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Death Note: The Musical West End musical poster
Off-West EndMusicalOriginal

Death Note: The Musical

Barbican Centre · 2h 20m · Opened Aug 11, 2026 · Closes May 15, 2027

Critics' Take

Critics mostly praise this visually spectacular manga adaptation for its ambitious staging and strong performances, though some find Frank Wildhorn's score derivative and the material better suited to devoted fans than general audiences.

Critic Scorecard

35 reviews
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Theatre and Tonic logo
Theatre and TonicAug 12, 2026

This is a flawless adaptation that doesn’t require any knowledge of the manga or anime to engage with and enjoy.

Theatre and Tonic StaffFull Review
All That Dazzles (UK) logo
All That Dazzles (UK)Aug 12, 2026

What makes this production such a resounding success is its commitment to not just do the best production of Death Note but to make a musical that stands up on its own two feet.

readaboutstuff logo
readaboutstuffAug 13, 2026

Death Note: The Musical is an absorbing, thrilling and striking visual feast.

readaboutstuff StaffFull Review

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Audience Scorecard

1.1K audience reviews
A
Loving It
Show Score
90%
427 reviews
Mezzanine
4.2/5
435 reviews
SeatPlan
4.47/5
171 reviews
London BO
4.9/5
18 reviews
London TD
5/5
49 reviews

Showtimes

Week of Mar 22–28
Mon
Sun

Frequently Asked Questions

What do critics say about Death Note: The Musical?

Critics mostly praise this visually spectacular manga adaptation for its ambitious staging and strong performances, though some find Frank Wildhorn's score derivative and the material better suited to devoted fans than general audiences. (CriticScore 73/100 from 35 reviews.)

Is Death Note: The Musical worth seeing?

Probably, if the material interests you. Critics say Death Note: The Musical is worth seeing (73/100 from 35 reviews) — it works best if the premise or cast appeals to you.

What is the CriticScore for Death Note: The Musical?

Death Note: The Musical has a CriticScore of 73/100 based on 35 professional reviews. This is rated "Worth Seeing".

Is Death Note: The Musical still running in London?

Yes, Death Note: The Musical is currently playing at Barbican Centre in London. It is scheduled to close on May 15, 2027.

Where is Death Note: The Musical playing in London?

Death Note: The Musical is playing at Barbican Centre.

How long is Death Note: The Musical?

Death Note: The Musical has a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, including 1 intermission.

Is Death Note: The Musical appropriate for children?

Death Note: The Musical is recommended for Ages 5+.

Cast

Cast information is not yet available for this production.

Quick Facts

CriticScore
73/100 (35 reviews)
Status
Now Playing
Opened
Aug 11, 2026
Closes
May 15, 2027
Running
1 month Off-West End
Runtime
2h 20m
Intermissions
1
Age
Ages 5+
Synopsis
This summer, the hotly anticipated world premiere of Death Note: The Musical, arrives at the Barbican for 50 performances only from 30 July to 12 September.
Data Last Updated
September 13, 2026

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