After its first showing in London almost two years ago, the beautiful RSC production of My Neighbour Totoro has been a mainstay in the capital, ushering audiences through the Barbican doors and knocking each person over with a soaring, tear-jerking performance.
Now, after vast success at the brutalist stage, My Neighbour Totoro is transferring to the bright lights of the West End, and will recommence in March 2025 for an eight-month run. The fresh set of dates will see Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved Studio Ghibli classic hit the Gillian Lynne Theatre between March 8 – November 2, 2025.
Audiences rushed into the Barbican performances in relentless fashion, with the show breaking the venue’s record for most tickets sold in a single day back in April 2022. My Neighbour Totoro was adapted by Tom Morton Smith and directed by Phelim McDermott, who are both winners of multiple Olivier awards. After two separate runs, the production closed at the Barbican last month, and we’re a year away from its anticipated return to the capital.
Speaking on the transfer, Tom Morton Smith said: “I am delighted that our take on Totoro will make the move into the West End next year. It’s an incredibly special show that has managed to marry beautiful technical design with so much heart and humanity.
“I am thrilled that even more people will get to experience the magic and wonder that this production conjures. Spending time with these characters and with Miyazaki’s incomparable gentle giant has been both a joy and an honour, and I can’t wait to once again share this show with audiences both new and returning.”
The original My Neighbor Totoro picture was first released in 1988, and follows sisters Satsuki and Mei befriending a group of spirits as they deal with the heartache of moving house and coming to terms with their mother falling sick.
My Neighbour Totoro will recommence at the Gillian Lynne Theatre for a run between March 8 – November 2, 2025. Priority tickets go on sale on April 29, 2024 with general sale kicking off on May 3, 2024.