London’s Barbican Theatre is set to welcome back the magical world of My Neighbor Totoro later this month, as the RSC and Nippon TV’s acclaimed stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli film returns for a second run.
In an exclusive interview with Variety, Tom Morton-Smith, the mastermind behind the adaptation of the show from screen to stage, offered insights into the creative process and the subtle enhancements audiences can expect in this highly anticipated return.
The collaboration between award-winning composer Joe Hisaishi, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Improbable and Nippon TV brought the first iteration of the stage play to the Barbican in October last year. The production not only enchanted audiences but also scored a hit with the London theatre critics, and broke box office records for the venue. Oh, and won an impressive six Olivier Awards, five What’s On Stage Awards, and a Critic’s Circle Award for Best Design.
Morton-Smith, known for his hit RSC and West End play Oppenheimer, emphasised that while there are no major changes in the second London run of the show, lessons learned from first run have been incorporated to refine the rhythms and technical aspects of the performance. “That’s one of the joys of being able to return to some things – you can tighten the screws a little, make it smoother and flow better,” Morton-Smith told Variety.
Adapting My Neighbor Totoro for the stage was a natural choice for Morton-Smith, who recognised the film’s beautifully atmospheric quality. The story, set in the 1950s, follows the journey of sisters Satsuki and Mei as they discover magical creatures and the ancient protector of the forest, Totoro. The play “didn’t need a huge amount of updating in terms of talking to modern sensibilities because it’s got that beautiful, timeless quality to it already”, he said.
Reflecting on the play’s resonance with UK audiences, Morton-Smith mentioned the story’s universal themes, noting that My Neighbor Totoro speaks to people at different stages of life. “For the youngest viewers, it’s a thrilling fantasy adventure, while older children engage with the coming-of-age elements. For adults, the play delicately addresses themes of mortality and loss, portraying them with the unique Ghibli touch that neither waters down nor overwhelms.”for the youngest kids, it’s very much an exciting fantasy adventure with big furry friends in the woods. And for slightly older children, it’s got a coming-of-age story that’s in there about Satsuki, the older sister, learning about mortality for the first time and learning that her parents aren’t perfect, and realizing that she has to grow up a bit in order to take a bit more responsibility.”
In the post-COVID era, the play also imparts valuable life lessons. “It speaks to people differently depending on where they are in their life and what their experiences are,” Morton-Smith said.
My Neighbor Totoro is playing at the Barbican Theatre from 21 November 2023 to 23 March 2024.
Book tickets to My Neighbour Totoro in London
An interview with Tom Morton-Smith, the adaptor of the stage version My Neighbour Totoro
Gillian Lynne Theatre, London
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