My Neighbour Totoro announces final West End extension

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The production must now end on 10 January 2027.

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The multi-award winning stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro will extend in the West End for the final time. The production must now end on 10 January 2027.

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Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey , RSC Co-Artistic Directors said: “From its beginnings at the Barbican, My Neighbour Totoro has held a special place for us, and it is a privilege to have seen this production grow and flourish in the West End. A true celebration of theatrical craft, the show brings together extraordinary talent across disciplines, with its many awards reflecting the artistry, imagination and dedication of all involved. The production also represents a remarkable international collaboration, uniting artists and partners to tell a story of wonder, family and the natural world that resonates so deeply with audiences. We are immensely grateful to our creative team, cast, crew and partners, and to the many audiences who continue to join us on this journey.”

The production’s Producer, Kenichi Yoda , and Executive Producer Griselda Yorke said: “It has been an honour to realise Joe Hisaishi ’s vision of a staged production of Studio Ghibli’s iconic film with this extraordinary team of artists led by Phelim McDermott . We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share this exquisite show in the beautiful Gillian Lynne Theatre with more audiences.”

Adapted by Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer) from Hayao Miyazaki’s celebrated 1988 animated feature film, the production is directed by Improbable Co-Founder, Phelim McDermott . Winner of six Olivier Awards and five WhatsOnStage Awards, My Neighbour Totoro broke the Barbican’s Box Office record for most tickets sold in a single day in April 2022, ahead of its global premiere in October 2022. Following both critical and audience acclaim, the production returned to the Barbican Centre for a strictly limited run in Autumn 2023. The production closed at the Barbican Centre in March 2024.

The cast includes Victoria Chen in the role of Mei, Helen Chong as Mei’s older sister Satsuki, Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny, and Ai Ninomiya as Kaze No Koe/Singer.

The show’s unique Kazego Puppetry Ensemble is made up of Karen Barredo , Melisa Camba , Rachel Clare Chan , Jeffrey Chekai , Chui Yen , Phyllis Ho (Yasuko), Victor Itang , Gabriel S. Janoras , Natsumi Kuroda (Tsukiko), Eero Chen Liu (Principal Puppeteer), Kumiko Mendl (Nurse Emiko), Yui Minari , Michelle Miners , Steven Nguyen (Kanta), Richard P. Peralta , Gun Suen (Principal Puppeteer/Puppetry Captain), Sango Tajima (Miss Hara/Principal Puppeteer), Bai Zhijin and Jamie Zubairi (Hiroshi). The swings include Ronnie Lee , Wenhsin Lee , Amber Lin , Sera Maehara and Si Rawlinson (Movement Captain).

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 , Casting Director is Hannah Miller CDG and 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.

Satsuki and Mei’s mother has taken ill. In order to be closer to her while she recovers in a rural convalescent hospital, their father moves the two sisters from their home in a city to the countryside. And though the countryside is beautiful and the people friendly, it’s hard not to be scared when the wind rustles the trees at night. As the sisters explore their new surroundings, young Mei encounters magical creatures and the ancient protector of the forest she calls "Totoro" – and they are to be the girls’ neighbours.

Although Satsuki doesn’t believe her little sister at first, they are soon both swept up in exciting adventures with their new neighbours – transported to a long-forgotten realm of spirits, sprites, and natural wonder.

The team behind Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) will reunite for new workshop performances of MONA LOSER at Southwark Playhouse Borough. The musical features a pop score by writing duo Kit Buchan and Jim Barne and direction by Tim Jackson.

In many ways, @sohoplace is the perfect venue for The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind: the intimate thrust staging is perfect for elaborate ensemble choreography and carousing the audience. This new musical, based on the memoir and film of the same name, is at its heart a story about community, and it works if we feel as immersed in that community as possible.

The National Theatre has announced National Theatre Nationwide: a new landmark partnership with 12 leading theatres in all nine regions of England dedicated to ensuring parity of access to art and culture, enriching people’s lives–wherever they live.

The Yard Theatre in Hackney Wick announced its first season in a new RIBA award-winning building, featuring six productions including Ian McKellen in LEAR and a 50th-anniversary revival of FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE / WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/MY-NEIGHBOUR-TOTORO-Extends-For-Final-Time-in-London-20260515)._