Full casting announced for National Theatre's new adaptation of THE JUNGLE BOOK
The National Theatre has announced full casting for Anupama Chandrasekhar’s new play, an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved family tale The Jungle Book.
This world premiere is directed by Indhu Rubasingham, with Olivier winning actor Hiran Abeysekera as Mowgli and innovative puppetry by Lume: Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell. This thrilling new adaptation will bring the jungle roaring to life on the Olivier stage from 13 November - 6 February.
The full cast alongside Hiran Abeysekera includes: Parkey Abeyratne as Raksha Head, Azan Ahmed and Sebastian Charles (rotating the roles of Baloo & Baloo Head), Sarah Amankwah and Laura Cubbit (rotating the roles of Bagheera & Bagheera Hind), Kazeem Tosin Amore as Shere Khan Head, Antony Antunes (Onstage Swing), Ankur Bahl as Kaa & Bijoy, Eryck Brahmania as Devan Head, Darcy Braimoh as Shere Khan Hind, Lucca Chadwick-Patel (A & Chottu), Fred Davis and Ali Goldsmith (rotating the roles of Moti Head & Wild Pig), Ayesha Dharker as Raksha & Messua, Valentine Hanson as Mahout, Romina Hytten (Onstage Swing & Puppetry Captain), Sasha Jagsi as Neela, Tony Jayawardena as Moti, Rebecca Killick and Sarah Mardel (rotating the roles of Bagheera Heart & Wild Fowl), Avye Leventis as B & Tabaqui, Michael Jean-Marain (Onstage Swing), Kel Matsena as Shere Khan, Sifiso Mazibuko as Akela, Jordan Metcalfe as Cat, Shaun Yusuf McKee as Devan, Sharita Oomeer as Stork, Mahesh Parmar as C & Sonu, and Gavin L Vincent as Akela Head.
Director Indhu Rubasingham said: “The Jungle Book is the first film I have a memory of going to see in the cinema, I remember being petrified when Shere Khan appeared on screen and hiding under the cinema seat. Anupama’s new version for the stage will enchant a new generation, whilst surprising those who feel that they know it well. This truly feels like a global endeavour - we’re drawing on the rich storytelling culture inherent in India, a large cast of 30 extraordinary performers, a cinematic orchestral score by one of Spain's leading composers and the best of this country’s puppetry teams bringing these beloved characters to life.”
Director Indhu Rubasingham is joined in the artistic team by set and costume designer Rajha Shakiry, puppetry by Lume: Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, movement director Finn Caldwell, composer Fernando Velázquez, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, video designer Ash J Woodward, sound designer Benjamin Grant, casting directors Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG and Martin Poile CDG, dialect coach Shereen Ibrahim, and voice coach Cathleen McCarron.
