Umeda Arts Theater News

The first-ever stage adaptation of The Hunger Games has extended its London booking, with original movie costumes on display and a new Songbird restaurant now open to theatergoers.

A one-night-only concert, THEATRE ROYALTY DRURY LANE, hosted by Brian Conley, will bring together West End stars including Samantha Barks, John Owen-Jones, and Rachel Tucker at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

A new production of BOOP! The Musical will make its Japan premiere in 2026, with performances scheduled in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. The production will star Makoto Rei in the title role.

Performances of the first-ever stage adaptation of Suzanne Collins’s book The Hunger Games and Lionsgate’s hit motion picture of the same name have been extended. Find out how long the production will run, how to get tickets and more.

This November, members of the original Japanese cast of Six the Musical will take to the Vaudeville Theatre stage for one week only – performing the global phenomenon entirely in Japanese.

Mia Carragher is set to play the iconic role of Katniss Everdeen in the upcoming first-ever live stage adaptation of Suzanne Collins' book “The Hunger Games” and Lionsgate's motion picture, The Hunger Games.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON will present its final extension at The Ambassadors Theatre. Learn more about the run and see how to purchase tickets here!

The three-time Olivier Award winning new British musical THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON has announced two brand new audience initiatives at The Ambassadors Theatre.

Following sold out seasons in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya earlier this year, the London production of SIX the Musical, will welcome members of the show's Japanese cast to the Vaudeville Theatre

The first-ever live stage adaptation of Suzanne Collins' book 'The Hunger Games' and Lionsgate's motion picture will begin performances this October in London! Learn more here.

The producers of the new British musical THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON have announced that booking has now extended until Saturday 26 April 2025 at The Ambassadors Theatre.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.