Discover the talented cast and crew bringing My Neighbor Totoro to life in London's stage adaptation for its second run at Barbican theatre this Fall 2023!
The complete cast and crew for the second production of My Neighbor Totoro's London stage play adaptation of the beloved 1988 Studio Ghibli film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, has been revealed. The play will return to the Barbican theatre in Fall 2023. Join in on a magical joueny!
Cast and production of My Neighbour Totoro's London stage play
This upcoming production of My Neighbour Totoro's London stage play marks a partnership involving Joe Hisaishi, a highly acclaimed composer who serves as an executive producer, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), Improbable, and Nippon TV. It is scheduled to return to London's Barbican arts complex during the upcoming autumn season. Joe Hisaishi originally composed the music for the film.
Mei Mac will return to reprise her role as Mei Kusakabe, a performance that earned her nominations for the Olivier and What's on Stage Awards. Ami Okumura Jones will also be back, portraying the character of older sister Satsuki, alongside Dai Tabuchi in his role as Tatsuo and Jacqueline Tate as Granny. The Kazego Puppetry ensemble will feature the returning talents of Boaz Chad, Jasmine Chiu, Andrew Futaishi (Hiroshi), Matthew Leonhart, Arina Ii (Miss Hara), Yojiro Ichikawa, Si Rawlinson, Mark Takeshi Ota, and Shaofan Wilson.
The show is under the direction of Phelim McDermott from Improbable, featuring production design by Tom Pye, costume design by Kimie Nakano, lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun, and movement choreography by You-Ri Yamanaka. Puppetry design and direction are the work of Basil Twist in collaboration with Mervyn Millar's Significant Object and the Jim Henson Creature Shop. The production incorporates Hisaishi's original score in a new orchestration by Will Stuart, with live musicians, including singer Ai Ninomiya, and sound design by Tony Gayle. Video design is handled by Finn Ross and Andrea Scott, while casting is overseen by casting director Hannah Miller CDG. The associate director for the production is Ailin Conant.
A coming-of-age magical story
The narrative centers on the journey of two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, as they navigate a pivotal summer in their lives. Their father relocates the family to the countryside to support their mother's recovery in a rural convalescent hospital. During this time, Mei has enchanting encounters with mystical creatures, including Totoro, the ancient guardian of the forest. These encounters lead both sisters into a series of captivating adventures.
My Neighbour Totoro's London stage play is sure to leave you mesmerized by its enchanting storytelling and spellbinding performances. Make sure to book your tickets in advance!
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