Kumiko Mendl News

The multi-award winning stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro will extend in the West End for the final time. Learn more about the show here!

New casting has been announced for the stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli's My Neighbour Totoro. This March the multi-award winning show also celebrates one year at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in the West End.

New Earth Theatre has announced the launch of the company's Living Archive - the UK's first public archive dedicated to celebrating British East and Southeast Asian (BESEA) theatre.

You can now get a first look at new artwork for the stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro in the West End. See the photo here and learn more about the production!

A brand new trailer has been released for the critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro. Check out the video here!

The stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro will extend in the West End. To celebrate the extended season over 20,000 tickets have now been released for £25 or under, with brand new production images also released. See photos here!

The full West End company has been announced for the multi-award winning stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli's My Neighbour Totoro. Learn more about the cast here!

Kiln Sparks, a one-week backstage training programme led by the New Vic in association with New Earth Theatre, returns this summer. Learn more about the programme here!

New Earth Theatre has announced the appointment of Ailin Conant as the company’s new Artistic Director who will officially take up the post later this month.

Kumiko Mendl, founding member of leading British East and South East Asian (BESEA) theatre company New Earth Theatre, has announced her decision to step down from her role as Artistic Director after 11 years, leaving the company in 2024. 

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Central) and New Earth Theatre have announced a new associateship, which will bring higher education arts training and the industry closer together.    

Kiln Sparks, a new one-week course as part of the New Vic Theatre's Kiln Network development programme in association with New Earth Theatre and tiata fahodzi, will provide an opportunity for emerging and entry-level theatre personnel from under-represented groups to get experience working in-the-round at Staffordshire's New Vic Theatre.

'New Plays: Japan' was presented at the Royal Court Theatre in London, U.K. from 26 to 28 January 2023.

Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse has announced a 2023 season that boasts four re-imagined classics on stage and the introduction of six new Associate Companies.

New Earth Theatre announced that it has awarded the 2022 Constellation Creatives Drama Student Bursary to Ami Tredrea from LAMDA.

New Earth Theatre and Arcola Theatre, in association with The North Wall, today announce the world première of Kyo Choi's The Apology, which explores the 'comfort women' of the Second World War and the subsequent political cover-up.

New Earth Theatre today announce the cast for Tsunagu/Connect Live, created by Kumiko Mendl and Kazuko Hohki. This theatre production was developed in response to an oral history project launched in 2020, that conducted over 30 interviews with Japanese women living in the UK.

New Earth Theatre announces today that they are launching their annual New Earth Academy programme. The only programme of its kind in the UK, New Earth Academy provides free, specialist training and opportunities for British East and South East Asians (BESEA) aged 18+ who are interested in developing their skills and engagement in theatre-making and performing arts.

New Earth Theatre today announces Tsunagu/Connect: The Exhibition and Tsunagu/Connect Live, created by Kumiko Mendl and Kazuko Hohki. This exhibition and theatre production were developed in response to an oral history project launched in 2020, that conducted over 30 interviews with Japanese women living in the UK.

A brilliant new collection of voices has just hit bookshelves. 50 Women in Theatre, published by Aurora Metro, shines a light on the invaluable contributions of women across all disciplines and fields of stagecraft. From stage designers to actors, the volume is an inclusive and all-around eye-opening account of how theatre has changed from the post-war period to now.