My Neighbour Totoro

Why Watch My Neighbour Totoro

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

My Neighbour Totoro

Delve into a whimsical realm where imagination intertwines with reality, visiting the enchanted landscapes of My Neighbor Totoro. Experience the magic as you journey through the lush forests, towering trees, and tranquil meadows that serve as the backdrop for this beloved animated tale. This tour is crafted for explorers of childhood nostalgia, devotees of Miyazaki's whimsical world, and seekers of serene natural beauty, where every step reveals a new wonder from the film’s captivating universe. With enchanting visuals and heartwarming storytelling at its core, this adventure weaves together the essence of nature and fantasy, offering memorable encounters to forge bonds while understanding that each journey is uniquely personal.

Discovering The Forest Temple's Enchanted Trees

Visit the forest temple during the tour's highlight segment where towering trees and mystical creatures await. This section offers an immersive experience into the heart of nature, where visitors marvel at the colossal Great Camphor Tree that stands as a symbol of spiritual significance in Japanese culture. The lush greenery envelops you in its embrace, with sunlight filtering through dense foliage to create dappled patterns on the forest floor. Each tree tells a story, whispering secrets from the past and inviting explorers to discover hidden paths leading deeper into the woods. Here, time slows down, allowing for quiet contemplation and an appreciation of the natural world's beauty that is both enchanting and humbling.

Wandering Through Satsuki and Mei’s House

Experience Satsuki and Mei’s house as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring charming interiors that capture the essence of 1950s rural Japan. This cozy abode, filled with sunlight streaming through windows framed by lush greenery outside, invites visitors to step into a world where imagination thrives. The rooms are adorned with simple yet thoughtful touches that evoke warmth and familial love, making it easy for guests to imagine the sisters' daily life within these walls. From the attic full of toys to the garden blooming with flowers, each corner holds its own magical charm, inviting exploration and reflection on simpler times.

Marveling at Totoro’s Majestic Presence

Explore Totoro's majestic presence representing the tour's centerpiece where visitors can encounter this iconic creature up close. This section offers a glimpse into the heart of Miyazaki’s imagination, showcasing the mystical forest spirit in all its grandeur. Whether standing tall under his watchful gaze or marveling at intricate depictions throughout the site, Totoro embodies a sense of wonder and protection that resonates deeply with visitors. His presence creates an atmosphere of awe and tranquility, reminding everyone to cherish nature’s beauty and embrace the magic within.

Tour Highlights

• Visit lush forests enchanting trees mystical creatures
• Experience Satsuki Mei’s house charming interiors 1950s rural Japan
• Marvel Totoro majestic presence iconic creature grandeur
• Discover tranquil meadows serene natural beauty enchanting visuals
• Access enchanted playground childhood nostalgia imaginative play
• Explore magical gardens blooming flowers floral wonders

For explorers of whimsical landscapes, devotees of Miyazaki’s magic, and seekers of serenity in nature’s embrace, this adventure weaves together the essence of imagination and tranquility, offering memorable encounters to forge bonds while understanding that each journey is uniquely personal. Like a storybook page come to life, My Neighbor Totoro invites you into its world with open arms.