some of the West End’s biggest hits, including director Stephen Whitson (Hamilton, Moulin Rouge!), Emmy-nominated designer Jon Bausor (Spirited Away, Bat Out of Hell) and choreography by Olivier Award nominated Fabian Aloise (Evita!, Sunset Boulevard) alongside Jason Howland as orchestration and arranger.

 

Read more on westendtheatre.com…

Book tickets