MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO Reveals New West End Cast

The enchanting world of MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO is returning to London’s theatre scene, and its newly announced West End cast proves that the multi-award-winning stage adaptation is only growing in stature. After two sold-out runs at the Barbican—breaking box office records and sweeping up accolades galore—this beloved story is moving to the Gillian Lynne Theatre in 2025 for a triumphant 34-week spell. If the buzz from previous seasons is anything to go by, this is going to be a hot ticket for families, Studio Ghibli aficionados, and theatre enthusiasts everywhere.

A Phenomenon Takes Root

It’s no exaggeration to call MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO a theatrical phenomenon. When the show was first announced in April 2022, it broke the Barbican’s record for most tickets sold in a single day—a testament to the passion that fans have for both Studio Ghibli’s film and the masterful creative team behind the adaptation. And what a creative team it is: the production is directed by Phelim McDermott of Improbable Theatre, with an adaptation by Tom Morton-Smith, best known for his work on Oppenheimer. Adding to the show’s pedigree, the puppetry design and direction come courtesy of Basil Twist, a name synonymous with boundary-pushing stage magic.

The result? An Olivier Award-sweeping success. During its first run in October 2022, MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike, ultimately scooping up five WhatsOnStage Awards and six Olivier Awards—a rare and impressive double. Demand was so high that the Barbican scheduled a second stint in autumn 2023, which, unsurprisingly, also sold out. Now, with the production transferring to the Gillian Lynne Theatre for a 34-week run from 8 March to 2 November 2025, it’s clear that Totoro’s big furry paws aren’t ready to vacate London just yet.

A Tale of Childhood Wonder

Adapted from Studio Ghibli’s 1988 film by Hayao Miyazaki, MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they settle into a new home and grapple with the mysteries of nature, imagination, and family bonds. Across an extraordinary summer, they encounter fantastical forest spirits—chief among them the gentle giant, Totoro—who awaken a deep sense of wonder in their everyday lives.

On stage, that sense of childlike discovery is at the forefront. The production’s design elements cleverly evoke the film’s hand-drawn charm, using puppetry, music, and innovative staging to conjure a world where anything seems possible. Audiences will find themselves swept up in a dreamy landscape that celebrates both the innocence of youth and the transformative power of the imagination. As so many parents, grandparents, and young theatregoers have discovered, Totoro’s story is irresistible—equal parts heartwarming family tale and whimsical adventure.

The Cast

Having wowed spectators at the Barbican, much of the original cast is returning to delight new West End audiences. Ami Okumura Jones reprises her role as Satsuki, the elder sister whose level-headedness contrasts with the free-spirited Mei. Dai Tabuchi again plays Tatsuo, the kind-hearted father, while Jacqueline Tate returns as Granny, offering warmth and a dash of maternal wisdom. Ai Ninomiya steps back into the role of the Singer, a key presence that underscores the show’s atmospheric soundscape.

But there’s also room for fresh talent. Victoria Chen joins the company to play Mei, taking over from Okumura Jones’s on-stage younger sister duties. Meanwhile, a host of new Kazego puppetry ensemble members—Rachel Clare Chan, Sally Cheng, Sabrina Pui Yee Chin, Victor Itang, Gabriel S Janoras, Ronnie Lee, Annakanako Mohri, Richard Peralta, Lucy Park, and Chloe Ragrag—will appear alongside returning puppetry team members Matthew Leonhart, Heather Lai, Shaofan Wilson (who also doubles as Miss Hara), and Anna Kato.

Rounding out the cast are Phyllis Ho as Yasuko, Steven Nguyen as Kanta, Jamie Zubairi as Hiroshi, and Deanna Myers as Tsukiko. This eclectic mix of seasoned veterans and emerging performers promises that MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO will retain the warm spirit that made it such a hit, while also introducing fresh dynamics and interpretations.

The Puppetry Magic of Basil Twist

One of the biggest talking points for MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO has been Basil Twist’s puppetry design and direction. Twist, who has garnered international acclaim for his ingenious puppet work, manages to capture the film’s iconic creatures—Totoro, the Catbus, and smaller forest spirits—without sacrificing the show’s theatrical roots. Critics and fans alike have praised the production’s ability to make these creatures feel simultaneously grand in scale and intimately lifelike, which is precisely the balancing act that puppetry demands.

