The Royal Shakespeare Company’s enchanting production of My Neighbour Totoro, featuring spectacular life-sized puppetry and magical storytelling, has announced an extended run in London’s West End following its record-breaking success and multiple award wins.
Produced by Joe Hisaishi and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), in collaboration with Nippon TV and Improbable, My Neighbour Totoro is adapted from Studio Ghibli’s 1988 animation of the same name.
The production, which opened at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in March 2025, tells the story of sisters Satsuki and Mei and the ancient protector of the forest named Totoro and features larger-than-life puppetry from the Kazego Puppetry Ensemble.
Its last performance will now be on 10th January, 2027.
Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, RSC co-artistic directors said: “From its beginnings at the Barbican, My Neighbour Totoro has held a special place for us, and it is a privilege to have seen this production grow and flourish in the West End.
“A true celebration of theatrical craft, the show brings together extraordinary talent across disciplines, with its many awards reflecting the artistry, imagination and dedication of all involved.”
Winner of six Olivier awards and five WhatsOnStage awards, My Neighbour Totoro broke the Barbican’s box office record for most tickets sold in a single day in April 2022, ahead of its global premiere in October 2022. Following both critical and audience acclaim, the production returned to the Barbican Centre for a strictly limited run in autumn 2023, closing in March 2024.
Artwork for the stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro includes a hand drawn title by Toshio Suzuki, producer for Studio Ghibli, who was involved in the planning and production of the original animated film.
About the show
Satsuki and Mei’s mother has taken ill. In order to be closer to her while she recovers in a rural convalescent hospital, their father moves the two sisters from their home in a city to the countryside. And though the countryside is beautiful and the people friendly, it’s hard not to be scared when the wind rustles the trees at night.
As the sisters explore their new surroundings, young Mei encounters magical creatures and the ancient protector of the forest she calls “Totoro” – and they are to be the girls’ neighbours.
Although Satsuki doesn’t believe her little sister at first, they are soon both swept up in exciting adventures with their new neighbours – transported to a long-forgotten realm of spirits, sprites, and natural wonder.
Groups of ten or more can book for £55 per person, available for Tuesday to Thursday performances.
For more information visit totoroshow.com.
