Adapted by Tom Morton-Smith from Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 animated film, My Neighbour Totoro follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move to the countryside while their mother seeks treatment in hospital.
Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro has announced its final extension in the West End. The show will continue until 10 January 2027 at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
Adapted by Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer) from Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 animated film, My Neighbour Totoro follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move to the countryside while their mother seeks treatment in hospital. As the sisters explore their new surroundings, Mei encounters magical forest creatures and the big, cuddly “Totoro” – taking them on a memorable and exciting adventure.
The cast includes Victoria Chen as Mei, Helen Chong as Mei’s older sister Satsuki, Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny, and Ai Ninomiya as Kaze No Koe/Singer.
The Kazego Puppetry Ensemble is made up of Karen Barredo, Melisa Camba, Rachel Clare Chan, Jeffrey Chekai, Chui Yen, Phyllis Ho (Yasuko), Victor Itang, Gabriel S. Janoras, Natsumi Kuroda (Tsukiko), Eero Chen Liu (Principal Puppeteer), Kumiko Mendl (Nurse Emiko), Yui Minari, Michelle Miners, Steven Nguyen (Kanta), Richard P. Peralta, Gun Suen (Principal Puppeteer/Puppetry Captain), Sango Tajima (Miss Hara/Principal Puppeteer), Bai Zhijin and Jamie Zubairi (Hiroshi). The swings include Ronnie Lee, Wenhsin Lee, Amber Lin, Sera Maehara and Si Rawlinson (Movement Captain).
The creative team includes 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 score in a new orchestration by Will Stuart, performed live with sound design by Tony Gayle. Video design is by Finn Ross and Andrea Scott, the dramaturg is Pippa Hill, and sound effects and soundscape designer is Nicola T Chang.
Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, RSC Co-Artistic Directors said: “From its beginnings at the Barbican, My Neighbour Totoro has held a special place for us, and it is a privilege to have seen this production grow and flourish in the West End. A true celebration of theatrical craft, the show brings together extraordinary talent across disciplines, with its many awards reflecting the artistry, imagination and dedication of all involved.
“The production also represents a remarkable international collaboration, uniting artists and partners to tell a story of wonder, family and the natural world that resonates so deeply with audiences. We are immensely grateful to our creative team, cast, crew and partners, and to the many audiences who continue to join us on this journey.”
Book My Neighbour Totoro tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk
Photo credit: Victoria Chen in My Neighbour Totoro. (Courtesy of production)