Full Breakdown
Spirited Away Stage Adaptation Embarks on 2026-2028 World Tour
6/30/2026, 2:44:33 AM
Global Tour Overview
Toho Co., Ltd. announced a world tour of its stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s ‘Spirited Away.’ The tour runs from December 2026 to July 2028, opening at Taipei’s National Theater and Concert Hall, then a Japanese circuit, followed by Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre, Los Angeles’ Ahmanson Theatre, and a return to London’s Coliseum. PW Productions co-produces the London leg.
Background & Performance Highlights
The stage adaptation, directed by John Caird and co-adapted with Maoko Imai, premiered in Tokyo in March 2022. A Japanese-cast version sold out a 17-week run at London’s Coliseum in 2024, drawing over 300,000 attendees and winning Best New Play at the 2025 WhatsOnStage Awards, earning four Olivier nominations. It staged 42 performances in Shanghai (mid-2025) and 94 in Seoul (Jan 2026). The show includes a live orchestra of Joe Hisaishi’s score, set design by Jon Bausor, puppetry by Toby Olié, and costumes by Sachiko Nakahara.
Schedule
The tour opens in Taipei (Dec 17 2026 – Jan 31 2027), then Tokyo (Mar – May 2027) and other Japanese cities in mid-2027. The North-American leg runs in Toronto (May 6 – Aug 15 2027) and Los Angeles (Sept 2 – Oct 2027). The final leg returns to London’s Coliseum (Mar – July 2028).
Official Statements & Responses
Toho expressed gratitude for the London invitation and highlighted the production’s universal appeal, noting its Tokyo origins and sold-out runs in London, Shanghai and Seoul. PW Productions cited strong audience demand after the 2024 European run and said the Coliseum suits the show’s scale. Bob Holland, executive producer of the London Coliseum, welcomed the 2028 return, referencing the prior sell-out. Siddharth Roy Kapur, principal advisor to CineNow, framed the tour as part of a broader effort to integrate content, capital and technology in global entertainment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list the Los Angeles run ending Oct 24 2027, while others cite Oct 27 2027. Tokyo dates appear as Mar – May 2027 in one schedule and Mar – August 2027 in another.
Verbatim Quotes
- “CineNow is building a unique platform at the intersection of content, capital and technology,” — Siddharth Roy Kapur, Principal Advisor, CineNow
- “, Ltd said: “Toho is deeply grateful for the opportunity to be welcomed back to London.” — Toho Co., Ltd. spokesperson
- “ PW Productions said: "We're thrilled to be bringing this extraordinary production of Spirited Away back to London after its sell-out run in 2024.” — PW Productions representative
Impact
The tour brings Japanese theatrical art to audiences across Asia, North America and Europe, reflecting the global demand demonstrated by sold-out performances and award recognition for the adaptation.
What's Next
Ticket presales for Toronto and Los Angeles are scheduled for summer 2027, while casting announcements remain pending. The official website will provide pricing and accessibility details.
