The world premiere of MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO, adapted for the stage from the classic Japanese feature animation, will open at London’s Barbican for a strictly limited 15-week run from Saturday 8 October 2022!
The celebrated 1988 animated feature film by Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away) will be brought to the stage by its original composer Joe Hisaishi in a landmark new adaptation by the RSC (Matilda The Musical) written by playwright Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer). The production is supported by Spanish Luxury House LOEWE, the Headline Sponsor of my MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO, whose connection with Studio Ghibli began in 2021 with the creation of a capsule collection inspired by the original animated film.
This enchanting coming-of-age story explores the magical fantasy world of childhood and the transformative power of imagination, as it follows one extraordinary summer in the lives of sisters Satsuki and Mei.
In order to be closer to their mother while she recovers from an illness in a rural convalescent hospital, their father moves the family to the countryside. As the girls explore their beautiful new surroundings, Mei encounters magical creatures and the ancient protector of the forest she calls Totoro.
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.
Directed by Phelim McDermott with production design by Tom Pye, the production will feature puppetry created by Basil Twist and music from Joe Hisaishi’s iconic score in a new orchestration by Will Stuart, performed live with sound design by Tony Gayle. 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.
Casting for the production to be announced soon.
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