The Jungle Book

Everybody knows the story of The Jungle Book, whether it be by reading Rudyard Kipling's collection of stories or the Disney film of the same name.

The story itself shows us the best and worst of human nature in animal form, and revolves around Mowgli, the man-cub raised by wolves and his adventures with the friends and foes he meets along the way to learning the Law of the Jungle.

Mary Patrick played the role of Mowgli. Mary grew in confidence as the show progressed, coming into her own once her "Who I am" was out of the way, relaxing into the role. Throughout the show Mary reacted to all that was happening around her and was totally focussed throughout.

As Bagheera, Hayley Dent took on the role with relish, moving cat-like and with purpose, the role of Mowgli's (and Baloo's) guardian was safe in Hayley's experienced hands.

Baloo, the rather hapless bear, who enjoyed spending time at a certain watering hole, was confidently played by Chris Barker. The audience loved Baloo, and on occasion, when Chris interacted with the audience, they reacted in kind.

As Shere Khan, Will Patrick was imposing, and to the children in the audience a terrifying, threatening nasty piece of work- diction perfect throughout, you could tell Will really enjoyed this role and played it with almost pantomime fervour.

The roles of Akela and Kaa were played well by Corrine Dyer and Rebecca Reid, as were all the other roles too numerous to mention.

The wolves played all of the facets of wolf pack - respect for authority, obedience and knowing their place within the Jungle Law - expressions and poses gave each wolf its own personality - even to the one constantly scratching them.

Last, but not least, in the group were the Funkies - the mischievous troop of Monkeys whose high jinks and japery had the children in stitches… Their game of choice the night I attended was "Soak the NODA Rep".

I think that many of the audience, (myself included) would have assumed this was the Disney version (that will teach me to read the poster properly in future) as, to most of us, that is the definitive version. This version takes you through more or less the same story, but with different songs, though I must admit, the songs are rather reminiscent of the Disney version.

I couldn't work out whether the audience participation parts were added by the cast, or written in - the audience enjoyed it, and you got the feeling that if the company had gone "all out panto" with it, the audience would definitely have been swept along.

With ropes, foliage and a couple of separate levels to work around, the staging was simple and effective with lighting to suit. On the night I went, there were one or two gremlins with the sound that made one or two of the songs hard to understand.

With such a wide range of ages and experience, Caroline Barker as Choreographer, kept the movement effective throughout, and within everyone's capabilities.

Graham Barker's Artistic and Musical Direction were once again on point - his enthusiasm for this group is there to see, and you can tell that Graham has put as much work into the least experienced performers as he had with the stalwarts of the group. Have heard through the Jungle Drums what their next production is - looking forward to seeing that.

Thank you CAST, for your hospitality and invitation.

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