His approach uses a mix of traditional puppetry techniques and contemporary technologies to bring fantasy firmly into reality. The ensemble manoeuvres large-scale puppets, emphasising Totoros’ lumbering but affectionate presence, all while smaller sprites flit around in an almost balletic dance. It’s a spectacle that has proven especially captivating for younger audiences—although adults are just as likely to be caught gasping in delight at the mesmerising movements.

A Collaboration of Award-Winning Minds

In addition to the talents of Tom Morton-Smith and Basil Twist, MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO benefits from a stellar behind-the-scenes team. Tom Pye’s production design features versatile, shifting sets that mirror the transitions between the mundane and the magical, while Kimie Nakano’s costume design ensures each character reflects a deep-rooted sense of place and personality. Lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun casts an ever-changing glow on the stage, helping to chart the sisters’ emotional journey.

Crucially, music plays a central role. Miyazaki’s original film boasted a now-iconic score by Joe Hisaishi, and here it’s adapted by Will Stuart into a brand-new orchestration performed live. With Tony Gayle providing sound design, the result is a richly textured auditory experience that pays homage to Hisaishi’s tunes, even as it stands on its own. Video design by Finn Ross and Andrea Scott offers dynamic backdrops that shift from sunlit forests to starlit nights, contributing to the dreamlike quality that has people returning to see the production a second—or even a third—time.

From Barbican Triumph to Gillian Lynne Theatre

The Gillian Lynne Theatre, best known for hosting shows like SCHOOL OF ROCK and CATS, is the perfect next step for MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO’s West End life. Spacious and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, it can comfortably accommodate the production’s elaborate set pieces and puppetry mechanics. But it also retains a sense of intimacy that helps the audience relate to Satsuki, Mei, and the rest of the characters on a human level.

The show will run for 34 weeks, from Saturday 8 March to Sunday 2 November 2025. Following the precedent set at the Barbican, tickets are likely to sell fast when they go on sale, and producers have thoughtfully planned a priority booking window from 29 April before opening to the general public on 3 May. Given the overwhelming reception thus far, anyone eager to revisit the world of Totoro—or encounter it for the first time—would do well to mark their calendars.

Artistic Flourishes and a Global Appeal

One delightful detail that fans of Studio Ghibli will recognise is the hand-drawn title logo by Toshio Suzuki, producer at the famed animation studio. This subtle but affectionate nod to the film’s origins epitomises the production’s commitment to authenticity. MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO isn’t a quick, cash-grab adaptation; it’s a carefully constructed love letter to a story that resonates across generations and cultures.

It’s also worth noting that the show’s popularity extends well beyond the UK. Theatre fans worldwide, including those in Australia, have shown a keen interest in the possibility of international transfers. After all, Ghibli’s films enjoy a near-mythic status around the globe, and with the show’s proven track record of sold-out runs, it’s not surprising that chatter about potential tours or future productions has sparked a flurry of excitement.

Why Totoro Continues to Captivate

At its core, MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO is a tribute to childhood wonder, familial bonds, and the quiet mysteries of the everyday world. It’s the story of sisters exploring their new environment, grappling with the anxieties of growing up, and finding solace in fantastical creatures who may or may not be a figment of their imagination. That’s a universal theme—one that resonates with anyone who remembers climbing trees or searching for magic in the shadows of a garden.

On stage, those themes take on added depth. Puppets and live actors join forces to create illusions that surpass even the most advanced CGI. The show invites viewers to slow down, believe in forest spirits, and remember that sometimes the smallest details—like a raindrop falling on an umbrella—can feel monumental. That message of wonder is perhaps why the production has been showered with praise and awards, and why it’s finding a new lease of life in the West End.

A Spellbinding Journey Awaits

With its fresh cast, extended West End run, and an unbroken streak of critical acclaim, MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO seems poised to enchant an even wider swath of theatre-goers. Whether you’re a die-hard Studio Ghibli fan or simply curious about an award-winning show that’s captured the imagination of London audiences, you won’t want to miss this delightful stage adaptation. It’s a masterclass in how to fuse cutting-edge theatrical techniques with heartfelt storytelling, all while remaining faithful to the spirit of the film that started it all.

Get ready to step into an enchanting woodland world come 8 March 2025, and prepare for a journey where giant forest sprites share a stage with puppet-driven illusions and an orchestra serenading you through every emotional twist. As Satsuki and Mei learn, magic can be found in the most unexpected places—and for the next 34 weeks at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, that place is right here in London. It’s a reminder that theatre, at its best, can make us all feel like children again: open-hearted, curious, and ready for anything the summer breeze might bring.