New Casting Announced for "My Neighbor Totoro" in West End

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s West End adaptation of “My Neighbor Totoro” is set to celebrate its first anniversary at London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre this March. This production, which has garnered multiple awards, is a collaboration involving executive producer Joe Hisaishi, the original film's composer, along with the RSC, Nippon TV, and Improbable. The story, based on Hayao Miyazaki's 1988 animated classic, follows two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who encounter magical creatures while adjusting to life in the countryside.

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Helen Chong will take on the lead role of Satsuki, marking her West End debut. She joins returning cast members Victoria Chen as Mei, Tabuchi Dai as Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny, and Ninomiya Ai as the Singer. Additionally, twelve new performers will join the Kazego Puppetry Ensemble, including principal puppeteers Eero Chen Liu and Gun Suen, among others. Returning ensemble members include Rachel Clare Chan and Kumiko Mendl, with swings Ronnie Lee and Amber Lin.

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Yoda Kenichi, a producer from Nippon TV and a Studio Ghibli board member, emphasized the production's impact, stating, “It is our great honour that this intimate story of a small family continues to reach so many audience members.” Studio Ghibli producer Suzuki Toshio expressed a personal connection to the London production, hoping that “when people think of London, they will remember Totoro.”

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The production has been recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship, with RSC co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey noting its ability to evoke childhood wonder and community spirit. Director Phelim McDermott remarked on the excitement of integrating new company members, stating, “Every new ensemble brings new energy to the piece in subtle and beautiful ways.”

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Adapted by Tom Morton-Smith, the show has achieved significant milestones, including breaking the Barbican Centre's single-day box office record for ticket sales in April 2022. Following a limited return to the Barbican in autumn 2023, the production transferred to the Gillian Lynne Theatre in March 2025 and has won six Olivier Awards.

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The creative team, including production designer Tom Pye and puppetry director Basil Twist, has contributed to the show’s success, with Hisaishi’s score being newly orchestrated by Will Stuart. The production is set to run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre through August 30, 2026.

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• “It is our great honour that this intimate story of a small family continues to reach so many audience members,” — Yoda Kenichi, Nippon TV Producer

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• “When people think of London, I hope they will remember Totoro.” — Suzuki Toshio, Studio Ghibli Producer

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• “The show is in wonderful hands, and it will continue to be something truly special.” — Phelim McDermott, Director

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This new wave of casting and the production's ongoing success highlight the enduring appeal of “My Neighbor Totoro” as it continues to resonate with audiences in the West End.

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