Children’s Touring Partnership and Royal & Derngate, Northampton bring a new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s family classic, The Jungle Book to Richmond Theatre Wed 7 Feb – Sat 10 Feb to delight schools and family audiences alike!
Originally written in 1894, Kipling’s beloved tale will be reimagined with a brand new score and script brought to life by actor-musicians, exploring the universal themes of family, belonging and identity. The award winning creative team bringing Kipling’s timeless story to the stage includes playwright Jessica Swale whose previous acclaimed play Nell Gwynn won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2016, director Max Webster who directed Dr Seuss’ The Lorax at the Old Vic which was nominated for Best Entertainment and Family Show at the 2016 Olivier Awards, and internationally renowned songwriter and jazz legend, Joe Stilgoe.
The Jungle Book tells the tale of Mowgli the man cub who battles for survival in this heart-warming coming-of-age story about a boy raised by wolves in the jungle. With the help of his animal friends, including Bagheera the panther, Balloo the bear and Kaa the python, Mowgli outwits the cruel and powerful tiger, Shere Khan, and learns the law of the jungle.
Jessica Swale says, “I jumped at the chance to adapt The Jungle Book because it’s such a vivid world and yet, for a writer, there’s so much opportunity to imagine the jungle afresh. Part of the book’s enduring appeal is that the jungle can be anything we choose. It’s a playground, a school, a hideaway, an adventure, so I’ve enjoyed exploring what sort of place this mysterious, delightful, sometimes scary place might be- and what better way to do that than with Max Webster, one of the most inventive and imaginative directors working today.
‘I loved the characters as Kipling wrote them, but wanted to find new voices which resonate now- funny, bright, dynamic voices, with a little more wit, and greater diversity, in terms of place, tone, gender and culture. It’s a funny, heart-filled roller coaster of a journey which, I hope, will transport the audience right round the world and back again.”
Director Max Webster says, “The Jungle Book was an instant classic when it was written over a hundred years ago with its story of Mowgli finding his path through the jungle. Each generation has re imagined this story as their own, and now Jess Swale brings it right up to date in a hilarious and action-packed version for the twenty first century. With wonderful songs by the jazz legend Joe Stilgoe, and packed with adventure, humour and magic this classic tale will tickle the tales of all the family. I am delighted to be working alongside Jessica, Joe, Children’s Touring Partnership and Royal & Derngate to bring this vivid adaptation to the stage.”
Completing the creative team is set and costume designer Peter McKintosh, musical supervision and orchestration from Paul Herbert, choreography by Lizzi Gee, lighting design by Charles Balfour, puppetry design and direction by Nick Barnes, fight direction by Kate Waters and sound design by Matt McKenzie.
The cast includes Rachel Dawson as ‘Kaa Grey’, Lloyd Gorman as ‘Shere Khan’, TJ Holmes as ‘Hiran’, Avita Jay as ‘Raksha’, Keziah Joseph as ‘Mowgli’, Dyfrig Morris as ‘Balloo’, Deborah Oyelade as ‘Bagheera’ and Tripti Tripuraneni as ‘Akala’. They are joined by Ruri James and Chipo Kureya in the ensemble.
Children’s Touring Partnership is led by Fiery Angel and Chichester Festival Theatre. Previous productions include the award winning West End and UK tour production of Goodnight Mister Tom and most recently the UK touring production of Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild.
*Suitable for ages 6+
Wed 7 – Sat 10 Feb at Richmond Theatre
Tickets: from £16.90* (includes booking fee)
Schools and Groups discounted rates available!
Richmond Box Office: 0844 871 7651* Website: atgtickets.com/Richmond*
*Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.
