The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of My NeighbourTotoro, written by Tom Morton-Smith and with music by Joe Hisaishi, is a production full of wonder and charm for all the family.
Miyazaki’s original story of two sisters who are moving with their father to the countryside, in order to be closer to their beloved Mother who is very ill in hospital and the family are all beside themselves with concern.
There’s so many touches to this production that keep the audience visually engaged from the beginning when the puppeteers bring the theatre stage curtain to life with them mischievous spirit creatures and forest wildlife. I was in awe from the start.
The family start to settle into their new house which from the family conversations we learn they have far more room here than they had on Tokyo and the youngest daughter Mai (Victoria Chen), absolutely loves the outdoors freedom that she has now. Wandering through the garden and is intrigued by the large camphor tree growing nearby. She explores their new environment while her older sister Satsuki (Helen Chong) is at school.
Mai’s curiosity leads her to follow the playful spirits of the forest to their home. Where she stumbles upon the sleeping Totoro. What an incredible puppet, and although at times you can see the puppeteers, it doesn’t take any of the magic of his character.
My favourite character of the production is the twelve legged cat, who is the creatures of the forests public transport and we see him several times. It moves smoothly and cat-like grace across the stage. It reminds me of the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland without the smugness.
All of the puppetry designs have been created by Basil Twist and the Jim Henson Creature Shop. It is a wonderful creation and similar to Sesame Street, where the humans co-exist near the puppets, and there’s no danger or animosity. Both worlds are equally as curious of each other.
My Neighbour Totoro, directed by Phelim McDermott and has been adapted by Tom Morton-Smith, with original music by Joe Hisaishi. Alongside costume designer Kimie Nakano.
It is definitely one of the best productions currently running in the West End and one to catch before it finishes on 3rd January 2027. It would make an excellent family Christmas treat if you fancy a change from Pantomimes.
For more information about My Neighbour Totoro please use the link below.
Five Stars.
Photo credit Manuel Harlan.
Kazego Puppetry Ensemble Karen Barredo, Melisa Camba, Rachel Clare Chan, Jeffrey Chekai, Chui Yen, Phyllis Ho (Yasuko), Victor Itang, Gabriel S. Janoras, Natsumi Kuroda (Tsukiko), Eero Chen Liu (Principal Puppeteer), Kumiko Mendl (Nurse Emiko), Yui Minari, Michelle Miners, Steven Nguyen (Kanta), Richard P. Peralta, Gun Suen (Principal Puppeteer/Puppetry Captain), Sango Tajima (Miss Hara/Principal Puppeteer), Bai Zhijin and Jamie Zubairi (Hiroshi). The swings include Ronnie Lee, Wenhsin Lee, Amber Lin, Sera Maehara and Si Rawlinson (Movement Captain).
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