Returning for the first time since its critically acclaimed premier in 2017 and updated for a brand new cast of multi-talented performers, HighRise present The Jungle Book like you’ve never imagined.
Described as ‘swapping bare necessities for harsh realities’ by the New York Times, The Concrete Junglebook is an explosive and energetic hip hop musical which catapults Rudyard Kipling’s classic story into inner-city Britain, with live rap music, grime, reggae, spoken word and big personality.
As the jungle’s trees become tower blocks, Mo(wgli) navigates her way through relationships, unstable housing conditions and hostile creatures, trying to find the parental figures she has always longed for.
Playing a limited run in the newly configured and socially distanced Main Space at Pleasance, London before a National Tour in 2022, audiences are promised a high energy celebration of the return to live theatre and events.
The Concrete Junglebook will be the first live performance by HighRise’s Associate Young Company, NewGens, boasting an incredible line up of creatives, including musical direction by UK number 1music producer Kwame ‘KZ The Producer’ Kwei Armah JR, known for his work with Nines, Mahalia, Wretch 32- and most recently the iconic back to school Asda (UK Drill) commercial.
The cast are Nicky Rose Roshini, Joseph RA Lindsay, Lesley Rietta Cobbina, Michael Mbozo, Jack Boal, LaurynLouise, Ché Gordon and Che Campbell.
HighRise are an innovative theatre collective, using musical influences from the streets to represent forgotten communities and create thought provoking content and conversation. The company work to heighten marginalised voices and future new talent. 2020 saw the launch of HighRise’s brand new associate young company, NewGens, a unique and dynamic training ground for ground for talented young artists aged 16-26.Throughout lockdown, NewGens have been working together online, and creating short films, looking at questions of identity, politics and challenging the status quo. The Concrete Junglebook is the first live production from HighRise since 2019.
The Concrete Junglebook is at The Pleasance 29th September to 2nd October 2021. Tickets are on sale here
