Studio Ghibli Magic in London

If you haven’t yet dived into the enchanting universe of Studio Ghibli, get ready to enter a world of magic, wonder and home. These animated gems, crafted by Hayao Miyazaki, aren’t your ordinary movies. They are gateways to a whimsical world, whisking you off on fantastical journeys with beloved characters that’ll fill your heart with pure magic!

In 1986, Miyazaki introduced Ghibli’s first movie, Castle in the Sky. Following two orphans on an adventure to find Laputa, a mystical city full of treasures, this movie captures the pure joy of childhood and imagination, taking everyone back to that magical feeling.

After that initial success, Miyazaki went on to release 21 more movies, with his latest film, The Boy and the Heron, winning his first Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, animated!

Some of my favourite Ghibli Movies are Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) and (of course) Spirited Away (2001).

They are the ultimate cosy, feel-good family movies!

Psst.. you can also find Studio Ghibli Movies on Netflix! 

After a successful first season, My Neighbor Totoro‘s stage adaptation received both critical and audience acclaim. Studio Ghibli’s stunning stage production returned to London’s Barbican on Tuesday 21st November 2023 and will run until Saturday 23rd March 2024.

My Neighbor Totoro follows the story of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father. In their new home, they discover magical creatures. These whimsical beings take the girls on enchanting adventures, offering comfort and friendship during a challenging time. Through their encounters with Totoro and other mystical creatures, the sisters learn to navigate both the joys and uncertainties of life, finding comfort and wonder in the world around them.

My Neighbour Totoro was adapted for the stage by Tom Morton Smith alongside the original film composer Joe Hisaishi!! (who I can safely say is just incredible!) 

This stage adaptation perfectly brings together all of the beautiful elements of the movie and brings it to life, leaving you completely mesmerised! What I particularly love, is how it stays true to the original story, characters and essence.

London’s Barbican Centre is the largest arts centre in Europe! The centre hosts a variety of classical and modern concerts, theatre performances, movie screenings and exhibitions.

The Barbican offers a range of accessibility options including BSL-integrated performances and an audio-described performance (with a touch tour!).

Here are the dates for the RSC-assisted performances:

Relaxed performance

Saturday 7th January 2024, 2 pm

Performance with Integrated BSL Interpreter

Saturday 7th January 2024, 2 pm

Captioned and Audio Described performance

Wednesday 18th January 2024, 7 pm

After stepping into the heartwarming world of My Neighbor Totoro, get ready to dive into the magical realm of Spirited Away – taking the stage in April 2024 until August 2024.

Spirited Away follows Chihiro, a young girl who finds herself in a mysterious spirit world. To rescue her parents, she ventures through a magical bathhouse filled with lots of peculiar, magic guests. Along the way, Chihiro finds courage, unexpected friendships and resilience.

Spirited Away is the second highest-grossing Japanese movie and I really think it’s a testament to the beauty and homely feeling Miyazaki is able to create in his movies!

Spirited Away was adapted for the stage by John Ciard (a Tony Award-winning director of Les Misérables) and features the original score by Joe Hisaishi!!

This stunning stage adaptation beautifully recreates the iconic scenes from the movie and captures that same feeling of awe and wonder. What’s so amazing is how they have brought to life all of the weird and wonderful characters. (Noface and the Radish Spirit!)

Important! Spirited Away will be performed in Japanese with English Subtitles.

The London Coliseum is one of London’s largest and most beautiful multi-arts family theatres. The theatre has 2,359 seats! It’s stunning architecture make it a must visit place (so don’t forget to get there early to admire the building!)