The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced a revised closing date for its acclaimed stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro, now booking until 3 January 2027 at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. The update follows the show’s successful runs at the Barbican and in the West End.

My Neighbour Totoro, adapted for the stage by Tom Morton-Smith from Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 animated film, initially set box office records at the Barbican before opening in October 2022. After a sold-out 2023 return season, the production transferred to the West End, concluding its Barbican performances in March 2024.

The Royal Shakespeare Company presents the production in collaboration with Nippon TV and Improbable, supported by executive producer Joe Hisaishi. Direction is by Phelim McDermott, with the show praised for its “sumptuous Studio Ghibli staging” during its original Barbican run.

Performances at the Gillian Lynne Theatre will now continue until 3 January 2027, a week earlier than had been previously announced. Current cast members include Victoria Chen as Mei, Helen Chong as Satsuki, Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny, and Ai Ninomiya as Kaze No Koe/Singer.

The production’s Kazego Puppetry Ensemble returns to animate the iconic creatures using Basil Twist’s award-winning puppetry design and direction. The creative team also includes Tom Pye on production design, Kimie Nakano for costume design, Jessica Hung Han Yun for lighting, You-Ri Yamanaka as movement director, and Tony Gayle handling sound design.

Joe Hisaishi’s celebrated score has been newly orchestrated by Will Stuart and is performed live throughout the show, enhancing the immersive experience.