London’s Southwark Playhouse stages Usagi Yojimbo

By John Freeman on November 26, 2014

London’s Southwark Playhouse is staging a production of Usagi Yojimbo, based on the widely-acclaimed comic book by Stan Sakai, until early January 2015.

17th Century Japan. A world of bandit racoons, feline ninjas and warring animal clans.

A young rabbit leaves home, family and friends behind him in pursuit of one ambition: to become a great samurai warrior. Trained by a maverick old lion sensei – a teacher of the warrior’s code known as Bushido – Usagi learns that the way of the samurai is one of peace and perfection – not just masterful swordsmanship. But as war engulfs the land, he must make a choice that will test his loyalty, honour and dearest friendship.

This Christmas, join our long-eared hero on the adventure of a lifetime as he takes his fate into his own paws…

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Stan Sakai’s long-running comic book series (official web site here), published by several comic book publishing companies including Thoughts and Images, Fantagraphics Books, Mirage Studios, Radio Comix and Dark Horse Comics, has featured the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and won numerous accolades including three Eisner Awards and the Parents’ Choice Award.

dapted for the stage for the first time and featuring stunning design, video projection and original live music, Usagi Yojimbo is an epic adventure for the whole family.

• Southwark Playhouse presents Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai. Adapted by Stewart Melton. Runs until 4th January 2015. Show Starts 7.00pm Matinee Starts 1.30pm & 2.30pm. Running Time 100 minutes. Tickets £18, £16 concessions, £60 Family Ticket. For more information and to buy tickets visit this page on the Southwark Playhouse web site

• Here’s a behind the scenes video about the making of this production

Thanks to Matt Badham for the tip

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.