Award-Winning ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ Announces Cast for West End Transfer

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi-award-winning adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbour Totoro” has revealed its full cast for an upcoming West End run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. The production, which broke box office records at the Barbican, will run from March 8 to November 2, 2025.

Victoria Chen will join the company in the role of Mei, while several performers from previous runs will return, including Ami Okumura Jones as Satsuki and Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo. The production’s distinctive Kazego Puppetry Ensemble will welcome several new members, maintaining the show’s innovative approach to bringing the beloved animated film’s magical elements to life on stage.

The stage adaptation, which has already collected six Olivier Awards and five WhatsOnStage Awards, comes from the creative team of playwright Tom Morton-Smith and director Phelim McDermott. The production features music from Joe Hisaishi’s original film score, newly orchestrated by Will Stuart and performed live.

The story follows two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside to be closer to their hospitalized mother. There, they encounter magical creatures including Totoro, the ancient protector of the forest, leading to a series of enchanting adventures.

The show’s success at the Barbican Centre, where it premiered in October 2022 and returned for a second run in 2023, included breaking the venue’s record for most tickets sold in a single day. This West End transfer represents a significant evolution for the production, which has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative puppetry and staging.

The creative team includes production design by Tom Pye, puppetry design and direction by Basil Twist, and costume design by Kimie Nakano. Studio Ghibli’s involvement extends to the production’s artwork, which features a hand-drawn title by Toshio Suzuki, producer of the original animated film.

Tickets for the West End run start at £25, with special £10 tickets available for audiences aged 16-25 through the RSC’s youth access scheme. The production opens officially on March 20, 2025, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

A writer who loves all things British.

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