Executive Producer Joe Hisaishi and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), in collaboration with Nippon TV and Improbable, have released a new collection of behind-the-scenes images from the award-winning stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro.
Captured by renowned theatre photographer Danny Kaan, the images have been unveiled as the production enters the final twelve weeks of its run at London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre, where it is scheduled to close on 3 January 2027.
Adapted by Tom Morton-Smith from Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved 1988 animated film, My Neighbour Totoro is directed by Improbable co-founder Phelim McDermott and has become one of the biggest theatrical success stories of recent years.
After premiering at the Barbican Theatre in 2022 and returning for a second season before transferring to the West End in March 2025, the production has earned widespread critical acclaim and multiple awards. By the conclusion of its run, it is expected to have been seen by more than one million people.
The current 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, alongside the production’s acclaimed Kazego Puppetry Ensemble.
Celebrated for its innovative puppetry, imaginative design and live orchestration of Joe Hisaishi’s iconic score, the production features design by Tom Pye, puppetry design and direction by Basil Twist, costume design by Kimie Nakano and lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun.
The stage adaptation follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move to the countryside while their mother recovers in hospital. Exploring their new surroundings, they encounter magical creatures and the mysterious forest spirit Totoro, leading them on an unforgettable journey through a world of wonder, imagination and friendship.
The newly released behind-the-scenes images offer audiences a rare insight into the artistry, craftsmanship and collaboration that bring Studio Ghibli’s beloved story to life on stage each night.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
