The puppet-driven, stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro is about to begin a 34-week run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, following two blockbuster seasons at the Barbican. Adapted by Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer) from Hayao Miyazaki’s celebrated 1988 animated feature film, the production is directed by Improbably Co-Founder, Phelim McDermott. The show won six Olivier Awards and five WhatsOnStageAwards, and broke the Barbican’s Box Office records for most tickets sold in a single day in April 2022, ahead of its global premiere in October 2022.
Two little girls move with their father to a remote new home in the country while their mother recuperates from TB in hospital, and only gradually become aware that something’s stirring in the trees outside. As the sisters explore their new environs, young Mei encounters magical creatures and the ancient protector of the forest she calls “Totoro”. Whilst Satsuki doesn’t believe her little sister at first, the sisters are both soon both swept up in exciting adventures with their new neighbours – transported to a long-forgotten realm of spirits, sprites, and natural wonder.
Victoria Chen joins the company to play the role of Mei. Reprising their roles are Ami Okumura Jones as Mei’s older sister Satsuki, Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny, and Ai Ninomiya as the Singer.
The show’s unique Kazego Puppetry Ensemble will once again include Matthew Leonhart, Heather Lai, Shaofan Wilson (Miss Hara) and Anna Kato, who will be joined by a host of new members, including Rachel Clare Chan, Sally Cheng, and Sabrina Pui Yee Chin.
My Neighbour Totoro features production design by Tom Pye, puppetry design and direction by Basil Twist, costume design by Kimie Nakano, lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun, and movement by You-Ri Yamanaka. The production features music from Joe Hisaishi’s iconic score in a new orchestration by Will Stuart, performed live with sound design by Tony Gayle.
Artwork for the stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro includes a hand drawn title by Toshio Suzuki, Producer for Studio Ghibli, who was involved in the planning and production of the original animated film.
Gillian Lynne Theatre
166 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PW
020 7087 7750
Twitter / TikTok: @totoro_show
Instagram / Facebook: @totoroshow / TotoroShow
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TotoroShow
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Tickets from £25.
RSC £10 Tickets for 16-25s per performance. Details on how to book can found at https://www.rsc.org.uk/support/rsc-10-tickets-supported-by-tiktok
