If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli, or simply love magical family theatre, then My Neighbour Totoro in London is a show that absolutely deserves a place on your must-see list. This enchanting stage adaptation of the beloved 1988 animated film brings the gentle magic of Totoro and the forest spirits to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and completely new.
The production first premiered in London in 2022 after two hugely successful runs, it transferred to the West End where audiences can now experience the story in an even more immersive theatre setting.
For families visiting London, theatre can sometimes feel a little intimidating or overly formal, but My Neighbour Totoro feels wonderfully different. Whether you’re introducing children to Totoro for the first time or reliving the story you grew up with, this is a show that manages to charm audiences of all ages.
Venue information
Gillian Lynne Theatre
My Neighbour Totoro is currently playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London’s West End, located on Drury Lane close to Covent Garden. The theatre is easy to reach and makes a great addition to a day exploring central London.
Address:
166 Drury Lane
London
WC2B 5PW
The closest Underground station is Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line, just a short walk away, although several bus routes also stop nearby. The Gillian Lynne Theatre is also about a 10 minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station.
Show details
- Running time: Around 2 hours 30 minutes including an interval
- Recommended age: 6+ (children under 4 are not admitted)
- Performance times: Evening shows Monday–Saturday with matinees on selected days
The show is currently booking well into 2026, which shows just how popular this magical production has become.
The story behind Ny Neighbour Totoro
If you haven’t seen the film before, the story follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move to the Japanese countryside with their father while their mother recovers in hospital. In their new home they discover soot sprites, magical creatures and the mysterious forest spirit Totoro, who becomes their gentle protector and guide through a world of imagination and wonder.
The stage version stays true to the heart of the original story while using stunning puppetry, music and creative staging to bring the magical forest world to life.
Our experience watching My Neighbour Totoro
From the moment the show started, it was clear that this wasn’t going to be a typical theatre production. The stage design, lighting and music work together to create a world that feels gentle, whimsical and full of imagination.
One of the things we loved most was how the show balances quieter, emotional moments with scenes that feel magical and exciting. The story focuses on sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move to the countryside with their father while their mum is recovering in hospital. It’s a simple story at heart, but one that explores childhood, imagination and family in such a lovely way.
Even if you already know the story from the film, seeing it brought to life on stage feels completely different. Me and Erin have both seen the film but it had been a while so we found quite a few moments that we’d forgotten about. It’s definitely the sort of show that keeps both adults and children engaged the whole way through.
The puppetry and stage effects
One of the most incredible things about the stage adaptation is the puppetry. Rather than relying heavily on digital effects, the production uses beautifully designed puppets to bring many of the magical characters to life.
The soot sprites are particularly fun to watch (and a favourite of mine and Erin’s) and were an instant hit with the audience. Seeing them scurry across the stage created some of the first magical moments in the show.
Of course, the highlight for many people (and us) is when Totoro himself appears. Seeing such a well-known character brought to life on stage is genuinely impressive, and the way the puppeteers work together to create his movement makes him feel surprisingly real. Even now, weeks later, I wonder how some things were done and how it was poissible to make something so big, so good.
The famous Catbus scene is another moment that gets a huge reaction. It’s clever, creative and full of energy; exactly the kind of theatrical magic that makes live shows so special.
Throughout the performance there’s a wonderful mix of music, choreography and staging that keeps the story moving while still allowing those magical moments to shine.
Is My Neighbour Totoro good for kids?
If you’re thinking about seeing My Neighbour Totoro as a family, the good news is that it’s a really lovely theatre experience for children. The theming is great, and there’s loads to find and see before the show even starts. For fans of the film who already know some bits, there’s a good photo opportunity in the lobby.
The recommended age is six and over, which feels about right. While the story is gentle and easy to follow, the running time is around two and a half hours including the interval, so younger children might struggle to sit through the whole performance. Something to note is the darker elements of the plot, with include family sickness and the idea of death. Younger children may find this distressing.
That said, older children who enjoy imaginative stories will absolutely love it. The puppetry, magical creatures and playful moments throughout the show keep things engaging, and there are plenty of moments that feel genuinely exciting.
It’s also a really nice introduction to theatre for kids who may not have seen a West End show before. The atmosphere felt welcoming and relaxed, and there were quite a few families in the audience. If your children already know the film, they’ll probably enjoy spotting their favourite characters and moments from the story.
Tips for visiting the theatre
If you’re planning to see My Neighbour Totoro in London, there are a few things that might make your visit a little easier.
Arrive early. West End theatres can get busy before performances, so arriving with a bit of extra time helps avoid rushing and gives you time to find your seats.
Use the interval wisely. The queues for toilets and snacks can get quite long, especially during popular shows, so it’s worth heading out quickly when the interval begins.
Consider seat choice if visiting with kids. While the Gillian Lynne Theatre has good views from most areas, children may find it easier to see from seats that are slightly elevated.
Make a day of it. The theatre is located close to Covent Garden, which means there are plenty of places nearby to eat before or after the show. It’s a great area to explore if you’re visiting London for the day.
Final thoughts
My Neighbour Totoro is one of those theatre productions that is truly magical. It manages to capture the heart and charm of the original story while creating something completely unique for the stage.
The puppetry is incredibly creative, the staging is magical and the story itself is full of warmth and emotion. It’s the kind of show that will have you thinking about it for weeks afterwards, and make you want to go and see it again. This show was definitely a highlight of that particular London trip.
For families visiting London, it’s a wonderful option if you’re looking for a West End show that both adults and children can enjoy together.
