The Royal Shakespeare Company‘s West End staging of “My Neighbor Totoro” has unveiled a fresh wave of casting as the production approaches its first anniversary at London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre this March.
The multi-award-winning show is a collaboration between executive producer Joe Hisaishi – the original film’s composer and the creative force behind the concept of a stage adaptation – the RSC, Nippon TV and Improbable.
Helen Chong steps into the lead role of Satsuki, marking her West End debut in a principal part. She joins returning cast members Victoria Chen as younger sister Mei, Tabuchi Dai as father Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny and Ninomiya Ai as the Singer.
Based on Miyazaki Hayao‘s beloved 1988 animated feature, the story follows two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, whose mother is recuperating in a rural convalescent hospital. To be closer to her, their father uproots the family from the city to the countryside. While exploring their new surroundings, young Mei encounters magical creatures and the ancient forest guardian she names “Totoro.” Her older sister is initially skeptical, but both girls are soon swept up in extraordinary adventures with their new neighbors — journeying into a forgotten realm of spirits, sprites and natural wonder.
Twelve performers are newly joining the production’s distinctive Kazego Puppetry Ensemble: Karen Barredo, Melisa Camba, Jeffrey Chekai, Chui Yen, Eero Chen Liu (principal puppeteer), Kuroda Natsumi (Tsukiko), Minari Yui, Michelle Miners, Gun Suen (principal puppeteer), Si Rawlinson (movement captain), Tajima Sango (Miss Hara/principal puppeteer) and Bai Zhijin. Returning ensemble members include Rachel Clare Chan, Phyllis Ho, Victor Itang, Gabriel Janoras, Kumiko Mendl (Nurse Emiko), Steven Nguyen (Kanta), Richard P. Peralta and Jamie Zubairi, with swings Ronnie Lee, Wenhsin Lee, Amber Lin and Maehara Sera.
Yoda Kenichi, the Nippon TV producer on the project and a Studio Ghibli board member, said the anniversary underscores the show’s reach. “It is our great honour that this intimate story of a small family continues to reach so many audience members,” he said. “We are deeply grateful to Joe Hisaishi for conceiving and guiding this project.” Yoda also cited Studio Ghibli producer Suzuki Toshio, who holds the London production especially close to his heart: “When people think of London, I hope they will remember Totoro.”
RSC co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey said the production’s staying power lay in its craft. “Its flawless staging and masterful craft allow the audience to rediscover the wonder of childhood and the enduring power of hope and community,” they said, adding that they were delighted to welcome the incoming company members at such a milestone moment.
Director Phelim McDermott, co-founder of Improbable, said beginning a new chapter with fresh company members felt both exciting and moving after a year of the show evolving in the West End. “Every new ensemble brings new energy to the piece in subtle and beautiful ways, and I’m certain audiences are going to feel the renewed energy and spirit they bring,” he said. “The show is in wonderful hands, and it will continue to be something truly special.”
Adapted by Tom Morton-Smith (“Oppenheimer”), the production’s journey to the West End has been a record-setter from the outset. Pre-sale demand for the global premiere at the Barbican Centre broke that venue’s single-day box office record for tickets sold in April 2022, ahead of the October 2022 opening. A strictly limited Barbican return followed in autumn 2023, before the show transferred to the Gillian Lynne Theatre in March 2025. Along the way it has collected six Olivier Awards.
The creative team features production design by Tom Pye, puppetry design and direction by Basil Twist, costume design by Nakano Kimie, lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun and movement by Yamanaka You-Ri. Hisaishi’s score is presented in a new orchestration by Will Stuart, performed live alongside sound design by Tony Gayle. Video design is by Finn Ross and Andrea Scott, with dramaturgy by Pippa Hill, casting by Hannah Miller CDG and sound effects and soundscape design by Nicola T Chang.
“My Neighbor Totoro” runs at the Gillian Lynne Theatre through Aug. 30.
English (US) ·