Full casting has been revealed for The Jungle Book at the National Theatre, a new stage adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale directed by Indhu Rubasingham. The production begins performances on 13 November 2026.
The Jungle Book follows Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera, and Shere Khan on an unforgettable adventure, and this adaptation of the story will feature mesmerising puppetry by Finn Caldwell and Nick Barnes, transporting audiences to the lush and vibrant world of the jungle. Danger stalks the shadows, and to protect his family, his friends and the only home he’s ever known, this young hero must discover who he really is and where he truly belongs.
Written by Anupama Chandrasekhar, the acclaimed playwright behind The Father and the Assassin, this world premiere brings together a company of 30 performers, a cinematic orchestral score and some of the country’s leading puppetry talent.
Previously announced cast members include Olivier Award-winning actor Hiran Abeysekera (Hamlet, Life of Pi) as Mowgli, who 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.
View live availability for The Jungle Book here
The cast of the upcoming production will comprise of:
- Hiran Abeysekera as Mowgli
- Parkey Abeyratne as Raksha Head
- Azan Ahmed and Sebastian Charles rotating as Baloo & Baloo Head
- Sarah Amankwah and Laura Cubbit rotating as Bagheera & Bagheera Hind
- Kazeem Tosin Amore as Shere Khan Head
- Antony Antunes as Onstage Swing
- Ankur Bahl as Kaa & Bijoy
- Eryck Brahmania as Devan Head
- Darcy Braimoh as Shere Khan Hind
- Lucca Chadwick-Patel as A & Chottu
- Fred Davis and Ali Goldsmith rotating as Moti Head & Wild Pig
- Ayesha Dharker as Raksha & Messua
- Valentine Hanson as Mahout
- Romina Hytten as Onstage Swing & Puppetry Captain
- Sasha Jagsi as Neela
- Tony Jayawardena as Moti
- Rebecca Killick and Sarah Mardel rotating as Bagheera Heart & Wild Fowl
- Avye Leventis as B & Tabaqui
- Michael Jean-Marain as Onstage Swing
- Kel Matsena as Shere Khan
- Sifiso Mazibuko as Akela
- Jordan Metcalfe as Cat
- Shaun Yusuf McKee as Devan
- Sharita Oomeer as Stork
- Mahesh Parmar as C & Sonu
- Gavin L Vincent as Akela Head
Director Indhu Rubasingham is joined by set and costume designer Rajha Shakiry, puppetry designers Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell of Lume, movement director Finn Caldwell, composer Fernando Velázquez, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, video designer Ash J Woodward and sound designer Benjamin Grant.
Speaking about the production, Rubasingham said The Jungle Book was the first film she remembered seeing at the cinema, recalling how she hid from Shere Khan on screen. She described the new production as a global endeavour, drawing on India’s storytelling traditions, a cast of 30 performers, a score from one of Spain’s leading composers, and the country’s puppetry expertise.
Plan your visit to The Jungle Book
- Theatre: Olivier Theatre
- Booking dates: 13 November 2026 – 6 February 2027
- Press night: 30 November 2026
- Recommended age: 7+
Assisted performances include captioned shows on 15 December and 20 January, a BSL interpreted performance on 23 January, audio described performances on 19 December, 8 January and 30 January, and a relaxed performance on 16 January.
National Theatre - Olivier Theatre, London
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