My Neighbour Totoro comes to the West End

Be ready for a magical experience through the enchanted forest at My Neigbour Totoro West End show at Gillian Theatre. 

We love Japan! Kenz spent two months in Tokyo as part of a youth exchange programme many moons ago. He has the fondest memories with his Japanese host family. We would love to take Lady Yeya to Japan when she is older. But for now, we are happy to introduce her to all things Japanese including sushi (her favourite!), Hello Kitty, and Studio Ghibli. 

Studio Ghilbi’s My Neighbour Totoro

As Grandpa V was visiting from California, we wanted to take him to a West End show. With amazing reviews, we picked the West End production of My Neighbour Totoro, the beloved classic story from Studio Ghibli. 

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, My Neighbour Totoro, follows two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move with their father to the countryside. Why? To be closer to their ailing mother who was staying at a specialist hospital. Among the enchanted forest and rice paddies, the girls explore their new surroundings. They then meet a larger-than-life Totoro, a gentle and friendly mysterious forest spirit. Deep within nature, Totoro and his magical friends – Cat Bus and soot sprites – become a source of comfort for the girls as they navigate through a mix of emotions – isolation, fear, joy, sadness, and confusion during a difficult time in their lives. A heartwarming story about sisterhood and family. 

West End Adaptation

Whilst the storyline remains authentic, the West End stage adaptation brings the story to life with masterful puppetry, beautiful music, and an immersive set design. We were lucky to snag seats three rows from the stage and watch as the stage transformed into a magical theatre production. It brings a fantasy world of Totoro’s enchanted forest in magical ways with clever sets featuring the main house and Totoro’s camphor tree. In true Japanese fashion, everything was executed with laser precision and elegance, down to the slow rhythmic motions. 

Beautiful acting all around especially by the adult actresses who played Satsuki and Mei effortlessly. The score was deeply nostalgic and beautiful woven into the storyline. Like everything in Japan, you find charm in every tiny detail, in every subtle movement such as the gentle wind or the reflective sound of the rain. Beautifully executed in every way. 

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For Studio Ghibli fans, do not miss this wonderful West End production of My Neighbor Totoro. It is a lively and immersive adaptation of this beautiful story of unconditional bond between two sisters, and finding strength in nature.