There’s a new friend or foe to discover behind every tree in this jungle adventure for all ages. Read more …
Saved from the jaws of Shere Khan the tiger, Mowgli is to be raised by a family of wolves. To survive, he must learn the Laws of the Jungle from Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther. A brave little man cub grows into a confident and care-free young boy. But danger is never far away and Shere Khan is hungry for revenge. As Mowgli faces each peril and pitfall, he must decide whether he belongs in the world of men or with the animal kingdom.
What we are left with is a show which feels dated and largely irrelevant to a Glasgow audience, especially one hoping for the usual fare of Christmas at the Citz.
This Jungle Book is a tense moral parable, drawing on b-boy physicality and serious songs.
This is an interesting re-imagining of Kipling’s classic by Nikolai Foster that may have been more appropriate at another time of year.
Whether it’s Baloo playing the clarinet, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall’s rapping panther Bagheera or a mini-orchestra of sprightly frogs, the excellent live music epitomises a stylish and accomplished Christmas show.
It picks up after the interval. The choreography is pacy. It looks great. But looks aren't everything.
It’s a good, fast-moving flat pack children’s show that could be rolled out on any stage in the UK, at any time of year, with equal success and if that’s what you fancy for Christmas, then it’s an excellent, reliable choice.
This sense of balance, between danger and fun, is replicated throughout the piece.
Preview: Jungle Book, Citizens Theatre, Glasgow--interview with adapter Stuart Paterson
Kipling stories made into rumble in urban jungle
Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow from Saturday November 30, 2013, until Sunday January 5, 2014. More info: www.citz.co.uk
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