Umeda Arts Theater

FEATURE: 5 REASONS WHY KOICHI DOMOTO’S 'SHOCK' DESERVES GREATER RECOGNITION WORLDWIDE

Since its debut in 2000 with Koichi Domoto (KinKi Kids) (Click here to read Interview: Koichi Domoto & Yuma Nakayama on the Final Year of 'Endless SHOCK') as the lead, 'SHOCK' has maintained its place as a pinnacle of Japanese theater for over 20 years. Now a cultural phenomenon, Koichi’s role in 'SHOCK' goes beyond acting; he is also the creator, producer, and director of this iconic production. The show’s acclaim in Japan already speaks volumes, but it is truly worthy of wider recognition on the international stage. Here are five reasons why 'SHOCK' deserves to be embraced worldwide.

Photos: THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON at The Ambassadors Theatre

All new production photos have been released for THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON at The Ambassadors Theatre, starring Olivier Award winner John Dagleish and Olivier nominee Clare Foster. Check out the photos here!

Photos: First Look TATTOOER At Charing Cross Theatre

TATTOOER, written by Takuya Kaneshima, translated by Linda Hoaglund, inspired by the short story, Shisei, by Junichiro Tanizaki and directed by Hogara Kawai will gets its UK premiere Monday 14 October to Saturday 26 October direct from a run in Tokyo, Japan. Check out photos from the production!

Photos: THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON At The Ambassadors Theatre

First look photos have been released for the award-winning and unordinary new musical THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, ahead of its first preview performance tonight – Thursday 10 October 2024 – at The Ambassadors Theatre.

Review: ONE SMALL STEP, Charing Cross Theatre

Bold Anglo-Japanese production fizzles out when it needs to take off like a rocket writes BWW's critic.

Cast Set For New Japanese Drama TATTOOER at Charing Cross Theatre

TATTOOER, written by Takuya Kaneshima, translated by Linda Hoaglund, inspired by the short story, Shisei, by Junichiro Tanizaki and directed by Hogara Kawai will get its UK premiere Monday 14 October to Saturday 26 October direct from a run in Tokyo, Japan.

Cast Set For ONE SMALL STEP UK Premiere

Mark Takeshi Ota, Susan Momoko Hingley and Jay Faisca will star in the world premiere of ONE SMALL STEP, written and directed by Takuya Kato, translated by Andrew Eglinton and Mika Eglinton, at Charing Cross Theatre from Friday 27 September to Wednesday 9 October.

Interview: Koichi Domoto & Yuma Nakayama on the Final Year of 'Endless SHOCK'

Koichi Domoto (KinKi Kids): Koichi took on the roles of creator, composer, director, and lead actor for the last time in 'Endless SHOCK,' which opened at the Imperial Theatre on April 11. (Click here to read Review: 'ENDLESS SHOCK' - Created, Composed, Directed, and Starring Koichi Domoto) This production, which he has been starring in since 2000, has surpassed 2,000 performances and holds the record for the most performances of a single role by a solo actor in Japan. Known for its immense popularity, 'SHOCK' is often called 'the most difficult ticket to get in Japan.' Alongside his music career with KinKi Kids, Koichi has achieved remarkable success in musicals and stage productions, including receiving the prestigious Kikuta Kazuo Theater Award (菊田一夫演劇賞大賞). His notable works include 'CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY THE MUSICAL,' “MUSICAL KNIGHT'S TALE,' and 'DREAM BOYS' (as director). Yuma Nakayama: Yuma plays Koichi’s rival in the Osaka performances of 'Endless SHOCK.' This marks his fourth appearance in 'SHOCK' since 2018. Yuma has been making strides as an actor, appearing in stage productions and TV series. His notable works include the stage productions 'DREAM BOYS' and 'PLAYZONE,' and the series “Gifted Season 2' (WOWOW). Recently, he also appears regularly on 'NONSTOP!' (Fuji TV) and fashion events such as 'KANSAI COLLECTION.' Here, we bring you the group interview conducted after the dress rehearsal in Osaka.

