Building on the triumph of Studio Ghibli's previous screen-to-stage adaptation, My Neighbour Totoro,' the theatrical rendition of Spirited Away' faced immense expectations to match the magic of its predecessor. Adapted by Joe Caird, the show made its grand debut at the London Coliseum last week, here is our take!

Upon entering the London Coliseum, the atmosphere was electric, more akin to a rock concert than a West End play. The audience was youthful and stylish, drinking with a level of enthusiasm you'd expect from the crowd of a newly reformed 90's band. For many in their 20s and 30s, Spirited Away' is not just a movie; it's a cherished piece of their formative years, a piece of art that is held as a thing of beauty in the hearts of many. Personally, I remember sitting in art class as an 11-year-old boy, being shown Spirited Away as a treat' for the end of the school year; since then Spirited Away has held an aura with it that transports me back to the innocence and magic of youth.

The challenge of translating the film's subtitled Japanese dialogue to the stage was a primary concern of mine. However, the issue was met with an innovative solution. As the lights dimmed, translations appeared on discreet screens nestled within Jon Bausor's lush forest set. Initially, the dual focus on the actors and subtitles was mentally taxing. Diverting my attention between the actors and the words was not initially as fluid as I had hoped. Yet, as the play progressed, a seamless integration occurred, allowing the audience to absorb the narrative and performances simultaneously.

The production remained faithful to the original film, with the opening scene's simplicity striking a nostalgic chord. The transition from a quaint country lane to the vibrant Spirit realm was executed with grace and power. The set, a true reflection of the animated world, was a visual triumph. The task of animating characters like the formidable Yubaba,' the enigmatic Kaonashi,' and the beloved Soot Sprites' was masterfully achieved through Toby Oli's puppetry - bringing to life these deeply loved characters. With the addition Jon Bausor's revolving set design, the creative team fabricated a multi-layered, immersive experience, transporting the audience into the heart of the Spirit realm.

Despite the orchestra's exquisite performance and the stunning visual elements, there was an element of the original's magic that seemed just out of reach. This observation raises a poignant question: can the unlimited imagination of animation be fully realized in the tangible world of theatre, particularly when adapting such a revered anime? While some magic may be inherently untranslatable, this adaptation captured the essence and narrative of a timeless classic with remarkable fidelity. For what it was, this play did manage to translate a large portion of the magic, into the real world.