The production will be presented with a hand-drawn title by Toshio Suzuki, the producer of the original animated film, ensuring an authentic connection to Studio Ghibli’s vision…reports Asian Lite News
The highly anticipated stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s beloved My Neighbour Totoro will begin performances at London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre on Saturday 8 March 2025, with the official opening night scheduled for Thursday 20 March. Produced by Executive Producer Joe Hisaishi in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), Nippon TV, and Improbable, the production promises to be a magical experience for audiences, running until 2 November 2025.
Victoria Chen will join the ensemble cast as Mei, the young girl whose adventures with the mystical Totoro drive the narrative. Returning cast members include Ami Okumura Jones as Mei’s older sister Satsuki, Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny, and Ai Ninomiya as the Singer. The Kazego Puppetry Ensemble, known for their distinctive puppet performances, will also return, with some new additions to the team, including Rachel Clare Chan, Sally Cheng, and Kumiko Mendl, among others.
Directed by Phelim McDermott, a co-founder of Improbable, the production has already received critical acclaim, having broken box office records at the Barbican Centre with its global premiere in 2022. Following its limited run in Autumn 2023, it has become one of the most talked-about productions in the West End.
My Neighbour Totoro features a stellar team of creatives, with Tom Morton-Smith adapting Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 animated film for the stage. The production boasts a stunning design team including Tom Pye (set design), Basil Twist (puppetry design), Kimie Nakano (costume design), Jessica Hung Han Yun (lighting design), and You-Ri Yamanaka (movement direction). The iconic score by Joe Hisaishi is performed live, newly orchestrated by Will Stuart, with sound design by Tony Gayle.
The story of My Neighbour Totoro follows two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who are relocated to the countryside to be closer to their ill mother. As they settle into their new home, Mei encounters magical creatures, including the titular Totoro, an ancient forest spirit. Despite initial disbelief from her sister, the two girls are soon drawn into a world of wonder and adventure, encountering spirits and sprites in a forest full of mystery.
The production will be presented with a hand-drawn title by Toshio Suzuki, the producer of the original animated film, ensuring an authentic connection to Studio Ghibli’s vision.
Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
My Neighbour Totoro will run from 8 March to 2 November 2025 at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, with evening performances from Tuesday to Saturday at 7pm. Matinees will be held on Saturdays and Thursdays at 2pm, beginning 22 March, with additional Sunday performances starting on 13 April.
Assisted performances, including audio-described, captioned, and relaxed performances, will be available throughout the run, ensuring accessibility for all audiences. Special £10 tickets will be available for 16-25 year olds through the RSC’s initiative, supported by TikTok.
For more information on tickets and performance details, visit https://totoroshow.com or call 020 7087 7750.
