The award-winning adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s classic animation, My Neighbour Totoro, will move to London’s West End. Playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from March 2025.
The production played for two sell-out seasons at the Barbican in 2022/23 and 2023/24. Presented by executive producer Joe Hisaishi, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Improbable and Nippon TV, and with puppets built by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. The show broke box office records, becoming the fastest selling show in the Barbican’s history, and opened to critical acclaim.
This enchanting coming-of-age story explores the magical fantasy world of childhood and the transformative power of imagination, as it follows one extraordinary summer in the lives of sisters Satsuki and Mei.
In order to be closer to their mother while she recovers from an illness in a rural convalescent hospital, their father moves the family to the countryside. As the girls explore their beautiful new surroundings, Mei encounters magical creatures and the ancient protector of the forest she calls Totoro.
Although Satsuki doesn’t believe her little sister at first, they are soon both swept up in exciting adventures with their new neighbours – transported to a long-forgotten realm of spirits, sprites, and natural wonder.
Satsuki (Ami Okumura Jones) and company - Manuel Harlan © RSC and Nippon TV / 2023 Barbican production
Kanta (Ka Long Kelvin Chan) and company - Manuel Harlan © RSC and Nippon TV / 2023 Barbican production
“Faithfully adapted by playwright Tom Morton-Smith ... the show is a quirky delight that enchants and amuses, but also moves: its child’s-eye view of the world evokes both wonderment and vulnerability ... it’s exquisite, every detail of design and execution painstakingly considered. ★★★★★”
“Tom Morton-Smith’s adaptation strikes a perfect balance of honouring Hayao Miyazaki’s creation and seeking a new theatrical language ... theatre at its most magical. ★★★★★”
“Fucking spectacular ... an endless cavalcade of sweet, strange joy.”
Directed by Phelim McDermott with production design by Tom Pye, costumes by Kimie Nakano, lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun, and movement by You-Ri Yamanaka, the production featured puppetry created by Basil Twist and music from Joe Hisaishi’s iconic score in a new orchestration by Will Stuart, performed live with sound design by Tony Gayle. Associate Director was Ailin Conant.
“A dazzling staging of the Studio Ghibli classic. ★★★★★”
“... leaves us with a heart-warming feeling of hope and an admiration for the power of imagination ... it’s also a joyous showcase of theatre magic at its best. ★★★★★”
“A tender and remarkably beautiful show. ★★★★★”
“The most endearing sight on the London stage ... the kindness, empathy and generosity of spirit that “My Neighbour Totoro” evokes are infectious.”
PRODUCTION HISTORY
Barbican Theatre, London, 8th October 2022 to 21st January 2023. Royal Shakespeare Company / Joe Hisaishi / NipponTV / Improbable, dir: Phelim McDermott.
Barbican Theatre, London, 21st November 2023 to 24th March 2024. Royal Shakespeare Company / Joe Hisaishi / NipponTV / Improbable, dir: Phelim McDermott.
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