My Neighbour Totoro

What is My Neighbour Totoro about?

Sisters Satsuki and Mei move to a ramshackle house in the Japanese countryside to be closer to their mother, who is recovering from illness in a nearby hospital. As they explore their new home, they discover a world of magical creatures - from tiny soot sprites to the giant, friendly forest spirit named Totoro. When Mei goes missing, Satsuki must seek help from the magical beings to find her sister.

How long has My Neighbour Totoro been running in London?

My Neighbour Totoro premiered at the Barbican Theatre in October 2022, where it broke box office records and won six Olivier Awards. After a second sold-out Barbican season, it transferred to the Gillian Lynne Theatre in March 2025 and has now extended booking to August 2026 due to extraordinary demand.

How do they bring Totoro to life on stage?

The production features extraordinary puppetry by Basil Twist (Puppetry Director & Designer) and Mervyn Millar (War Horse). The Kazego Puppetry Ensemble operates the creatures using a technique the creative team calls 'wind spirits'. Totoro himself is a massive, furry puppet, and the Catbus is a spectacular creation that appears to bound across the stage.

Is My Neighbour Totoro suitable for children?

Absolutely! My Neighbour Totoro is perfect for children aged 6 and above. The story celebrates childhood imagination, sibling bonds, and the wonder of nature. The puppetry and staging create genuine theatrical magic that captivates young audiences. Note: the story involves themes of an ill parent, which may require some conversation with younger viewers.

What are the best seats for My Neighbour Totoro?

The Gillian Lynne Theatre has a thrust stage configuration, meaning seats surround the stage on three sides. This creates an intimate experience from most seats. The Stalls offer the best view of the puppetry details, while the Dress Circle provides an excellent overview of the magical staging.

Do I need to have seen the film to enjoy the play?

Not at all! The play tells the complete story beautifully. However, fans of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki's 1988 animated masterpiece will be delighted by the faithful adaptation and the inventive ways the creative team has brought the magical world to three-dimensional life.