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Studio Ghibli fans can still catch My Neighbour Totoro in London, with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed stage adaptation currently playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre and booking until 10 January 2027.
The production brings Hayao Miyazaki’s much-loved story to the stage with puppetry, music and theatrical effects, following sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move to the countryside with their father and discover the mysterious spirits living nearby — including, of course, Totoro.
For Clarissa’s Corner, there is also a lovely connection to this production. Helen Chong, who previously featured on the site following Cassie and the Lights, is now appearing as Satsuki, making this a natural follow-on from my earlier interview with her.
What is My Neighbour Totoro about?
Set in 1950s rural Japan, My Neighbour Totoro follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as their family moves to the countryside while their mother is recovering in hospital. Their new surroundings soon reveal something magical when the girls encounter a collection of woodland spirits — including the enormous and instantly recognisable Totoro.
The stage version is adapted by Tom Morton-Smith from Studio Ghibli’s animated film, with Phelim McDermott directing and original composer Joe Hisaishi serving as Executive Producer. The production is presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company in collaboration with Improbable and Nippon TV.
Where is My Neighbour Totoro playing in London?
My Neighbour Totoro is playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London’s West End. The final West End extension runs until 10 January 2027.
My Neighbour Totoro cast
The current company includes Helen Chong as Satsuki, alongside performers including Victoria Chen as Mei, Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny and Ai Ninomiya as Singer. Casting can change during a long West End run, so always check the current booking page before your visit.
Helen Chong: from Cassie and the Lights to My Neighbour Totoro
Helen Chong has a particularly lovely connection to Clarissa’s Corner. I previously interviewed Helen after seeing her in Cassie and the Lights, where she played Tin.
Since then, Helen has gone on to make her principal West End debut as Satsuki in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro. It makes this post a brilliant opportunity to revisit her journey and see what she has been doing since that earlier interview.
Read next: Q&A with Helen Chong and my review of Cassie and the Lights.
Puppetry, music and the Catbus
One of the biggest attractions of seeing My Neighbour Totoro on stage is discovering how the familiar Studio Ghibli world has been recreated live. The production features puppetry by Basil Twist, while Joe Hisaishi’s music remains central to the atmosphere of the story. Totoro, the forest spirits and the famous Catbus give the production a particularly strong visual-theatre element.
How long is My Neighbour Totoro?
The current listed running time is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes including an interval, subject to change.
My Neighbour Totoro tickets
Tickets are currently available for performances at the Gillian Lynne Theatre through to 10 January 2027.
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More theatre on Clarissa’s Corner
If you enjoy discovering what is currently playing in London, visit Theatre & Entertainment for more show guides, reviews, cast news and ticket information.
