My Neighbour Totoro Tickets

The lights dim at the Gillian Lynne Theatre and the 3D recreation of the film’s iconic opening credits - which has stood still on stage since the sold-out crowd filtered in - comes to life. The letters bounce, and picture book style insects - with the help of an army of puppeteers - scuttle over the title card. My Neighbour Totoro’s spell of pure wonder has begun.

This isn’t just a show - it’s an experience, a celebration of childhood imagination and the quiet magic of the everyday. Back for its second West End run after two critically acclaimed seasons at the Barbican, this adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning classic is a breathtaking blend of puppetry, music, and nature brought to life.

The story follows young sisters Satsuki (Ami Okumura Jones) and Mei (Victoria Chen) as they move from the city to the countryside with their father, adjusting to a new life while their mother recovers in hospital. What begins as an exploration of their new home soon becomes something more extraordinary as they encounter soot sprites, mischievous forest spirits, and, of course, the giant, enigmatic Totoro. The beauty of My Neighbour Totoro is not in an overly complex narrative, but in the pure joy of childlike wonder, where nature and magic intertwine effortlessly.

Nature itself is a character in this production - trees, crafted from cloth and wood, stretch skyward, while seeds and shoots burst from the ground in dazzling displays of life and renewal. Musicians are nestled among twilight trees, offering a jubilant and whimsical soundscape throughout, and show that we - as much as we distance ourselves from it at times - are part of this delicate ecosystem. Paper butterflies flutter, cornfields grow before our eyes, and even the simplest of everyday moments become breathtakingly poetic. 

Autumn sunshine and crimson leaves, crisp night air and bonfire smoke, misty streets and pink skies that shimmer with purple - Autumn is a beautiful (and theatrical) season in the calendar year, and with the addition of these eight must-see plays, the pumpkin-spiced season just got a whole lot more dramatic!

The trees may be bare of their leaves, but theatreland is flourishing with a host of new delights. Whether you seek comfort in a classic this Autumn or want a second chance to see a critically acclaimed off-West End show, there's something for everyone. So, grab the warmest scarf in your wardrobe and some sweet treats to munch on, as we take a look at what's on offer this Autumn.

Barbican’s enchanting coming-of-age story, My Neighbour Totoro, leads the pack at this year’s Olivier Awards with a staggering 9 nominations. Brought to the life by the Royal Shakespeare Company, this adaptation utilises music from the legendary Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi, to create a mythical, magical world. This heartfelt story of two siblings competes for a range of awards at this year’s ceremony, including Best Director, Best Actress, Best Theatre Choreographer, and Best Original Score.

The National Theatre boasts its strongest set of Olivier Awards in years, securing 16 nominations across six of its productions. Standing at the Sky’s Edge, is the theatres most nominated piece, receiving 8 nods - the most for any musical this year. Will the Sheffield-based musical ‘steel’ the show? With contenders in the Best New Musical, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories, it will certainly try to.

From new pieces to reinventions of American classics, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! earns 7 nominations, with 4 of these coming from acting categories. Liza Sadovy and Marisha Wallace for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical, Anoushka Lucas for Best Actress in a Musical, and Arthur Darvill for Best Actor in a Musical.

Also competing in the musical acting categories are Katie Brayben and Andrew Rannells for their roles in the evangelical musical Tammy Faye. Two-time Olivier Award nominee, Beverley Knight, for her performance in the suffragette musical Sylvia at The Old Vic Theatre, and three-time Olivier Award nominee Clive Rowe for his performance in Sister Act.

Although this is Rowe’s fourth nomination, he is a relative newcomer to the awards compared to Janet McTeer, who today received her sixth nomination, this time for her performance as Phaedra at the National Theatre. Today also saw sound designers Max and Ben Ringham, costume designer Hugh Durrant, and choreographer Crystal Pite all receive their 5th nominations.

On the other end of the scale, 27 actors received their first-ever Olivier nomination today, including household names: Paul Mescal, Caroline Quentin, Jodie Comer, Rose Ayling-Ellis, and legendary fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier.

The winners of this year’s Olivier Awards will be announced at the star-studded ceremony, hosted by three-time Olivier Award nominee, and star of Ted Lasso, Hannah Waddingham, on the 2^nd April 2023. A full list of those hoping to collect the award at the Royal Albert Hall can be found below.

It was a night like no other at the 23rd annual WhatsOnStage Awards, as some of the most renowned names in theatre gathered together to host a spectacular ceremony. The red carpet was rolled out, the buzz of chatter and applause filled the air and once again the WhatsOnStage Awards brought together an electric mix of up-and-coming and established stars, proving that the awards are the epitome of celebration and theatrical brilliance. Theatre-goers nationwide once again had the opportunity to nominate their firm favourites from the stage, and this year the commitment to inclusivity was dialled up a notch, with the addition of gender-neutral performance categories!

The 23rd WhatsOnStage Awards were graced by the presence of iconic presenters such as Jake Shears, George Takei, Bonnie Langford, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Arlene Phillips and Lisa Scott-Lee. Here’s a rundown of the night's events!