We take a look at what is being said about the musical, playing at the theatre until the 12th September.
The Guardian: “Fortunately, the whole thing starts strong, with a floodlit opening scene that combines brilliantly athletic dance moves (by a supporting company that is excellent throughout) and a schoolroom debate about the ethics of justice, and just keeps going from there – with neat forced-perspective sets, flashy back projections and amusing sliding stage elements.”
The Stage: “Musical adaptation of the iconic manga tale of law versus justice is kinetically powerful and atmospheric.”
The Telegraph: “Not one of the 27 songs in this English-language run of Death Note at the Barbican was enough to resurrect it.”
WhatsOnStage: “Ultimately, the worst thing about Death Note: The Musical is the fact that it’s only at the Barbican for a mere five weeks. It’s hard not to imagine this having a highly profitable further life; the production values alone outstrip most current West End musicals, and the haunting, majestic pop score is surely enough to inspire repeat visits from fans. This is a total blast.”
All That Dazzles: “Whether you are a Death Note obsessive or completely new to this world, there is something for everybody in one of the most exciting musicals of the year. Though Death Note is only at the Barbican for 50 performances this summer, don’t expect that to be the end for this faultless production, with a long future life all but guaranteed. To sum it up, this production really is dead good. No notes.”
London Theatre.co.uk: “Jon Bausor’s striking set uses a platform to separate the gods from the humans, which doubles as gritty architecture for Tokyo’s skyline. Video designer Akhila Krishnan’s flickering projections of neon lights and rain evocatively capture a sense of place, helping to pull together a stylish production that is dressed to kill.”
Musical Theatre Review: “Whether fans of the original Death Note will be happy with some of the cuts and changes to fit the story into a two-act musical structure, there is no denying that the result is a taut, compelling tale that is accessible to anyone unfamiliar with the source material. Utilising the Barbican Theatre’s stage to its fullest extent, this is a musical that earns the hype.”
Theatre & Tonic: “This is a stunning adaptation of Death Note which will write its way into the history books. This short six-week run at the Barbican is the first of, hopefully, many revivals of this show. Death Note is triumphant, exhilarating and a pure shot of adrenaline from start to end. If you enjoy a magnificent cast, a phenomenal adaptation, brilliant sets and a stunning night out, then this is the perfect show for you this summer.”
London Theatre Reviews.co.uk: “Death Note: The Musical comes to life in London with its dark and daring story, proving that moral dilemmas continue to make great theatre.”
London Theatre1: “The full house at the Barbican clearly enjoyed seeing their heroes (and villains) on stage for the first time: I am sure that the vast majority could have produced Death Note comics, books and videos by the score and have views on the characters as if they were real people. Very highly recommended to those who are Death Note fans – and also offering much enjoyment for everyone else who likes to try something “new”. The whole evening was great fun and total fantasy – just go and lose yourself!”
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