Whole Hog Theatre, in association with Park Theatre, present the World Premiere of The Garden of Words.

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. The Garden of Words was originally due to open in 2020, but was cancelled due to COVID.

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.

Praise for Whole Hog Theatre:

★★★★ “Utterly incredible… the kind of energy, talent, vibrancy and commitment from which stars are born” One Stop Arts

★★★★ “True to the film, the production plays out such grand ideas beautifully and we are whisked away into a childlike dreamscape. West End Wilma

★★★★ “An ambitious and innovative production… definitely a company to watch for in the future…”  The Public Reviews

“They achieve the seemingly impossible” Anime UK News

The Garden of Words is showing from 11th August to 9th September 2023. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit here.