New staging of THE JUNGLE BOOK to run at National Theatre this festive season
From 13 November 2026 - 6 February 2027, the National Theatre will stage Anupama Chandrasekhar’s new play, an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved family tale The Jungle Book, directed by Indhu Rubasingham.
With innovative puppetry by Lume: Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, this thrilling new adaptation will bring the jungle roaring to life on the Olivier stage this festive season.
Initial casting announced today includes Hiran Abeysekera as Mowgli. Hiran is joined by Sarah Amankwah, Darcy Braimoh, Sebastian Charles, Laura Cubitt, Fred Davis, Ayesha Dharker, Ali Goldsmith, Romina Hytten, Tony Jayawardena, Avye Leventis, Kel Matsena, Sifiso Mazibuko and Jordan Metcalfe. Further casting is to be announced.
Speaking about the world premiere of The Jungle Book, Director Indhu Rubasingham, said: “It’s wonderful to be reuniting with Anupama for her new play as she reframes Kipling’s beloved tale. Setting it in the mangroves of the Sundarbans region of India gifts us such a rich environment to turn the Olivier theatre in a real theatrical event with extraordinary puppetry and performances at its heart. The Jungle Book is a beautiful and adventurous story about family, identity and belonging, I can’t wait for audiences to experience this thrilling new play.”
In the mangroves of the Sundarbans, wolves howl, birds soar and tigers' roar. At the heart of this wild and vibrant kingdom, an unlikely child is growing up… Mowgli.
Danger stalks the shadows, and threats lie hidden beneath every rock. To protect his family, his friends and the only home he has ever known, this young hero must first discover who he really is and where he truly belongs.
The production features set and costume design by Rajha Shakiry, movement direction by Finn Caldwell, composition by Fernando Velázquez, lighting by Oliver Fenwick, sound by Benjamin Grant, casting by Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG and Martin Poile CDG, and voice coaching by Cathleen McCarron.
Tickets for The Jungle Book go on general sale from 12pm on 26 March, with further info here.
