National Theatre Unveils New Jungle Book Adaptation for Christmas Season
London's National Theatre has announced that its big Christmas show will be a brand new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic 'The Jungle Book'. This production follows the success of 'Ballet Shoes' and promises to be a major festive event, running from November 13, 2026, to February 6, 2027, in the Olivier Theatre.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Hiran Abeysekera, known for his role as Hamlet at the National Theatre, will take on the lead role of Mowgli. The adaptation is written by Indian playwright Anupama Chandrasekhar, who previously delivered a hit with 'The Father and the Assassin'. She reunites with director Indhu Rubasingham, the National Theatre's boss, for this project.
Reimagined Setting and Approach
This stage version relocates the action from central India to the Sundarbans mangrove swamps of the Ganges Delta, spanning India and Bangladesh. Chandrasekhar is expected to critically engage with the imperialist undertones of Kipling's original stories while maintaining a playful tone, as seen in her earlier work. The production will feature large-scale animal puppets by Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, along with mangrove forest sets by Rajha Shakiry, aiming for a spectacular visual experience.
Target Audience and Ticket Information
Aimed at families with children aged seven and above, the show offers a fresh take on the beloved tale, diverging from Disney's famous adaptations. Tickets will go on sale at noon on March 26, 2026, providing an opportunity for audiences to secure seats for this anticipated holiday performance.
This announcement highlights the National Theatre's commitment to innovative storytelling and cultural diversity, bringing a timeless story to life with contemporary relevance and artistic flair.
