'My Neighbor Totoro' London West End Production Reveals New Cast
Variety
by Naman RamachandranFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s West End production of *My Neighbor Totoro* has unveiled new cast members as it prepares to celebrate its first anniversary at London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre in March. Helen Chong takes on the lead role of Satsuki, marking her West End debut, alongside returning actors including Victoria Chen as Mei and Tabuchi Dai as father Tatsuo. The production, a collaboration between Joe Hisaishi (composer of the original film) and Improbable, continues to captivate audiences with its adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s beloved 1988 animated feature.
*My Neighbor Totoro* follows two young sisters navigating a new rural home and encountering magical creatures, led by the enigmatic Totoro. The show’s success lies in its intimate storytelling and masterful craftsmanship, as noted by RSC co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey. Its staging allows audiences to rediscover childhood wonder and enduring themes of hope and community. Directed by Phelim McDermott, the production has already achieved record-breaking ticket sales and six Olivier Awards, solidifying its place in London’s entertainment scene.
The show’s creative team includes Tom Pye for production design, Basil Twist for puppetry, Nakano Kimie for costumes, and Jessica Hung Han Yun for lighting. The expanded puppetry ensemble features twelve new members, including Eero Chen Liu
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Originally published on Variety on 2/25/2026