We chat to Mia Kobayashi making her professional debut playing brilliant violinist Kaori Miyazono in Your Lie in April at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 28 June.
Hi Mia, how does it feel to be making your professional debut? It’s a dream come true. After many years of intense training to finally be on stage to showcase my hard work is such a privilege, especially in a show like this, which honours my Japanese heritage.
What drew you to Your Lie in April? It’s an original musical, which gave me the freedom to explore the role without any comparisons, and make it mine. Also, of course, the personal connection I have with it because of my heritage, and it is rare to have an all-East Asian cast in the musical theatre industry.
For those not familiar with the story, what can they expect? This show has everything really, perfect for all generations. It follows themes of music, love and passion. The journey you go on as an audience member will leave you different than when you first come in… I don’t want to give too much away, you’ll have to just come and see it haha!
What can you tell us about your character Kaori? She is a 17 year old school girl who plays the violin. She is passionate, bubbly and front footed. She has a grit to her and will do anything in her power to do what she needs to do. She sees life so differently to everyone else, a truly unique soul that is so special for me as a performer to step into and become.
How does it feel to be part of bringing Your lie in April to the West End? A magical experience. This is such a unique musical that you’ll have never seen before. It’s a great privilege to be in an original West End cast and to be bringing an anime story to life on stage. Anime is one of a kind, and their stories are so special and unique, much like this show, this is one of few shows that have adapted into a musical and hopefully there will be lots more in the future.
What are you most looking forward to about bringing this story to audiences? I am so excited to see audience reactions, and how they perceive the show and what they take from it. I’m excited for the audience to experience anime in a different way, and maybe begin a love for it! I’m interested to see if this alters people’s perspective on life, as the story is so moving and has inspired me in so many ways.
By Emma Clarendon
Your Lie in April will run at the Harold Pinter theatre from the 28th June until the 21st September. To book tickets visit: Love Theatre.com, London Theatre Direct or London Box Office.