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‘Happy as can be!’ My Neighbour Totoro toasts first birthday in London’s West End

The spectacular stage version of Studio Ghibli’s much-loved film has spent a year at the Gillian Lynne theatre in London. To celebrate, photographer Tristram Kenton was granted backstage access

‘Happy as can be!’ My Neighbour Totoro toasts first birthday in London’s West End

TL;DR

  • My Neighbour Totoro is a stage adaptation of the Studio Ghibli film about two sisters, Mei and Satsuki, who move to the countryside.
  • The production features magical creatures like 'soot sprites' and the iconic Totoro and Catbus.
  • The show opened at the Barbican in London in 2022, receiving five-star reviews and six Olivier awards.
  • Key figures involved in the adaptation include Tom Morton-Smith (adapter), Phelim McDermott (director), Basil Twist (puppetry), and Joe Hisaishi (composer).
  • The production utilizes complex puppetry, set design, and lighting to recreate the film's magic on stage.
  • The play is currently running at the Gillian Lynne theatre in London.
  • At its core, the story explores themes of family, community, and the magic of nature.