MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO announces new casting as show marks one year in West End
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
New casting has been announced for the stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro, which celebrates one year at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in the West End this March.
Marking her West End debut in a principal role, Helen Chong joins the company to play the role of Satsuki. Continuing their roles in the cast are Victoria Chen as Satsuki’s younger sister Mei, Dai Tabuchi as their father Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny, and Ai Ninomiya as the Singer.
Joining the show’s unique Kazego Puppetry Ensemble are Karen Barredo, Melisa Camba, Jeffrey Chekai, Chui Yen, Eero Chen Liu (Principal puppeteer), Natsumi Kuroda (Tsukiko), Yui Minari, Michelle Miners, Gun Suen (Principal puppeteer), Si Rawlinson (Movement Captain), Sango Tajima (Miss Hara/Principal puppeteer) and Bai Zhijin. Continuing in their roles are Rachel Clare Chan, Phyllis Ho, Victor Itang, Gabriel Janoras, Kumiko Mendl (Nurse Emiko), Steven Nguyen (Kanta), Richard P. Peralta and Jamie Zubairi. The swings include Ronnie Lee, Wenhsin Lee, Amber Lin, and Sera Maehara.
RSC Co-Artistic Directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey said: “It’s wonderful to see My Neighbour Totoro continuing to enchant audiences at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Its flawless staging and masterful craft allow the audience to rediscover the wonder of childhood and the enduring power of hope and community.
“We're so excited to welcome our new cast and congratulate the entire company on reaching this milestone in the West End.”
Director Phelim McDermott said: “I am thrilled to welcome the new cast of My Neighbour Totoro to our home at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. After a year of the show growing and evolving in the West End, it feels incredibly exciting — and very moving — to begin this next chapter with our new company members. It’s been a real joy to spend time with them and to witness the imagination, care and openness they bring to our Totoro world. Every new ensemble brings new energy to the piece in subtle and beautiful ways, and I’m certain audiences are going to feel the renewed energy and spirit they bring. The show is in wonderful hands, and it will continue to be something truly special.”
