“a wonderful adventure”
Greeted by the stunning set and the atmospheric sounds of the jungle we knew we were in for a wonderful adventure with Mowgli the man-cub. This well-loved story by Rudyard Kipling has been adapted by Olivier award-winning playwright Jessica Swale for Theatre by the Lake’s Christmas production.
The creative team, led by Kash Arshad (he directed the unforgettable Guards of the Taj in 2019) have brought a brilliant production to life. TK Hay’s design is amazing – we are in the jungle, climbing up and down the rocks, trees and lianas (ropes); Simeon Miller’s lighting effects add atmosphere throughout. We all know the story, but don’t expect the familiar Disney songs.
Joe Stilgoe’s music and lyrics add a new dimension and carry the action along beautifully.
Jordan Pearson (One Man, Two Guvnors, TBTL 2022) as Baloo had us on-side from the beginning with his not-very-bright but heart-in-the-right-place character, looking out for Mowgli as he grows up. Hannah Azuonye’s Bagheera was captivating with her sinuous, panther-like movements and incisive approach to keeping Mowgli safe. Maya Dhokia, making her professional debut, made a real impact as Mowgli, growing from the cub to the leader of the wolf pack, dealing with the dangers of the jungle (tiger Shere Khan) and discovering who he is and where he belongs – themes that are still relevant today, over a century since the book was written.
Shere Khan, the villain of the story, was played by Darren Kuppan, with just enough menace to have us holding our breath. Deviously twisting in his movements and words he befriends the wolves, turning them against Mowgli, and then pounces on his prey. Mention must also be made of Kaa the python, played by Elizabeth Green in addition to her main role as Akeela, the leader of the wolf pack; she was a similarly threatening presence as she shed her skin and slithered around before hypnotising us with her eyes! Light relief (always part of a Christmas production) was provided by Twitster, Snicker and Larker, the Funkeys (monkeys), double roles for Darren Kuppan, Umar Butt and Evie Whybrow.
Credit must also be given to Ellen Rey de Castro and her team for the wonderful costumes that added so much to our understanding of the characters. Jennifer Kay (Movement Director), Kaitlin Howard (Flight Director) and Joe White (Aerial Consultant) also deserve acclaim for the wonderfully choreographed movement in the production.
We loved Chil the kite bird, represented as a puppet; but the young Mowgli puppet was slightly disconcerting and felt superfluous and even incongruous to the flow of the action. Overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable production, recommended for age 6 upwards. The Under 6’s have their own Studio show Tinsel.
The Jungle Book is at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick until 12 January, 2025. Read the full review HERE.
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