My Neighbour Totoro | How Studio Ghibli's animated classic became an award-winning theatre play

Theatrical transformation

The journey of Totoro transcended into the realm of live theatre, bringing the beloved characters to life on stage. The play was directed by Phelim McDermott and produced and composed by Joe Hisaishi in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Improbable, and Nippon TV.

Announced by the Royal Shakespeare Company in April 2022, the stage adaptation took years to develop. Tom Morton-Smith, responsible for adapting the film for the stage, faced challenges translating the animated masterpiece's unique structure into a theatrical performance that retained the essence of Miyazaki's creation.

Premiere and box-office triumph

On 19 May 2022, the production achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the Barbican's box-office record for single-day ticket sales. Premiering at the Barbican Centre in London on 8 October 2022, the My Neighbor Totoro stage adaptation became a cultural phenomenon.

The success of My Neighbor Totoro in the West End was further solidified at the 2023 Olivier Awards, where it took home six wins, including Best Entertainment or Comedy Play and Best Director for Phelim McDermott. Additionally, the play won five out of nine categories of its nomination at the WhatsOnStage Awards, marking a triumphant celebration of the magical journey from film to stage.

Watch My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican Theatre.