The Royal Shakespeare Firm‘s West Finish staging of “My Neighbor Totoro” has unveiled a recent wave of casting because the manufacturing approaches its first anniversary at London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre this March.
The multi-award-winning present is a collaboration between government producer Joe Hisaishi – the unique movie’s composer and the inventive power behind the idea of a stage adaptation – the RSC, Nippon TV and Inconceivable.
Helen Chong steps into the lead function of Satsuki, marking her West Finish debut in a principal half. She joins returning solid members Victoria Chen as youthful sister Mei, Tabuchi Dai as father Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny and Ninomiya Ai because the Singer.
Based mostly on Miyazaki Hayao‘s beloved 1988 animated function, the story follows two younger sisters, Satsuki and Mei, whose mom is recuperating in a rural convalescent hospital. To be nearer to her, their father uproots the household from town to the countryside. Whereas exploring their new environment, younger Mei encounters magical creatures and the traditional forest guardian she names “Totoro.” Her older sister is initially skeptical, however each women are quickly swept up in extraordinary adventures with their new neighbors — journeying right into a forgotten realm of spirits, sprites and pure marvel.
Twelve performers are newly becoming a member of the manufacturing’s distinctive Kazego Puppetry Ensemble: Karen Barredo, Melisa Camba, Jeffrey Chekai, Chui Yen, Eero Chen Liu (principal puppeteer), Kuroda Natsumi (Tsukiko), Minari Yui, Michelle Miners, Gun Suen (principal puppeteer), Si Rawlinson (motion captain), Tajima Sango (Miss Hara/principal puppeteer) and Bai Zhijin. Returning ensemble members embody Rachel Clare Chan, Phyllis Ho, Victor Itang, Gabriel Janoras, Kumiko Mendl (Nurse Emiko), Steven Nguyen (Kanta), Richard P. Peralta and Jamie Zubairi, with swings Ronnie Lee, Wenhsin Lee, Amber Lin and Maehara Sera.
Yoda Kenichi, the Nippon TV producer on the undertaking and a Studio Ghibli board member, mentioned the anniversary underscores the present’s attain. “It’s our nice honour that this intimate story of a small household continues to achieve so many viewers members,” he mentioned. “We’re deeply grateful to Joe Hisaishi for conceiving and guiding this undertaking.” Yoda additionally cited Studio Ghibli producer Suzuki Toshio, who holds the London manufacturing particularly near his coronary heart: “When folks consider London, I hope they are going to keep in mind Totoro.”
RSC co-artistic administrators Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey mentioned the manufacturing’s endurance lay in its craft. “Its flawless staging and masterful craft enable the viewers to rediscover the marvel of childhood and the enduring energy of hope and group,” they mentioned, including that they have been delighted to welcome the incoming firm members at such a milestone second.
Director Phelim McDermott, co-founder of Inconceivable, mentioned starting a brand new chapter with recent firm members felt each thrilling and shifting after a yr of the present evolving within the West Finish. “Each new ensemble brings new vitality to the piece in refined and delightful methods, and I’m sure audiences are going to really feel the renewed vitality and spirit they bring about,” he mentioned. “The present is in fantastic palms, and it’ll proceed to be one thing actually particular.”
Tailored by Tom Morton-Smith (“Oppenheimer”), the manufacturing’s journey to the West Finish has been a record-setter from the outset. Pre-sale demand for the worldwide premiere on the Barbican Centre broke that venue’s single-day field workplace file for tickets offered in April 2022, forward of the October 2022 opening. A strictly restricted Barbican return adopted in autumn 2023, earlier than the present transferred to the Gillian Lynne Theatre in March 2025. Alongside the best way it has collected six Olivier Awards.
The inventive crew options manufacturing design by Tom Pye, puppetry design and route by Basil Twist, costume design by Nakano Kimie, lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun and motion by Yamanaka You-Ri. Hisaishi’s rating is introduced in a brand new orchestration by Will Stuart, carried out dwell alongside sound design by Tony Gayle. Video design is by Finn Ross and Andrea Scott, with dramaturgy by Pippa Hill, casting by Hannah Miller CDG and sound results and soundscape design by Nicola T Chang.
“My Neighbor Totoro” runs on the Gillian Lynne Theatre by means of Aug. 30.
