My Neighbour Totoro
1 May 2025 - 26 Mar 2026
A global premiere as Joe Hisaishi and the RSC bring Studio Ghibli’s
enchanting classic coming-of-age film to the stage in a landmark new
adaptation in collaboration with Improbable and Nippon TV.
Exploring the magical fantasy world of childhood and the
transformative power of imagination, My Neighbour Totoro follows one
extraordinary summer in the lives of sisters Satsuki and Mei as they
are swept up in exciting adventures with their new neighbours –
transported to a long-forgotten realm of spirits, sprites, and natural
wonder.
The celebrated 1988 animated feature film by Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited
Away) will be brought to the stage by its original composer Joe
Hisaishi in this landmark new adaptation written by playwright Tom
Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer).
Directed by Phelim McDermott with production design by Tom Pye,
costume design by Kimie Nakano, and lighting design by Jessica Hung
Han Yun, this ground-breaking production will feature puppetry created
by Basil Twist and music from Joe Hisaishi’s iconic score performed
live.