Garden of Words Stage Production To Hit London This Summer 2023

Date: 2023 May 09 19:19

Posted by Joe

London's Park Theatre have just announced their Summer and Autumn line up. Anime fans will be very interested in the stage adaptation of Makoto Shinkai's Garden of Words. Originally it was set to run in August 2020, however COVID-19 prevented it happening. This time it's back and scheduled to run from Thursday 10th August until Saturday 9th September 2023.

Based on the original anime by blockbuster director by Makoto Shinkai (best known for your name and the just released Suzume). It tells the story of a meeting in a Japanese garden, with two people both out of sorts having a melancholy change encounter.

It's been adapted for the stage by Whole Hog Theatre, who are no strangers to bringing anime to theatre. They created a truly excellent stage version of Princess Mononoke.

We've been waiting since 2019 to see the stage version of Garden of Words, so naturally we're very keen to catch this summer in London.

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Details as follows:



10 Aug - 9 Sept

Garden of Words | Presented by Whole Hog Theatre in association with Park Theatre

World Premiere

Originally by Makoto Shinkai, adapted by Whole Hog Theatre

Official Stage Production
Based on the Anime from Makoto Shinkai/CoMix Wave Films / 原作：新海誠監督作品 『言の葉の庭』| Directed by Alexandra Rutter

"...you've been living your whole life alone..."

Takao and Yukari are escaping.

Whilst seeking solace in a Japanese garden, an out-of-step woman and an offbeat teenager meet by chance. Social misfits with a shared sense of loneliness, the unlikely pair bond over classical poetry, shoemaking and bad cooking. But the heartfelt companionship that could save them might also ruin them...

Based on the stereotype-defying Anime and novel from world-renowned filmmaker, Makoto Shinkai (your name., Suzume), Japanese animation continues to make waves on the UK stage with this global premiere.

A refreshingly candid Tokyo tale reminiscent of the adorable melancholy of Lost in Translation. Delve deeper into Shinkai's visually emotive story about the lines between platonic and romantic longing and what it is to feel alone in the biggest metropolis in the world. Seven lost souls, drowning in technology yet unable to connect.

From the UK's Whole Hog Theatre, creators of the world's first stage adaptation of a Hayao Miyazaki film with the kind permission of Studio Ghibli (Princess Mononoke), and Tokyo's Anime stage production specialists Nelke Planning (Attack on Titan, Naruto, Sailor Moon stage productions) comes a unique, new Anglo-Japanese collaboration.

Running time: 1hr 45 mins | 12+

Parents and Babies performance: Thu 24 Aug at 1pm
Mon - Sat 7.30pm, matinees Thu and Sat 3pm I £44.50 - £22.50 (standard), £22.50 - £20 (65+ Mon eve and Thu mat), £17.50 (access), £10 (Park Up 16-26 years Band C throughout the run) I Previews 10 - 12 Aug, £15 - £25