NODA MAP returns to Sadler’s Wells from 2-11 July 2026 with -320°F (Kashi Minus 320°). Japan’s most acclaimed theatre company brings their latest production to London with an all-star cast including Suzu Hirose, Sadao Abe, and Eri Fukatsu. Written and directed by Hideki Noda OBE, the show combines drama, music, and dance in a spectacular science-fiction story.
Key Details
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | 2-11 July 2026 |
| Venue | Sadler’s Wells Theatre |
| Language | Japanese with English surtitles |
| Runtime | TBC |
| Tickets | Via Sadler’s Wells website |
What Is -320°F?
-320°F (Kashi Minus Sanbyaku Nijū-do) is described by director Hideki Noda as “incorrect science fiction based on incorrect science.”
The story begins at a fossil excavation site where a team searches for a mysterious bone. As they dig, the narrative travels between the present day, the medieval era, and ancient times. The title references the extremely cold temperature of -320°F (-196°C), the boiling point of liquid nitrogen, hinting at themes of preservation, life, and what it means to be human.
This is NODA MAP’s 28th production and their longest-ever London run at Sadler’s Wells.
Cast
The production features some of Japan’s biggest acting stars:
- Sadao Abe (Thermae Romae, Unagi, Shinzanmono)
- Suzu Hirose (Our Little Sister, Rage, Chihayafuru)
- Eri Fukatsu (Departures, Bayside Shakedown, Last Letter)
- Koji Okura
- Seiko Takada
- Satoshi Hashimoto
- Hideki Noda (also performing)
- Isao Hashizume
The ensemble totals 25 performers, making this one of NODA MAP’s largest productions.
Who Is Hideki Noda?
Hideki Noda is one of Japan’s most influential theatre directors. He founded NODA MAP in 1992 after leading the legendary Yume no Yuminsha company in the 1980s. His work is known for combining physical theatre, wordplay, music, and dance with socially conscious themes.
Noda was awarded an OBE in 2009 for his contributions to UK-Japan cultural relations. He has directed at the National Theatre and collaborated with British artists throughout his career.
Previous NODA MAP productions at Sadler’s Wells include:
- Love in Action (2024)
- A Night at the Kabuki (2022)
- One Green Bottle (2017)
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now from £19.
Book tickets:
- Sadler’s Wells (official venue)
- London Theatre Direct
- Official London Theatre
Note: Tickets are not available through Japanese outlets for the London run.
Show times:
- Thu 2 July: 7:30pm (Press Night)
- Fri 3 July: 7:30pm
- Sat 4 July: 2:30pm
- Sun 5 July: 2:30pm
- Wed 8 July: 7:30pm
- Thu 9 July: 7:30pm
- Fri 10 July: 7:30pm
- Sat 11 July: 2:30pm
Runtime: 2 hours 20 minutes (no interval)
Age guidance: 6+. Children under 5 not admitted.
The production is supported by the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation and co-presented with Nihon Keizai Shimbun.
Why This Matters
NODA MAP rarely performs outside Japan, making their London visits significant cultural events. This production brings three of Japan’s most decorated film and stage actors to a London stage, performing in Japanese with English surtitles.
For those interested in contemporary Japanese theatre, this is a rare opportunity to see a major production with its original Tokyo cast.
More Japanese theatre in London this year: Death Note: The Musical opens at the Barbican on 30 July, and Hard-Boiled Wonderland comes to Barbican in October.