The show continues to play at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced the final West End extension of the Olivier Award winning production of My Neighbour Tortoro will conclude its acclaimed run on the 10th January 2027.
Adapted from Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 animated feature by Tom Morton-Smith, the show is presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company in collaboration with Nippon TV and Improbable, with executive producer Joe Hisaishi.
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.
Directed by Phelim McDermott, the show was first shown at the Barbican in 2022, where it returned in 2023, transferring to the West End in 2024.
Currently the cast includes Victoria Chen as Mei, Helen Chong as Satsuki, Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny and Ai Ninomiya as Kaze No Koe/Singer. Meanwhile, the Kazego Puppetry Ensemble also features, with Basil Twist’s award-winning puppetry design and direction.
The creative team also includes: production design by Tom Pye, costume design by Kimie Nakano, lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun, movement direction by You-Ri Yamanaka and sound design by Tony Gayle. Joe Hisaishi’s celebrated score has been newly orchestrated by Will Stuart and is performed live during the production.
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