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The Olivier Award-winning adaptation of the Studio Ghibli film is back at Gillian Lynne Theatre for the holiday season!
Based on the award-winning, cult-classic Studio Ghibli film of the same name, this fresh groundbreaking adaptation comes from the Royal Shakespeare Company which has previously brought us Matilda the Musical with Joe Hisaishi, the film's original composer.
My Neighbour Totoro, which made a splash in the West End in 2023, is set to return to London's Gillian Lynne Theatre for a strictly limited season starting on March 8th, 2025. Touching on the fantasy world of childhood and the incredible power of imagination, this tale has warmed the audience of film watchers for decades. The charm is all set to be revived in this play with music from Joe Hisaishi’s iconic original score, along with new orchestration by Will Stuart. With its five WhatsOnStage Awards and an incredible six Olivier Award nominations, My Neighbour Totoro is widely acknowledged as a mesmerizing and contemporary masterpiece, showcasing theater at its most enchanting. Tickets for My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican Theatre are selling like hotcakes, book yours now to watch the heart-touching tale brought to life on stage!
The Story
The play follows one remarkable summer in the lives of two sisters Satsuki and Mei. Their father has brought them to the countryside to be close to their mother, who is recuperating from an illness at a local rural hospital. The sisters take great joy in exploring the beauty of their new home. On one such exploration, Mei crosses paths with an ancient protector of the forest she calls Totoro. Skeptical at first, Satsuki soon discovers the truth and before long the sisters are swept up in a magical realm of spirits, sprites, and new wonders.
My Neighbour Totoro: Look into the first performance images >
Great For
Fantasy Lovers | Play Enthusiasts | Drama Fans
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
How do we collect reviews?
Guests from Germany, United States, Netherlands and over 27 countries have loved this experience
Teng
May, 2025Verified booking
This is the one of best theatre i have ever seen! It’s as if the movie has come to life, a scene recreated down to every detail.Agnès
Jun, 2025Verified booking
This show was breathtaking, both in terms of the excellent actors and the sublime sets, which evolve throughout the show. The animated characters are also beautifully staged. With the musicians and vocals adding to the ensemble, the moment is magical, and everyone has a great time, suspended in time! I can't recommend this show highly enough.
Erin
Jun, 2025Verified booking
This show what's incredible! I've been to a bunch of broadway shows / plays in New York City and this was one of the best I've ever seen! This play is a must for any Ghibli fan!
Nami
Jun, 2025Verified booking
Beautifully staged, the actors perfectly embody the characters from Gibli's anime, beautiful musical and singing ensemble! Thank you so much!
Erhabor
Jun, 2025Verified booking
We had great seats, and had a really good view of the main stage, and also of the small side stages with the musicians. The singer was fantastic. Totoro was exactly as I imagined him, and I loved the various methods of acting - especially the soot spirits and the chicken!
Show Details
Genre: Play
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
Audience: Suitable for 6+
Opening Date: 8 March 2025
Closing Date: 2 Nov 2025
Theatre Name: Gillian Lynne
Theatre Facilities: Bar, cloakroom, restrooms, food and beverage allowance, gift shops, water fountain.
Dress Code: Smart casual
Cast and Creatives
Leading Roles
Mei Mac as Mei Kusakabe
Ami Okumura Jones as older sister Satsuki
Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo
Jacqueline Tate as Granny
Writer
Tom Morton-Smith
Director
Phelim McDermott
Production design
Tom Pye
Music
Joe Hisaishi
Orchestration
Will Stuart
Additional Tips
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Suggested age for this show is 6+, but younger guests are welcome. The show will be quite long, quite loud in parts, and possibly scary for some younger children at moments. Children need to occupy their own seats at all times throughout the performance. This production is not suitable for children under 4 years of age (including babes in arms).
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Keep in mind, the theater is air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.
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You will get an email confirmation with your voucher. Please display the same on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID.
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