When I was invited to see My Neighbour Totoro, I just knew I’d seen the titular figure somewhere… but where? To begin with, for those of you who don’t know, the stage adaptation is based on the movie of the same name that came out in 1988 by the team at Studio Ghibli.
Its premise follows sisters Mei and Satsuki who move into a new house to be nearer to their mother who is in the hospital with a cold. They soon become enchanted by a friend (Totoro) a giant rabbit-like creature who is in fact, a spirit. In this version of the iconic movie, one of Studio Ghibli’s iconic works (it helped embed the titular character into the studio’s logo), is transported to the stage in a seamless, and purely magical way.
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
The Royal Shakespeare Company and Joe Hisaishi have both worked extremely hard to co-produce the work, which had its global premier in October. It was worked on for many years, and I can vouch for it being spectacular. The play begins very much in the studio’s trademark playful beginning with the letter ‘u’ situating itself into the title, to correct the Americanised spelling. From the get-go, this production has a high bar that keeps on getting better. I know, that for productions that have similarly started at the Barbican (Les Mis, I’m looking at you), this is no easy feat to premiere at the famous Barbican centre. I can tell you for years from now, we’ll be saying that this show had its start here. The result is an immaculate show that proceeds to tell this iconic story to seasoned Studio Ghibli fans, or newbies to the genre and their work.
Design-wise, the first thing that made my jaw drop (and there were many moments!) was the revolving set. Every inch of the house-design was mesmerising, and props to Tom Pye for creating this world from screen-to-stage effortlessly. My favourite piece of set has to be a certain mode of transport (which I shan’t say too much about!) that nails the heart-tugging action on stage. Phelim McDermott’s direction – especially for Mei (played with sheer conviction by Mei Mac)- was stellar, her child-like nature really being displayed in all the ways possible given an adult is playing a four-year-old’s role.
Now, on to the puppets — oh, those puppets! Created by Basil Twist, there’s such a brilliant and ravishing incorporation of them. I won’t say too much, but let’s say that the way the world is brought to life is cleverly, and constantly had me grinning from ear to ear.
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Theatre is about changing lives, and creating wonder. I felt this story had all of the components to make that happen: heart, soul and spirit. The delivery of the lines, but also the teamwork on stage showed the the people on-stage were immersed and utterly captivated the audience . After the second half, the story can be seen to taking a bit of a dark turn (depends on your interpretation), but there’s such a shift and carefree nature to what the characters feel in their young age. It is delightful in all the right ways, and is a sure-fire hit for the RSC
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
A particular mention to Ami Okumura Jones as Satsuki should be made, as she – along with Mei Mac – lead the cast in such a superb fashion. The convincing nature of their sisterhood, is beamed on stage. .The first scene with acorns, and following them was really quite moving; the symbolism of nature and the way the characters deploy that new world is charming at all times the curtain is raised.
For die-hard fans of Studio Ghibli, the music of My Neighbour Totoro evokes memories of hearing the music — this production stays so true to the original. Ai Ninomiya provides brilliant vocals in the bilingual songs. The layering of the way we can hear the original music (with a full orchestra led by Will Stuart and lyrics by Tom Morton-Smith and Hilmi Jaidin) shows that the show can be interpreted in many ways, as the music is universally felt by audience members.
This is a show for all ages, but I would say it will appeal mostly to the people who are able to go with a contingency of children. It is fun, exciting and shows what theatre can provide time and time again: memories for life.
CHEAP TICKET HACK ** £25 Dayseats (Front row, stalls) are sometimes available, but keep refreshing the link to tickets **
