The National Theatre knows how to pull out all the stops for its big Christmas show, and this year’s should be extra special. It’s a lavish new stage version of – not a version of the Disney film, but one that sees playwright relocate the action to the mangrove swamps of eastern India, and turn direct to Rudyard Kipling’s original collection of short stories – many of which were untouched by the classic cartoon film – for her new stage version, which will be directed by National Theatre boss Indhu Rubasingham.

The lead role of Mowgli the Man-Cub will be taken on by National Theatre regular Hiran Abeysekera (last seen playing Hamlet a couple of years back). But what of jungle-bound orphan Mowgli’s prodigious array of animal friends and foes?

They will, naturally, be portrayed by spectacular puppets – designed and directed by Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell – and we’ve got your first look at them. First the above image, which shows Abeysekera’s Mowgli surrounded by practically the whole gang.

And second, feast your eyes on an exclusive first look at this backstage video, voiced by Matt Baker and filmed right before the show’s first preview. 

If that looks good then good news: you can see the real thing – The Jungle Book is in previews now, opens on November 30, and is with us well into the new year.

The Jungle Book is at the National Theatre, Olivier, now until Feb 6 2027. Buy tickets here.

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