See the full cast bringing My Neighbour Totoro to the West End

London is set to open its doors to the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli again, this time for a 34-week run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. The production, which will run from March 8 to November 2, 2025, brings an exciting mix of familiar faces and fresh talent to bring Hayao Miyazaki's cherished story to life.

Victoria Chen joins the company in her Royal Shakespeare Company debut as the young and spirited Mei, bringing her extensive international experience to the role. Ami Okumura Jones returns as Mei's responsible older sister Satsuki, while the talented Dai Tabuchi reprises his role as their father, Tatsuo, alongside Jacqueline Tate as the warm-hearted Granny and Ai Ninomiya as the Singer.

Ghibli's signature, the lively environment of the story, comes alive through its innovative puppetry, with the Kazego ensemble featuring both returning members and new additions. Matthew Leonhart leads the puppetry team, joined by performers including Rachel Clare Chan, Sally Cheng, and Sabrina Pui Yee Chin, among others.

A little touch of magic

The production exceeded all expectations during its debut. Breaking the Barbican's box office record for most tickets sold in a single day when it was first announced in 2022, the show went on to win an impressive haul of awards, including six Olivier Awards and five WhatsOnStage Awards. The accolades recognized everything from Phelim McDermott's direction to Tom Pye's production design and Kimie Nakano's costumes.

This adaptation of the 1988 animated classic, written by Tom Morton-Smith, has consistently earned critical acclaim, with The Guardian hailing it as a "dazzling staging" and The Stage describing it as "a huge, healing hug of a show." It also features a special hand-drawn title by Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki, symbolic of its connection to the original story.

Set against the backdrop of post-war Japan, the story follows the Kusakabe family as they adjust to rural life while staying close to their hospitalized mother. What begins as a challenging move transforms into an adventure as the sisters discover they share their new home with supernatural neighbors.

Join in on the fun and embrace your inner child with tickets to this joyful production of My Neighbour Totoro in London.