Lorna Irvine is disappointed by the latest Christmas show at Citizens.
This version of Kipling's The Jungle Book, adapted by Stuart Paterson, is a bit of a misfire. In spite of a visually ravishing set design by Takis, featuring hundreds of streamers which glow with UV lights and flickering 'fire', it's style over content all the way. A heavy-handed and dark narrative pervades, traumatising some of the younger children with some overacting by a few in the ensemble- too much bellowing, not enough subtlety.
Snake lady Kaa (Elexi Walker) is also a little inappropriate for a family show despite a good performance: her skimpy PVC costume and sexualised gyrations would not seem out of place in a Katy Perry video...although she is feisty, and the scene where she slinks out into the audience to find a 'victim' to eat is great fun.
All in all Paterson has created a confused tone, unsure of pitching either pantomime or post-modern play with too much thrown at the production and giving it little room to breathe. Erstwhile singing partner of Julian Clary and Fringe favourite Barb Jungr's songs, with music by BB Cooper, are fine and catchy with elements of Stomp!, but the lyrics often indecipherable.
Leads Mowgli (Jake Davis) and Baloo (Obioma Ugoala) are okay, particularly when riffing as part of a double act, but are far outclassed by the blinged-up Shere Khan (Lanre Malaolu), who oozes an evil, cunning charisma and is impossible to take your eyes off. His B-Boy dance off with Jorell Coiffic-Kamall's Bagheera, as well as the mischievous monkey chorus and stunning puppetry by Justin Wilson, bring much-needed class.
Runs at Citizens Theatre in Glasgow until January 5th.
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