The Jungle Book – Octagon Theatre

When Walt Disney was contemplating adapting Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’ stories, he gave his writing staff a copy with the instruction ‘The first thing to do is NOT to read it’. The resultant movie, released in 1968, bore only a passing resemblance to the source material, but still became one of the best love films in the Disney canon. For this adaptation, writer Andrew Pollard has stuck closer to the source material and whilst the result is an engaging retelling of the tale with some excellent, original songs, it still sits in the shadow of its more famous celluloid cousin.

Mowgli (Kiara Nicole Piliai) and his adventures as an abandoned baby growing up in the Indian jungle in the company of wolves, bears and panthers, pursued by the menacing Shere Khan (Rachel Marwood), is a fantastical tale that has delighted successive generations of children since its first publication in 1894. In keeping with its place as this year’s festive offering from the Octagon, Pollard has adapted this into a semi pantomime which whilst sticking to the story, employing all the familiar tropes of that theatrical style.

Baloo (Charlie Ryan) acts as cheerleader in this regard, exhorting the audience to participate as the ‘wolf pack’ whilst adding scatalogical jokes into the text throughout the evening. In truth these didn’t really land with an older press night audience but I feel his warmth and humour as an actor will develop a rapport with the younger audiences this show is aimed at, hopefully developing as the six week run progresses. Ashley D Gayle convinced as Bagheera, the moody panthers sensible advice contrasting well with Baloo’s daft antics and providing the moral core to the tale, whilst Marwood chewed the scenery deliciously as Shere Khan, playing the tiger with all the relish of a pantomime evil stepmother, before her disappointing off stage demise.

Given that this production is the flagship Christmas show, I was slightly underwhelmed by the staging and effects used. With the exception of a beautiful jungle ceiling in the auditorium, only a few desultory rocks and half-hearted vines were employed. Similarly only the snake costume of Kaa (Harvey Mann- Neary) drew admiration, taking a Hindu goddess as its inspiration to create a fantastical scene where Mowgli is hypnotised. However, Director Sarah Punshon managed to add humour and fun into the story in some original ways. The Bander-log monkeys gave the opportunity for the cast of six to display physical humour and outrageous Brummie accents, whilst the conclusion paid beautiful homage to the Indian roots of Kipling’s source material.

Composer Ziad Jabero has peppered the story with some excellent songs, the lyrics of which rewarded close scrutiny and were catchy and encouraged audience participation. The main issue is that the songs and characters from the 1968 film version are so firmly lodged in the public consciousness that it is difficult not to feel dissatisfied when they are not included. Disney retains the rights to this property tighter than a farmer holds onto his inheritance, and this was more of an issue for the older audience members than the under 10 contingent, who were clearly delighted with the songs and choreography, having no jaded point of comparison. However, for this reviewer, not seeing King Louie, Colonel Hathi and the Vultures, or hearing ‘Bear Necessities’ and ‘Trust in Me’ replaced by ‘Man Cub’ and ‘Hiss’ felt a bit like watching Hamlet without the Prince.

For families looking for festive entertainment that will delight and entertain the younger members this is perfect festive fare. Just don’t expect the Disney version and you won’t be disappointed with this adaptation.

Reviewer: Paul Wilcox

Reviewed: 26th November 2024

North West End UK Rating: