The critically acclaimed multi-award-winning production has transferred to the West End's Gillian Lynne Theatre this year following two unforgettably successful runs at the Barbican.
My Neighbour Totoro production image. Photo by Manuel Harlan
My Neighbour Totoro announces its extending performances into 2026.
Adapted by Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer) from Hayao Miyazaki's beloved 1988 animated feature film, My Neighbour Totoro follows two sisters who move to the countryside whilst their mother takes ill in a rural hospital. As they explore their new surroundings, Mei encounters magical creatures and meets the ancient protector of the forest who she calls "Totoro". Soon Mei and her sister are swept up together on exciting adventures with their new neighbours! Ultimately they will teach the sisters how to confront their fears and manage their emotions. Beautifully captured with breathtaking puppetry, you'll see why this production snapped up multiple awards!
The cast includes Victoria Chen in the role of Mei, 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 includes Rachel Clare Chan, Sally Cheng, Sabrina Pui Yee Chin, Victor Itang, Gabriel S Janoras, Anna Kato, Heather Lai, Ronnie Lee, Matthew Leonhart, Kumiko Mendl (Nurse Emiko), Annakanako Mohri, Lucy Park, Richard Peralta, Chloe Ragrag and Shaofan Wilson (Miss Hara).
Completing the company is Phyllis Ho (Yasuko), Steven Nguyen (Kanta), Jamie Zubairi (Hiroshi) and Deanna Myers (Tsukiko), and Swing puppeteers Boaz Chad, Wenshin Lee, Amber Lin, Sera Meahara and Nathaniel Tan.
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. Video design is by Finn Ross and Andrea Scott, the Dramaturg is Pippa Hill, the Casting Director is Hannah Miller CDG and the Sound Effects & Soundscape Designer is Nicola T Chang.
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.
My Neighbour Totoro is playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre until 29 March 2026.
