The National Theatre will stage a new production of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book this festive season.
Adapted by Anupama Chandrasekhar and directed by Indhu Rubasingham, with puppetry by Lume (Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell), the show will star Hiran Abeysekera as Mowgli.
The cast also includes 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 to be announced.
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 creative team includes set and costume designer Rajha Shakiry, movement director Finn Caldwell, composer Fernando Velázquez, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, sound designer Benjamin Grant, casting directors Bryony Jarvis-Taylor and Martin Poile, voice coach Cathleen McCarron, associate director John Young, associate puppetry director Scarlet Wilderink, associate puppet designer Caroline Bowman and associate set designer Ruth Hall.
The Jungle Book will play in the National’s Olivier theatre from Friday, November 13, 2026 to Saturday, February 6, 2027.
Tickets on sale from midday on March 26 here.
Top image: The Jungle Book illustration by Chervelle Fryer. Art direction and design by National Theatre Graphic Design Studio (image supplied)