The theatrical adaption by the Royal Shakespeare Company of the beloved Studio Ghibli film My Neighbour Totoro is currently showing at the Barbican, and a week ago I was lucky enough to have tickets to see it.
The highlight of the show for me was the gorgeous, fluid puppetry of the forest spirits. This is no small thing to say considering the beautiful deconstruction of the house, with sliding screens and walls on wheels that drifted apart to show us the inside, allowing for the shock of the soot spirits and mysterious placement of the acorns by Totoro’s companions. The puppets themselves were lovingly constructed to authentically replicate the mystical little spirits that are darting across the screen throughout the film.
The boy sat next to me was mystified by the slick execution of what I had thought to be an impossible story to execute on stage: “How are they moving that massive puppet?” said Frank Gibbons, “I want to learn how to do that when I’m older!”
The entire audience was taken aback by the astounding creativity that the RSC showed in creating this piece. It retains the charming coziness of the film whilst generating a theatrical magic through the medium of puppetry. If you get a chance to grab tickets, don’t hesitate!
