The critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro has released a stunning collection of behind-the-scenes images, captured by renowned theatre photographer Manuel Harlan.
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), in collaboration with Executive Producer Joe Hisaishi, Nippon TV and Improbable, unveiled the exclusive photography, offering fans a rare glimpse into the magic behind the production.
Adapted by Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer) and directed by Improbable Co-Founder Phelim McDermott, My Neighbour Totoro premiered at the Barbican Centre in October 2022, breaking box office records for most tickets sold in a single day.
The production returned for a limited run in Autumn 2023 and concluded its Barbican engagement in March 2024, following widespread critical and audience acclaim.
The cast features Victoria Chen as Mei, Ami Okumura Jones as Satsuki, Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny, and Ai Ninomiya as the Singer.
The Kazego Puppetry Ensemble includes Rachel Clare Chan, Sally Cheng, Sabrina Pui Yee Chin, Victor Itang, Gabriel S Janoras, Anna Kato, Heather Lai, Ronnie Lee, Matthew Leonhart, Kumiko Mendl (Nurse Emiko), Annakanako Mohri, Lucy Park, Richard Peralta, Chloe Ragrag and Shaofan Wilson (Miss Hara).
Also appearing are Phyllis Ho (Yasuko), Steven Nguyen (Kanta), Jamie Zubairi (Hiroshi), Deanna Myers (Tsukiko), and swing puppeteers Boaz Chad, Wenshin Lee, Amber Lin, Sera Maehara and Nathaniel Tan.
The production features design by Tom Pye, puppetry by Basil Twist, costumes by Kimie Nakano, and lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun. Movement is by You-Ri Yamanaka, with sound design by Tony Gayle and video design by Finn Ross and Andrea Scott.
Joe Hisaishi’s iconic score is newly orchestrated by Will Stuart and performed live. The creative team also includes Dramaturg Pippa Hill, Casting Director Hannah Miller CDG, and Sound Effects & Soundscape Designer Nicola T Chang.
The stage adaptation’s artwork includes a hand-drawn title by Toshio Suzuki, Producer for Studio Ghibli and a key figure in the original 1988 animated film.
The story follows sisters Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside to be closer to their ailing mother. There, they encounter magical creatures and the ancient forest spirit Totoro, embarking on a journey filled with wonder and adventure.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
