Silhouettes of two characters with a red umbrella in front of Totoro, text "My Neighbour Totoro.
Man and woman on stage in a My Neighbour Totoro performance, riding a motorized cart.
Two actors on stage in colorful dresses during a My Neighbour Totoro performance.
Stage scene from "My Neighbour Totoro" with character in pink dress under tree backdrop.
Actors performing My Neighbour Totoro at Barbican Theatre.
Stage performance of My Neighbour Totoro with actors in front of a chalkboard and musicians in the background.
Two actors in pink costumes smiling on a stage set for My Neighbour Totoro play.

My Neighbour Totoro, London

London
Plays
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 2.5 hours (approx.)

Get your booking confirmed instantly

Experience My Neighbour Totoro in London, an entertainment masterpiece now playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre until August 2026. This multi-award-winning show has earned six Olivier awards and is celebrated for its "profoundly magical experience," featuring stunning puppets crafted by Puppetry Director & Designer Basil Twist alongside Mervyn Miller. With a reputation built on blockbuster awe-inspiring performances, it's an essential visit for fans of Studio Ghibli’s animated film adaptation.

Individual Costs

Silhouettes of two characters with a red umbrella in front of Totoro, text "My Neighbour Totoro.

Silhouettes of two characters with a red umbrella in front of Totoro, text "My Neighbour Totoro.

Experience My Neighbour Totoro

  • The West End has welcomed "jaw-dropping" (Metro) and multi-award-winning My Neighbour Totoro, with performances scheduled until August 2026. Broadway World describes it as a spectacle where “Wow is too small a word!”
  • Enjoy this profoundly magical experience at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London—a five-star production that has won six Olivier awards and garnered widespread acclaim for its adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s animated film.
  • Crafted by Puppetry Director & Designer Basil Twist, along with Puppetry Associate Mervyn Millar (known from War Horse), My Neighbour Totoro features blockbuster awe-inspiring puppets. This Royal Shakespeare Company production is brought to life under the executive direction of Joe Hisaishi and in collaboration with Improbable and Nippon TV.
  • Adapted by Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer) and directed by Phelim McDermott, this show offers a "huge, healing hug" as described by The Stage. Secure your tickets for My Neighbour Totoro in London today!

The story unfolds

Join sisters Satsuki and Mei on their journey to an beautiful new countryside home. As they explore this unfamiliar place, a magical world of spirits and creatures comes alive around them. Was it all just a dream? Or have they truly made friends with Totoro, the giant forest guardian, and his whimsical companion, the Catbus?

Explore My Neighbour Totoro: First Performance Images >

Man and woman on stage in a My Neighbour Totoro performance, riding a motorized cart.

Man and woman on stage in a My Neighbour Totoro performance, riding a motorized cart.

Two actors on stage in colorful dresses during a My Neighbour Totoro performance.

Two actors on stage in colorful dresses during a My Neighbour Totoro performance.

Stage scene from "My Neighbour Totoro" with character in pink dress under tree backdrop.

Stage scene from "My Neighbour Totoro" with character in pink dress under tree backdrop.

Show details

  • The show falls under the genre of Play, with an audience suitability rating for those aged 6 and above.
  • A total duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes is expected, including a break lasting about 20 minutes.
  • Located at Gillian Lynne Theatre, guests can enjoy facilities like bars, cloakrooms, restrooms, areas to purchase food and beverages, gift shops, and water fountains.

A smart casual dress code is recommended for attendees.

Cast and creatives

  • Main cast features Victoria Chen as Mei, Ami Okumura Jones playing Satsuki, Dai Tabuchi in the role of Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate portraying Granny Ōgaki, and Ai Ninomiya as Singer (Kaze no Koe).
  • The production is directed by Phelim McDermott.

Tom Morton-Smith has adapted it with English lyrics.

    Joe Hisaishi takes on the roles of composer and executive producer.

      Production design credits go to Tom Pye, while costumes are designed by Kimie Nakano. Basil Twist is responsible for puppetry design.

      Additional info

      • The recommended age group starts at 6+, but younger children can attend with caution as the show may be lengthy, loud in places, and potentially frightening during certain scenes. All kids must remain seated throughout the performance. Note that it's not appropriate for those under four years old.

      Since air conditioning is used year-round, bringing a light jacket might help keep you comfortable if needed.

      Actors performing My Neighbour Totoro at Barbican Theatre.

      Actors performing My Neighbour Totoro at Barbican Theatre.

      Stage performance of My Neighbour Totoro with actors in front of a chalkboard and musicians in the background.

      Stage performance of My Neighbour Totoro with actors in front of a chalkboard and musicians in the background.

      Book tickets at least a day in advance if visiting during peak times to secure your spot for this popular show.

      Arrive early and check out the theatre’s bar or gift shops before the performance starts, as you’ll have 20 minutes interval time available.

      Dress smartly casual when attending; it's a suitable attire choice that ensures comfort while enjoying your evening at Gillian Lynne Theatre.

      Plan for around two hours and forty minutes including an intermission if taking the family, as this play is recommended for audiences aged 6+.

      Customer Reviews

      Discover what our customers are saying about their experiences

      4.3

      Loading reviews...

      5
      -
      4
      -
      3
      -
      2
      -
      1
      -

      By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

      You might also like ...

      Explore more experiences in London.

      From
      2,374per person
      1

      Were Online

      How may

      Why travellers trust Staybook

      We've served 50 million+ guests and are here to serve you better

      Premium support, curated experiences, and trusted reviews so every trip feels effortless.

      Guests hosted
      50 million+

      Happy travellers across 12,000+ carefully curated experiences worldwide.

      In the media
      Featured brands

      Recognised and recommended by leading travel and lifestyle publishers.

      Support
      24×7 help center

      Live chat with local experts before, during, and after your experience.