Olivier Winner Hiran Abeysekera to Headline National Theatre's 'The Jungle Book' Adaptation
In a major theatrical announcement, Olivier Award-winning actor Hiran Abeysekera has been confirmed to play the iconic role of Mowgli in a new stage adaptation of 'The Jungle Book' at London's prestigious National Theatre. The production, reported by Variety, brings together a distinguished creative team with the script penned by acclaimed playwright Anupama Chandrasekhar and direction by National Theatre director and co-chief executive Indhu Rubasingham.
Star-Studded Ensemble and Creative Vision
Abeysekera, who secured the Best Actor Olivier Award in 2022 for his performance in 'Life of Pi', leads an impressive ensemble cast that includes:
- Sarah Amankwah
- Darcy Braimoh
- Sebastian Charles
- Laura Cubitt
- Fred Davis
- Ayesha Dharker
- Romina Hytten
- Tony Jayawardena
- Avye Leventis
- Kel Matsena
- Sifiso Mazibuko
Additional casting announcements are anticipated as the production develops. The adaptation features innovative puppetry crafted by Lume's Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, with some elements showcased at a high-profile event last week hosted by the National Theatre and the High Commission of India. This gathering was attended by key cast members including Abeysekera and Dharker, alongside Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Reimagining a Classic in the Sundarbans
Chandrasekhar's adaptation boldly relocates Rudyard Kipling's classic tale from its traditional setting to the lush, mysterious mangroves of the Sundarbans region in India. In this reimagined world, Mowgli navigates not only physical dangers but also profound questions of identity within a teeming jungle inhabited by wolves, birds, and tigers.
Indhu Rubasingham expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating: "It's wonderful to be reuniting with Anupama for her new play as she reframes Kipling's beloved tale. Setting it in the mangroves of the Sundarbans region of India gifts us such a rich environment to turn the Olivier theatre into a real theatrical event with extraordinary puppetry and performances at its heart."
Comprehensive Creative Team and Support
The production boasts a formidable creative team that includes:
- Set and costume designer Rajha Shakiry
- Composer Fernando Velazquez
- Lighting designer Oliver Fenwick
- Sound designer Benjamin Grant
- Casting directors Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG and Martin Poile CDG
- Associate director John Young
- Associate puppetry director Scarlet Wilderink
- Associate set designer Ruth Hall
Finn Caldwell also serves as the movement director, ensuring cohesive physical storytelling. Chandrasekhar's involvement is supported by the Chanel Culture Fund, which sponsors international artist residencies at the National Theatre Studio, while the production itself receives backing from the Bagri Foundation.
Performance Schedule and Anticipation
'The Jungle Book' is scheduled to run on the National Theatre's Olivier stage from November 13, 2026, to February 6, 2027. This adaptation promises to be a landmark theatrical event, blending cutting-edge puppetry, a diverse cast, and a fresh cultural perspective on a timeless story. Audiences can expect a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience that explores themes of belonging, survival, and identity in a rapidly changing world.
