UK Theatre Network

From the moment you enter Aylesbury Waterside Theatre this week, prepare to be drawn deep into the animal kingdom and to share the struggles for survival of Mowgli the man cub, in this dramatic stage adaptation by Stuart Paterson of Rudyard Kipling’s story Jungle Book. The Birmingham Stage Company bring to life this classic tale and prove once again that their reputation for high quality children’s productions is thoroughly deserved.

The show has all the essential ingredients to delight the younger element;wonderful costumes, jungle setting, music and movement, energetic performances and the ever popular audience participation. It is not just the masks, puppetry, costuming and voice work that makes every ‘animal’ so believable but also the work of Peter Elliot, top animal movement expert, who has clearly helped each actor to bring precise physicality to their role.

There is plenty on offer for all ages as we appreciate the morality tale of Mowgli, abandoned in the Indian Jungle, raised by wolves, hunted by the evil Tiger Shere Khan, befriended by the bear Baloo and the Panther Bagheera and ultimately finding it hard to be accepted by either beasts or mankind. This is a production that works on many levels. Samuel Hargreaves is truly enjoyable as Mowgli and he plays this role with great conviction. In fact all the cast throw themselves so convincingly into this original world that we find ourselves standing alongside them sharing their experiences.

All credit to Peter Sowerbutts evil Shere Khan, Laura Waggott as the sinuous Kha, Rob Hughes as Baloo with whom Mowgli shares a special relationship and a tender performance from Natasha Lewis as Mowglis two ‘mothers’ - both wolf and human.

The evening ends quite literally on a high note with the soaring finale song ‘Jungle Law’. What an entertaining finish to a powerful tale leaving a delighted audience to travel home with happy memories of a good night out.

LISTINGS Performances: Tue 08 – Sat 12 Nov Tue 7pm, Wed & Thu 10.30am & 1.30pm, Fri 10.30am & 7pm, Sat 2.30pm & 6pm Tickets: £11 - £15 Box Office: 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee) Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee)

Reviewed by: Shirley Moon and Harrison (10)