My Neighbour Totoro

by Tom Morton-Smith
based on the animated film by Hayao Miyazaki
music by Joe Hisaishi
Royal Shakespeare Company
Barbican Centre, London

Taking Studio Ghibli's iconic animated film by Hayao Miyazaki and combining it with the power and magic of stagecraft, this award-winning Royal Shakespeare Company production is one of the most endearing shows I've had the pleasure to see. 

Directed by Philem McDermott, adapted by Tom Morton-Smith and featuring original music by Joe Hisaishi, this stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro remains incredibly faithful to its source material. The story itself is uncomplicated, featuring two young sisters who move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their mother who is recovering from an illness in a nearby hospital. Along the way, they encounter friendly wood spirits who reside in the forest and embark on a series of adventures.  

The joy of the production lies not only in the pitch-perfect performances by the predominantly East Asian cast but the wonderful creative team that brings the world of the film to life. Ami Okumura Jones and Mei Mac capture the playfulness and excitement of the two sisters so convincingly that it is hard to be believe they are in fact adults. Production designer Tom Pye gives us a stunning modular set that fully utilises the expanse of the Barbican stage and its central rotating drum, allowing us to see the family house from various angles and which joyously whisks us from one location to the next. 

The real star of the show however is the puppetry design by Basil Twist which conjures up not just the beautiful rural setting but the various creatures the sisters encounter in their adventures: the spider-like susuwatari, flying Catbus and Totoro itself, a sight that will not fail to make one grin. An ensemble of kazego puppeteers are seen onstage deftly manipulating the different puppets. Scenes from the film such as Totoro being offered an umbrella at the bus stop and Catbus ferrying the sisters across the city are beautifully transplanted on stage aided by live music and evocative lighting and sound design.

Much like the film, the production is a quiet celebration of family, nature and the joys of rural life and is suffused with warmth and wistfulness. A tremendous theatrical event that will please audiences of all ages, whether ardent Ghibli fans or newcomers to the story.

The Crystalwords score: 5/5