THE JUNGLE BOOK COMES TO LIFE AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE IN A SPECTACULAR NEW ADAPTATION

Olivier Award-winning actor Hiran Abeysekera leads an extraordinary cast in a new production featuring innovative puppetry, an orchestral score and a fresh reimagining of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved tale.

Photo Credit: The Jungle Book Illustration by Chervelle Fryer

The National Theatre has announced the full cast for its highly anticipated new adaptation of The Jungle Book, bringing Rudyard Kipling’s timeless family adventure to the Olivier stage this autumn. Directed by Indhu Rubasingham and adapted by acclaimed playwright Anupama Chandrasekhar, the world premiere promises to transport audiences into a vibrant world of wolves, tigers and extraordinary creatures, brought to life through innovative puppetry, theatrical storytelling and a sweeping orchestral score.

Running from 13 November 2026 to 6 February 2027, the production stars Olivier Award-winning actor Hiran Abeysekera as Mowgli, the young boy raised in the jungle who must navigate the dangers of the wild while discovering his true identity and where he belongs. Best known for his celebrated performance in the stage adaptation of Life of Pi, Abeysekera returns to the National Theatre in another ambitious production that places storytelling and puppetry at its heart.

The production draws inspiration from India's rich storytelling traditions, bringing a distinctive cultural perspective to one of literature's most recognisable stories.

Speaking about the upcoming world premiere, director Indhu Rubasingham recalled her own childhood memories of the story:

“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.”

Rubasingham also highlighted the international collaboration behind the production, which brings together a cast of 30 performers, an orchestral score by Spanish composer Fernando Velázquez and some of Britain's leading puppetry talent.

Joining Hiran Abeysekera as Mowgli is an extensive ensemble of performers bringing the jungle's much-loved characters to life. The cast includes Ayesha Dharker as Raksha and Messua, Kel Matsena as Shere Khan, Sifiso Mazibuko as Akela, Tony Jayawardena as Moti and Ankur Bahl as Kaa and Bijoy. Sarah Amankwah and Laura Cubbit will rotate the roles of Bagheera and Bagheera Hind, while Azan Ahmed and Sebastian Charles will rotate the roles of Baloo and Baloo Head.

Also appearing are Parkey Abeyratne, Kazeem Tosin Amore, Antony Antunes, Eryck Brahmania, Darcy Braimoh, Lucca Chadwick-Patel, Fred Davis, Ali Goldsmith, Valentine Hanson, Romina Hytten, Sasha Jagsi, Rebecca Killick, Sarah Mardel, Avye Leventis, Michael Jean-Marain, Jordan Metcalfe, Shaun Yusuf McKee, Sharita Oomeer, Mahesh Parmar and Gavin L Vincent.

The new adaptation also forms part of the National Theatre's wider commitment to championing international artists and bringing diverse storytelling traditions to its stages. Playwright Anupama Chandrasekhar is part of a new studio programme supported by the CHANEL Culture Fund, which provides international artists with the time, space and resources to develop ambitious new work.The production is also supported by the Bagri Foundation, which champions artistic and cultural exchange between Asia and the wider world.

Dr Alka Bagri, Trustee of the Foundation, welcomed the production's fresh approach to the classic story, highlighting its celebration of Asian storytelling and its ambition to introduce audiences to a new interpretation of a much-loved tale.

With its combination of world-class performers, imaginative puppetry and a fresh take on a literary classic, The Jungle Book is set to become a major addition to London's winter theatre season.

For families looking for a theatrical adventure this Christmas, the National Theatre's new production offers an opportunity to rediscover the magic of Mowgli's world and experience the jungle as never before.

The Jungle Book runs at the National Theatre's Olivier Theatre from 13 November 2026 to 6 February 2027.

Tickets are on sale now via the National Theatre.