The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced new casting for the stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro, which marks one year in the West End this March.
Helen Chong joins the production to play Satsuki, making her West End debut.
She joins returning cast members Victoria Chen as Mei, Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny and Ai Ninomiya as the Singer.
A host of new performers join the Kazego Puppetry Ensemble, including Karen Barredo, Melisa Camba, Jeffrey Chekai, Chui Yen, Eero Chen Liu, Natsumi Kuroda, Yui Minari, Michelle Miners, Gun Suen, Si Rawlinson, Sango Tajima and Bai Zhijin.
Producer Kenichi Yoda said: “We are truly delighted to be celebrating the first anniversary at London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre. It is our great honour that this intimate story of a small family continues to reach so many audience members. We are deeply grateful to Joe Hisaishi for conceiving and guiding this project. Echoing the words of Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki — who holds the London production especially close to his heart and said, ‘When people think of London, I hope they will remember Totoro’ — we remain committed to sharing this story with audiences.”
RSC Co-Artistic Directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey said: “It’s wonderful to see My Neighbour Totoro continuing to enchant audiences at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Its flawless staging and masterful craft allow the audience to rediscover the wonder of childhood and the enduring power of hope and community. We’re so excited to welcome our new cast and congratulate the entire company on reaching this milestone in the West End.”
Director Phelim McDermott added: “I am thrilled to welcome the new cast of My Neighbour Totoro to our home at the Gillian Lynne theatre. After a year of the show growing and evolving in the West End, it feels incredibly exciting — and very moving — to begin this next chapter with our new company members. It’s been a real joy to spend time with them and to witness the imagination, care and openness they bring to our Totoro world. 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. The show is in wonderful hands, and it will continue to be something truly special.”
The production is adapted by Tom Morton-Smith and directed by Improbable Co-Founder Phelim McDermott.
Winner of six Olivier Awards, five WhatsOnStage Awards and several box office records, My Neighbour Totoro continues its acclaimed run following earlier seasons at the Barbican.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
