For Christmas 2024, the Octagon Theatre in Bolton has reimagined Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book as a lively and festive musical adventure. Directed by Suba Das and written by Andrew Pollard, this new adaptation brings the beloved tale to life with a fresh perspective. Packed with humour, heartfelt moments, and a touch of panto-style fun, the production blends Kipling’s timeless themes of family, identity, and the laws of the jungle with vibrant energy and charm. This inventive reimagining celebrates the spirit of community and individuality, creating a captivating experience for audiences of all ages.
The adventure begins when Akeela, a wise and nurturing she-wolf, who is trying to lull her pack to sleep with a bedtime story. But instead of a peaceful night, she’s startled by the unexpected discovery of a baby floating down the river in a basket. This abandoned child is Mowgli, a human baby, and although wolves usually avoid humans, Akeela is determined to care for him. With the help of the kind-hearted bear Baloo and the watchful panther Bagheera, Akeela convinces the pack to adopt Mowgli, despite the dangers he could bring.
Not everyone is pleased with this decision. Shere Khan, the fearsome tiger, views Mowgli as a threat to his jungle kingdom, terrified of the destructive power humans possess. He vows to hunt Mowgli down and destroy him.
As Mowgli grows, his independence flourishes. He pushes against the protective boundaries set by his animal family and embarks on his own explorations of the jungle. Along the way, he meets Kaa, a mesmerising snake who attempts to hypnotise him, and a lively group of monkeys who lead him into trouble. While these encounters bring fun and excitement, they also teach Mowgli the consequences of his reckless actions. Ultimately, his decisions bring him face to face with Shere Khan, who is determined to end his life. In a dramatic confrontation, Mowgli’s loyal friends—Baloo, Bagheera, and Akeela—step in to defend him.
In the face of Shere Khan’s relentless pursuit, Akeela makes a heartbreaking choice. To protect Mowgli, she tells him that he no longer belongs in the jungle and must return to his human people. Mowgli is torn between his love for his jungle family and the pull of his human heritage.
Katie Scott’s set design immerses the audience in a vibrant jungle environment, with hanging vines and lush foliage forming a captivating canopy overhead. A standout feature of the set is the ropes descending from the ceiling, which serve as vines for characters to swing on, adding both excitement and realism to the jungle setting. The use of space is also cleverly executed, with cast members frequently walking up and down the aisles. This movement draws the audience into the action, making them feel as though they are right in the heart of the jungle adventure. Additionally, puppets designed by Alison Duddle are used to portray the younger versions of Mowgli, adding an extra layer of magic and wonder to the production.
Tim Skelly’s lighting design enhances the playful yet atmospheric tone of the show, drawing the audience deeper into the jungle world. The costumes, also designed by Katie Scott, bring the animal kingdom vividly to life. The mischievous monkeys wear vibrant, playful costumes that perfectly capture their cheeky personalities. Kaa the snake is a visual marvel, with a mesmerising, sinuous costume that mirrors the character's hypnotic nature. Its shimmering, elegant design adds both danger and allure. Meanwhile, the wolves’ costumes are bold and powerful, with earthy tones that symbolise their strength and unity as a pack. Shere Khan’s striking attire exudes both danger and style, making a lasting impression.
Ziad Jabero’s eclectic score, blending tribal rhythms, jazz influences, and catchy melodies, enhances the production, with the fun and infectious “Jungle Jive” being a personal favourite. The song’s upbeat energy adds to the show's overall excitement, inviting the audience to get lost in the rhythm of the jungle. The set, costumes, lighting, and music work together seamlessly, creating an immersive, dynamic jungle world.
What truly sets this production apart is its fantastic engagement with the audience. Both children and adults are invited to join the wolf pack, howling and raising their arms like hackles, while some songs encourage the audience to sing along. Children squealed with delight as performers used a giant slingshot to launch fruit into the crowd, transforming the theatre into an extension of the jungle. These interactive elements make younger members of the audience feel especially involved in Mowgli’s story. The lively participation, combined with the cast’s movement through the aisles, fosters a shared sense of adventure, making everyone feel like an active part of Mowgli’s journey.
The cast of six delivers energetic and heartfelt performances, breathing life into their animal counterparts with charm and creativity. Kiara Nicole Pillai captures Mowgli’s teenage angst and curiosity, drawing the audience into his journey. Charlie Ryan’s Baloo provides much of the comic relief, his warmth and wit making him an audience favourite. Ashley D Gayle balances Bagheera’s gravitas with a protective tenderness, while Harveen Mann-Neary skilfully alternates between the nurturing Akeela and the sly, manipulative Kaa. Rachel Marwood excels as Shere Khan, exuding menace and sophistication with every line. The ensemble’s versatility is impressive, particularly in their physicality and ability to engage younger viewers. Most notably, the cast shows impressive multi-role abilities, portraying not only the jungle’s main characters but also the mischievous monkeys and the noble wolves, showcasing their remarkable range.
The Octagon Theatre’s The Jungle Book is a fantastically fun family show that brings Rudyard Kipling’s beloved tale to life with energy, humour, and heart. With its interactive elements, vibrant set, and captivating performances, it’s an unforgettable jungle adventure. The production invites audiences of all ages to join Mowgli on his journey, celebrating the themes of family, identity, and community in a way that’s engaging for everyone. Whether you're howling along with the wolves or dancing to the infectious jungle rhythms, this reimagining will leave you with a smile and a sense of wonder, making it the perfect festive outing for families this Christmas.
The Jungle Book will be at The Octagon Theatre Bolton until Saturday,4th January 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
Photo Credit - Carig Fuller
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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