The National Theatre has announced full casting for The Jungle Book, a new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved family tale by Anupama Chandrasekhar.
Directed by Indhu Rubasingham, the world premiere will open in the Olivier Theatre from 13 November 2026 to 6 February 2027, with a press night on 30 November 2026.
Olivier Award winner Hiran Abeysekera will lead the production as Mowgli in a reimagining of the classic story that brings together a large company of performers, original music and innovative puppetry from Lume, the creative partnership of Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell.
Joining Abeysekera in the cast are Parkey Abeyratne, Azan Ahmed, Sebastian Charles, Sarah Amankwah, Laura Cubitt, Kazeem Tosin Amore, Antony Antunes, Ankur Bahl, Eryck Brahmania, Darcy Braimoh, Lucca Chadwick-Patel, Fred Davis, Ali Goldsmith, Ayesha Dharker, Valentine Hanson, Romina Hytten, Sasha Jagsi, Tony Jayawardena, Rebecca Killick, Sarah Mardel, Avye Leventis, Michael Jean-Marain, Kel Matsena, Sifiso Mazibuko, Jordan Metcalfe, Shaun Yusuf McKee, Sharita Oomeer, Mahesh Parmar and Gavin L Vincent.
Speaking about the production, director Indhu Rubasingham said: “The Jungle Book is the first film I have a memory of going to see in the cinema, I remember being petrified when Shere Khan appeared on screen and hiding under the cinema seat. Anupama’s new version for the stage will enchant a new generation, whilst surprising those who feel that they know it well. This truly feels like a global endeavour – we’re drawing on the rich storytelling culture inherent in India, a large cast of 30 extraordinary performers, a cinematic orchestral score by one of Spain’s leading composers and the best of this country’s puppetry teams bringing these beloved characters to life.”
The creative team includes set and costume designer Rajha Shakiry, puppetry designers Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, composer Fernando Velázquez, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, video designer Ash J Woodward and sound designer Benjamin Grant.
Set in the mangroves of the Sundarbans, the story follows Mowgli as he navigates a world filled with danger while striving to protect his family, his friends and the only home he has ever known. Along the way, he must discover who he really is and where he belongs.
The production is part of a new studio programme supported by the CHANEL Culture Fund, which champions creativity and global storytelling through international artist residencies at the National Theatre Studio.
The Jungle Book is also supported by the Bagri Foundation and Kusuma Trust, both of which have praised the adaptation’s celebration of Indian storytelling and its fresh perspective on the much-loved tale.
Recommended for ages 7+, The Jungle Book runs in the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre from 13 November 2026 until 6 February 2027.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
