‘My Neighbour Totoro’ sets full cast for world premiere
The Studio Ghibli film heads to the Barbican.
Find out who will star in the world premiere of My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican later this year. My Neighbour Totoro begins previews on 8 October, with an opening night on 18 October and performances to 21 Jan. 2023. Book My Neighbour Totoro tickets on London Theatre.
The My Neighbour Totoro play follows a similar storyline to the 1988 Studio Ghibli film. The coming-of-age story follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they interact with magical creatures and an ancient forest protector to discover a wondrous world around them. Here’s what to expect from My Neighbour Totoro on stage.
Ami Okumura Jones and Mei Mac play Satsuki and Mei respectively. The cast features Haruka Abe as Yasuko, Nino Furuhata as Kanta, Susan Momoko Hingley as Miss Hara, Haruka Kuroda as Nurse Emiko, Kanako Nakano as Tsukiko, Michael Phong Le as Hiroshi, Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, and Jacqueline Tate as Granny.
My Neighbour Totoro puppeteers include Li-Leng Au, Boaz Chad, Andrew Futaishi, Zachary Hing, Yojiro Ichikawa, Arina Ii, Marian Lee, Matthew Leonhart, Aki Nakagawa, Tobi Poster-Su, Si Rawlinson and Shaofan Wilson.
Tom Morton-Smith adapts Hayao Miyazaki’s film in a landmark new adaptation by the RSC in collaboration with Improbable and Nippon TV. Joe Hisaishi provides original composition and Phelim McDermott directs.
My Neighbour Totoro features design by Tom Pye, costume design by Kimie Nakano, lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun, movement by You-Ri Yamanaka, and puppetry by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
My Neighbour Totoro is at the Barbican.
Book My Neighbour Totoro tickets on London Theatre.
Photo credit: My Neighbour Totoro (Photo by Manuel Harlan)
Frequently asked questions
What is My Neighbour Totoro about?
Don't miss the theatrical event of 2025, the record-breaking, award-winning My Neighbour Totoro is now playing in London's West End.
Where is My Neighbour Totoro playing?
My Neighbour Totoro is playing at Gillian Lynne Theatre. The theatre is located at 166 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PW.
How long is My Neighbour Totoro?
The running time of My Neighbour Totoro is 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 interval.
How do you book tickets for My Neighbour Totoro?
Book tickets for My Neighbour Totoro on London Theatre.
What's the age requirement for My Neighbour Totoro?
The recommended age for My Neighbour Totoro is Ages 6+. Children under the age of 4 (including babes in arms) will not be admitted. Children need to occupy their own seat. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. All guests, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket..
Who wrote My Neighbour Totoro?
The play, which is written by Tom Morton-Smith, is based on the 1988 Studio Ghibli film of the same name.
Who directed My Neighbour Totoro?
The play is staged by Phelim McDermott, who earned an Olivier Award for his direction of the show at the Barbican.
Is My Neighbour Totoro appropriate for kids?
This imaginative play is best for children ages 6 and up, and those under the age of four will not be permitted in the theatre.
Is My Neighbour Totoro good?
My Neighbour Totoro is a fantastic, award-winning, and record-breaking show. With an imaginative and heartwarming story and exceptional puppetry, this performance is fun for the whole family. The show has also received numerous rave reviews, including London Theatre’s review, which reads, “Tom Morton-Smith’s adaptation strikes a perfect balance of honouring Hayao Miyazaki’s creation and seeking a new theatrical language, brilliantly realised in Phelim McDermott’s exquisite production.”
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