Review: 'ENDLESS SHOCK' - CREATED, COMPOSED, DIRECTED, AND STARRING KOICHI DOMOTO

Endless SHOCK: A historic stage production starring Koichi Domoto (KinKi Kids) (Click here to read Interview: Koichi Domoto & Yuma Nakayama on the Final Year of 'Endless SHOCK') that has been ongoing since 2000. This year, the show opened on April 11 at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo, with Koichi not only starring but also taking on the roles of creator, composer, and director. The total number of SHOCK performances has surpassed 2000, and Koichi holds the record for the most performances by a single actor in Japan. Due to its immense popularity, it is often referred to as 'the hardest theatre ticket to get in Japan.' This year's performance marks Koichi’s final appearance in the starring role. The major rival roles in the production will be played by Shori Sato (timelesz) for the April to May (Imperial Theatre) and September (Hakataza Theater) performances, Yuma Nakayama (Click here to read Interview: Koichi Domoto & Yuma Nakayama on the Final Year of 'Endless SHOCK') for the July to August (Umeda Arts Theater) performances, and Tatsuya Ueda (KAT-TUN) for the November (Imperial Theatre) performances.

Two New Japanese Plays Are Headed to London

Umeda Arts Theater will present two new UK-Japan collaboration projects featuring up-and-coming Japanese writers and directors at London’s Charing Cross Theatre.

Clare Foster Joins The Cast of THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

Olivier Award nominee Clare Foster will star as Elowen Keene in THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, alongside the previously announced Olivier Award winner John Dagleish as Benjamin Button, at the Ambassadors Theatre from Thursday 10th October 2024.

John Dagleish Will Lead THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON at the Ambassadors Theatre

Olivier Award winner John Dagleish will star as Benjamin Button in THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON at the Ambassadors Theatre from Thursday 10th October 2024.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON Will Transfer to the West End

The new musical, THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON will transfer to the West End's Ambassadors Theatre from Thursday 10 October 2024.

Review: PACIFIC OVERTURES, Menier Chocolate Factory

Matthew White’s latest creation is stunning and Sondheim’s score remains beautiful. White doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to condemning the actions depicted, though at the very end his vision seems to suddenly shift all the violence into the necessary evil that kick-started Japan’s technological advancement. Questionable, but interesting.

Interview: 'It's Always So Deep and Cathartic When you Experience a Sondheim Show': Joaquin Pedro Valdes on PACIFIC OVERTURES at the Menier Chocolate Factory

Recently, we had the chance to speak with Joaquin Pedro Valdes, who is taking on the role of John Manjiro in Pacific Overtures. We discussed how he first got started in musical theatre, what it has been like to be a part of such a unique Sonhdime work, and even how the themes of the show can be compared to sushi!

Photos: Inside Rehearsal For PACIFIC OVERTURES at the Menier Chocolate Factory

The Menier Chocolate Factory has released all new rehearsal photos for their co-production with the Umeda Arts Theater of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Pacific Overtures.

Full Cast Set For PACIFIC OVERTURES at The Menier Chocolate Factory

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced full casting for their co-production with the Umeda Arts Theater of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Pacific Overtures. 

Darren Day, Hannah-Jane Fox & More Complete the Cast of CLOSE UP - THE TWIGGY MUSICAL

Discover the latest additions to the cast of THE TWIGGY MUSICAL, including Darren Day and Hannah-Jane Fox. Find out when and where this highly anticipated production will be held, and secure your tickets to experience this sensational musical firsthand. Don't miss out - book your seats now!

Video: Samantha Barks Performs 'Dangerous to Dream' From FROZEN THE MUSICAL

To mark the upcoming second anniversary of Disney’s Frozen The Musical in the West End, and the 10th anniversary of the film, Disney Theatrical Productions has released 'Dangerous to Dream' from Frozen the Musical, sung by Samantha Barks who created the role of Elsa for the London production. Check out the video here!

Elena Skye to Star as Twiggy in CLOSE UP �" THE TWIGGY MUSICAL World Premiere

Elena Skye will play Twiggy in the world première of Close Up – The Twiggy Musical at The Menier Chocolate Factory.