Step into the enchanting world of My Neighbour Totoro, a theatrical masterpiece that brings Studio Ghibli's beloved animated film to life on the stage. Captivating audiences with its whimsical storytelling and iconic characters, the show transports viewers into a magical realm where two sisters discover the wonders of friendship and nature. With heartwarming moments and stunning visuals, My Neighbour Totoro on stage is a delightful and immersive experience for fans of all ages.
What is My Neighbour Totoro about?
My Neighbour Totoro follows the enchanting adventures of two young sisters, Satsuke and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father. Exploring their new surroundings, they encounter magical forest spirits, particularly the gentle and lovable Totoro. As the sisters befriend these whimsical creatures, they embark on a heartwarming journey filled with discovery, friendship, and the enchantment of the natural world.
My Neighbour Totoro: Cast, and creative team
My Neighbour Totoro cast
The enchanting world of My Neighbour Totoro features talents like Ami Okumura Jones as Satsuke and Mei Mac as Mei. The production is enriched by a dynamic puppeteer ensemble, including Li-Leng Au, Boaz Chad, Andrew Futaishi, Zachary Hing, Yojiro Ichikawa, Arina Ii, Marian Lee, Matthew Leonhart, Aki Nakagawa, Kanako Nakano, Michael Phong Le, Tobi Poster-Su, Si Rawlinson, Dai Tabuchi, Jacqueline Tate, Shaofan Wilson, and more.
Creative team
My Neighbour Totoro boasts an exceptional team led by director Phelim McDermott, Tom Pye's imaginative production design, Kimie Nakano's enchanting costumes, and Jessica Hung Han Yun's lighting weave a visual tapestry. The show comes alive with puppetry by Basil Twist and a captivating new orchestration of Joe Hisaishi's iconic score by Will Stuart. Live performances, coupled with Tony Gayle's sound design and Finn Ross's mesmerising video, elevate the production to an immersive and unforgettable experience.
My Neighbour Totoro review | Final verdict
My Neighbour Totoro emerges as a magical and heartwarming theatrical experience, seamlessly blending puppetry, enchanting visuals, and the beloved Studio Ghibli narrative. Directed by Phelim McDermott, the show's inventive design and captivating performances make it a must-see for families, Studio Ghibli enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a whimsical journey into the fantastical world of Totoro. With its universal themes of friendship, nature, and wonder, it's an enchanting delight for audiences of all ages.
How to buy My Neighbour Totoro play tickets in London?
Looking for budget-friendly tickets for the My Neighbour Totoro in London? Book your tickets online! Enjoy last-minute availability, choose your seats, and skip the queues by booking at your convenience.
My Neighbour Totoro review: What the critics think
"A vital power surge of Anglo-Japanese creative electricity"
— Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph
"In the RSC’s new blockbuster awe-inspiring puppets bring Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece to the stage flawlessly”
— Andrzej Lukowski, TimeOut
"If you’re an admirer of Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli movies, you’re almost certain to feel the same about Tom Morton-Smith’s puppet-driven adaptation, which adds flesh to a pastoral storyline that is so slender it could be described as Teletubbies go zen"
— Clive Davis, The Times
"The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production has astonishing puppetry, magical music and huge emotional impact"
— Arifa Akbar, The Guardian
"It’s unadulterated joy: a huge, healing hug of a show, generous and utterly beguiling."
— Sam Marlowe, The Stage
"Magical staging of a much-loved film at the Barbican"
— Sarah Hemming, The Financial Times
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