This week the your lie in april the musical hits the west end starting its 12 week run at Harold Pinter Theatre. This will be the first time the a show based on a non studio ghibli anime will have a run in the london west end.

Zheng Xi Yong (Kōsei Arima) the lead man took time out of his busy schedule to take a few questions here what he has to say

How did you first find out about this project and what was it that attracted you to do it?

It was announced via WhatsOnStage back in November 2023. I was drawn to it instantly as I loved classical piano growing up and it was a story about overcoming grief and trauma through human connection and music.

Before being cast in Your Lie in April did you have any experience of any other adaptations of the story – anime, manga or the live action movie – or were you stoked to find out there were so many versions? 

I watched the anime and manga and loved that people could enjoy the story in many different mediums.


There was a concert version earlier this year in the West End  that received amazing reviews – how soon did you to find out that the full version was going to open in the West End? 

Can’t remember exactly but I think it was within 3 weeks!

Were you excited to learn that you were going to be part of the first non-studio Ghibli anime adaptation to hit the West End?

Absolutely.

What is the thing you love most about the character you are playing?

 His sincerity.

Do you feel like you are at all like your character? Or do you enjoy the fact you are playing someone who is very different to yourself?

I think Kosei and I share a lot of similarities. I feel we have shared experiences of pain and grief growing up. I’ve also been described as quite dorky in real life.

Is there any pressure knowing you are playing a character who is already beloved by a lot of people? 

In some ways yes, but perhaps more from myself than anyone. I love the story and I love the character, so I think that’s where the pressure comes from – wanting to do it to the best.

Your lie in April is a wonderful story with many themes including friendship, love, and loss – does anything from the play connect with you personally? 

Yes, in fact I think these are themes many people can relate to, which is why the story is so universal.

What do think a western audience should take home with them from Your Lie in April?

Beyond the story itself, I hope audiences will realise how there are so many beautiful stories from the East and South East Asian (ESEA) community and that these can be told beautifully by ESEA creatives. We have the talent and our representation is just as important.

Is there any other anime or manga you would love to see adapted into a West End musical? And are there any other characters you would love to play if that did happen? 

Pokemon or Howl’s Moving Castle. Ash Ketchum and Howl respectively.

What is the best thing about this musical and why should the manga audience at home drop everything and buy tickets right now?

There is a lot of passion and heart behind making the show, and this is very palpable to audiences. If manga audiences enjoyed Your Lie in April in its manga or anime form, they’ll be pleased to know this musical adaptation is a brilliant adaptation that is faithful to the story and its themes, but also the live music and songs elevate it to an experience not to be missed.

Thank you so much to Zheng Xi Yong for taking time out of his busy schecdule to talk to us you can catch him at Your Lie In April: The Musical from the 28th of june to the 21st of september you can get your tickets here https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/your-lie-in-april/harold-pinter-theatre/