By Mrs Horton (Drama Teacher)

On Tuesday evening, our Year 6 and 7 students embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London to experience the spellbinding stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s beloved film, My Neighbour Totoro.

The production, created by the Royal Shakespeare Company in collaboration with Nippon TV and Improbable, was thoughtfully staged and visually engaging. From the moment the curtain rose, students were drawn into a world shaped by imagination. The story follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they adjust to a new life in the countryside, where they meet magical creatures including the gentle forest spirit Totoro.

One of the most striking elements of the production was its use of puppetry. Designed by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and Basil Twist, the puppets including the towering Totoro and the Catbus added a distinctive dimension to the stage. The students were intrigued by the craftsmanship and creativity involved, which supported the storytelling in a way we had not experienced before at BGS.

Beyond the technical design, the production explored themes of family, change and childhood imagination. The relationship between the sisters and their journey through an unfamiliar world encouraged thoughtful reflections on empathy and the strength of family bonds.

This visit offered more than just a theatrical experience. It supported our drama curriculum by highlighting character development, narrative structure and the collaborative effort behind any performance.

On the way back to school, conversation was lively. Students shared their thoughts on memorable scenes, set transitions and performances. The trip has fostered a renewed interest in drama and will no doubt inspire our upcoming school productions The Big Year 6 Devising Project (5th to 7th June) and Years 7 and 8 production of The Worst Witch (3rd to 5th July).