The Jungle Book

Playlovers presents this ensemble production, with a cast of kids, teens and young adults in the borrowed 'Camelot Theatre’, to satisfied audiences.

A darkish interpretation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic story, the set included a multi-level tree to house a family of Kites, a convincing and practical wolf den, and some top-notch projected backdrops, designed by director Sarah Christiner. One section included some excellent original animation by the director and Blake Jenkins. 

Jamie Buttery played his first leading role, making a picture-perfect Mowgli, showing integrity and a lovely centredness as he portrayed Mowgli’s coming of age. Mowgli was portrayed as a younger child, by lovely seven-year-old William Thomas - a good physical match to his older counterpart.

Admirable teamwork from older cast-members Josh Harris and David Heder as Mowgli’s mentors Baloo and Bagheera, while Caelan Steedman seemed to relish his role as villain Shere Khan, the tiger. Connor Carlyle brought edgy energy to jackal Tabaqui.

A stand-out was puppeteer and actor Charlie Young, who was mesmerising as snake Kaa. I also really enjoyed Madigan Gordon’s cameo appearance as Messua, Mowgli’s mother, performed entirely in Hindi.

The wolves were a united team led by Wyatt Gordon (Akela), Sam Buston (Tha) and Caitlyn Hughes (Raksha) forming a convincing “pack”. Jacob Clayton as ‘brother’ Feraro, added a bright spot to Act II.

A lively group of monkeys completed the cast.

At times, some of the young voices were difficult to hear (especially in this venue with less than ideal acoustics) and line pick ups could have been faster, but there was a lovely sense of camaraderie and an obvious love of story-telling.

Despite some hiccups on the night I attended, including a delayed start and a fire alarm interrupting the show just as it was about to start, the cast rallied and performed with gusto. A lovely show-case of developing talent.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Blake Hughes