RSC’s My Neighbour Totoro will end its West End run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on 3rd January 2027. That makes this autumn term your last chance to bring students to the six-time Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s much-loved film. Student tickets are just £25, with a free adult ticket for every 10 students. With the final weeks now in sight, secure your reservation now before it’s too late.
What to Expect on Your School Trip
The Telegraph called it “utterly spectacular” and the Guardian gave five stars to its “dazzling staging of the Studio Ghibli classic”. It’s brought to life through large-scale puppetry and beloved songs from the film.
“Wow is too small a word!” (Broadway World) to describe the captivating story of sisters Satsuki andMei, who discover a magical world of spirits, sprites and other mischievous creatures as they adjust to a new life in the Japanese countryside. Perhaps it’s all a dream… or perhaps they really are best friends with a giant, playful protector of the forest named Totoro?
The Final Months For This Award-Winning Production
Executive Producer Joe Hisaishi and the Royal Shakespeare Company have announced a new closing date for My Neighbour Totoro, in collaboration with Nippon TV and Improbable. The West End production will now run until 3 January 2027. Hisaishi, the original composer of the beloved Studio Ghibli film, also serves as Executive Producer of the stage adaptation.
Adapted by Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer) from Hayao Miyazaki‘s 1988 animated film and directed by Improbable co-founder Phelim McDermott, the production stars Victoria Chen as Mei and Helen Chong as her older sister Satsuki. They’re joined by Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny and Ai Ninomiya as Kaze No Koe/Singer.
For drama and design students, the productions creative team is a real draw. Puppetry design and direction is by Basil Twist, production design by Tom Pye, costume design by Kimie Nakano and lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun. The show’s own Kazego Puppetry Ensemble brings the creatures to life, while Hisaishi’s iconic film score is performed live, with the music newly arranged for the stage by Will Stuart.
Why Book It for Your Next School Trip
RSC’s My Neighbour Totoro links to Drama, Music and Art & Design. There’s plenty to unpack back in the classroom, students can explore everything from puppetry, staging, set and costume design to storytelling and evaluating live theatre. With a recommended age of 6+, the production can be enjoyed and explored by students from KS2 through to KS5.
- Student tickets just £25
- 1 free adult ticket per 10 students (extra adult tickets just £25)
- School trip rates available for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening performances and Thursday matinees
- Rates apply to school trip bookings of 10+ students and exclude school holidays
There’s also a free RSC’s My Neighbour Totoro’s Teacher Pack to support learning around your visit. Supported by the Japan Society, it explores the production, its characters, its puppets and the story’s Japanese origins. The practical activities were designed with KS3 and KS4 students in mind but can be adapted for other age groups. You can use them as stand-alone approaches to the story or alongside a trip to the show. Some work best in a hall or open space, but many can be run in the classroom.
