​ My Neighbour Totoro, the RSC's global stage premiere with Hayao Miyazaki of his 1988 animated film (My Neighbor Totoro) runs at the Barbican Theatre until 21 January 2023.

For my sins I admit to knowing absolutely nothing about My Neighbor Totoro before I was lucky enough to take in the stage premiere of Miyazaki's animated film at the Barbican.

The RSC's track record of excellence and knowing what a great theatre the Barbican has sold me this production 'blind'.

Even before the curtain went up, I guessed this was going to be a special evening.

An excited and expectant buzz from the family orientated cum Oriental mix of those packing the foyer gave a genuine buzz of expectation to proceedings.

The production that unfolds does not disappoint, as it takes us through the fantastical adventures of young sisters Satsuki and Mei during one Japanese summer.

Set in 1950s, it has university professor Tatsuo Kusakabe renting an old house with his two daughters so as to be close to the girls' mother who is in hospital nearby.

Satsuki and Mei soon discover the house is possessed of tiny kindly spirits called Susuwatari, while in the woods beyond there lurks Totoro along with a giant cat that doubles as a bus.

There ensues adventures and drama galore as the two youngsters explore their magical surroundings and look to help with their mother's recouperation.

My Neighbour Totoro is a genuinely heart-warming production that will delight all those who are young or young at heart.

Mei Mac as Mei and Ami Okumura Jones as Satsuki excel and the puppetry, of all shapes and sizes, is as stunningly effective as you could wish to see.

Finally, Miyazaki's wonderful score for the production is performed by a tremendous treetop orchestra with singer Ai Ninomiya having a voice that is the purest of the pure.

My Neighbour Totoro left me with a warm glow on a chilly autumnal evening.

My Neighbour Totoro runs at the Barbican Theatre until 21 January 2023.

The Barbican

The Barbican Centre is the largest performing arts centre of its kind in Europe.

It hosts classical and contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions.

There are three restaurants and a conservatory.

Useful links

​ www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2022/event/royal-shakespeare-company-my-neighbour-totoro