Death Note: The Musical has opened in London for its English language world premiere, following a decade of cult success in Japan and Korea. The pop-rock production, adapted from an early noughties manga series, is being staged at the Barbican Theatre for a 50-show run.
The show centres on Tokyo high school student Light Yagami, who discovers a notebook allowing him to kill anyone by writing their name. The narrative explores themes of justice and capital punishment, with Light's initial actions targeting a gunman holding children hostage.
The production is noted for its impressive staging and visuals, including set design by Jon Bausor, mammoth projections of a Tokyo metropolis, and significant use of neon lighting, blackouts, and white flashes.