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Stage Kiki Returns to Southwark This Summer

In summer 2017, the Southwark Playhouse theatre in London (directions) will present a new four-week run of its stage version of the Japanese children's book Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono, previously filmed by Hayao Miyazaki in 1989. The 75-minute play will run from August 10 to September 3. Tickets and other details are available here. The play previously ran last Christmas

From the website:

Kiki is a 13 year old witch and, as tradition dictates, it is time for her to leave home and family to make a new life for herself. Equipped with her ability to fly and accompanied by Jiji, her faithful feline companion, she sets out to find a place where she can use her powers for the greater good and that one day she might call home. A magical tale of growing up and finding acceptance Kiki's Delivery Service is a story for everyone aged 7 and up.

The evening performances are at 7.30 p.m. and the matinees are at 3 p.m. Tickets are £20; £16 concessions; £12 for preview tickets; and £64 for a family ticket. (A family ticket consists of 4 tickets: the party must include at least one adult and one under-16.)

The stage version is written by Jessica Siân, adapted from the book by Eiko Kadono, which was published in Japan in 1985. The director of the play is Kate Hewitt, who was previously Associate Director on Sam Mendes' stage production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Annick Press published Kadono's book in an English translation by Lynne E. Riggs in 2003. As well as the Hayao Miyazaki film, the book was also turned into a live-action Japanese film in 2014.