I recently went to see the production of My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican. I am aware that it is not strictly a musical but it is without a doubt one of best theatre productions I have seen to date. Therefore, I feel obliged to write about it.
Initially I was conflicted about the idea of going to see this show because I had been assured by reviews that it is fantastic but I could not begin to fathom how you translate such a well loved animated film on to a live stage. However, immediately as the show began I knew that the reviews I had read weren't lying. It was a purely whimsical experience. The nuances in the set and acting allowed it to keep the audience invested while retaining a child like wonder and an animated sense, that at times allowed you to forget you were watching a stage production. Not only were you watching a magical show but also watching anyone, regardless of age group, revert back to a childish state of mind. Only further proving the quality of this immersive production that had been carefully crafted from such a beloved movie.
Of course I have to talk about the incredible puppetry utilised in this production. One of the primary features of this show that allowed it to be so effective was the skilled puppeteers and beautifully crafted puppets that truly embodied the spirits of the show. The puppets had a gravity, follow- through and overlapping action. Which all happen to coincide with the 12 principles of animation. I found this fascinating that once they were combined with sound effects and lighting, as well as the fantastic actors, you could have easily been watching the film. The details of the fur were fascinating as well as having a number of puppets per character to allow them to be anywhere at any given time and particularly for Totoro who would be virtually impossible to move without the multiple iterations. That all perfectly achieved the animated quality. Not to mention the innovative way the cat bus was achieved with lights, a blow up exterior and a whole host of skilled puppeteers.
The set was also impeccable. It was a shock at the beginning to see a complex and massive set as most musical and theatre experiences recently are designed with an effective but minimalistic set. However, this show had a massive set as well as smoothly transitioning between countless set pieces. The main house easily changed between the outside and the internal rooms so seamlessly that you would forget you were witnessing a stage show. The way that every set piece could only appear once but would be full of every detail that created a depth to the production wherever you looked.
Overall, this show was one of the most innovative theatre experiences that I have ever seen. From the lighting to the music and sound effects. As well as the set, puppets and acting. I could go on forever about every aspect of this production. If you go with the intent to watch any particular detail of this show it will not disappoint. Let alone observing the show as a whole. So from the bottom of my heart I would recommend going to see this show given the opportunity and if you have not seen it, the film is amazing and without a doubt worth a watch.
-from the official barbican website of the 2024 production of My Neighbour Totoro
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