THE JUNGLE BOOK

This latest offering from LCT proved, yet again, that this group produce some of the most innovative children's drama not only in Leeds, but much further afield.

Whenever you think of The Jungle Book, immediately the Disney animated film comes to mind - well, you can forget that version for the time being - this Jungle Book, adapted from the Rudyard Kipling story, has been carefully adapted by one Joseph Robinette - and it is a joy!

He has delved into the young life of Rudyard, travelling from Bombay to an English boarding schiool where a culture shock greets him and so, he immerses himself into his own 'jungle' and creates characters reflecting his own feelings. This excellent play was skilfully directed by Janine Walker, a regular director for LCT, with very impressive characterisations and good movement around the stage, Young Kipling was played by Daisy Fowler, who made the young writer come to life - I, for one can only remember photographs of the older Rudyard - this gave a new dimension. Through Kipling's memory, we are transported to the jungle in India, and all the animals living there. 

The young Mowgli, played endearingly by Runa Lewis, is lost in the jungle and is 'adopted' by a wolf pack - I loved the touch of all the animals speaking English and at first, Mowgli speaking Hindi - until he learnt the Wolves language!  As always, LCT include adults in the company and Dom Egan played Akela, the father of the wolf pack (he also doubled as Headmaster Price) - here was an experienced actor whose character was both scary and kind - Mother Wolf, sensitively played by Ophelia Routledge and their two wolf cubs, Amelie Knight and Arielle Hamlet (very sweet!) look after Mowgli as their own. The chidren in the audience were delighted when Baloo the bear entered - Michael Tattersall was so endearing (also doubling up as Crofts, a schoolmaster at Kipling's boarding school). - Bagheera the Panther was played by Glen Routledge with his usual first-class interpretation. He was also the vicar at Kipling's school, showing him great kindness. The villain of the piece was Shere Khan the Tiger - this was most amazing puppet I have seen - really scary!  Ollie Grinham produced a good vocalisation for his character (he was also the bully, Fielding, to Kipling). Lucy Smith was a brilliant tiger puppeteer - a pretty exhausting task!  Another amazing puppet was Tabaqui the Hyena - this one operated by Jasper Midgley (also doubling as the other bully, Hanley).

In the story, the years pass; Mowgli has grown up into a teenager, now played with great  assurance by Charlotte Routledge - Shere Khan is determined to abduct Mowgli and so, Baloo persuades Kaa the Snake to help keep Mowgli safe - another exquisite puppet, performed by Penny Gellard  (I loved the 'hissing' speech!)  Mowgli has to get away to find his roots and comes upon two native women Massua (Penny Gellard) and Dari (Lea Nnando) - Mowgli realises that Massua is his mother. Mowgli takes the red flower, (man's red fire') so he can face Shere Khan and promises his mother he will return. As if the puppets couldn't get more impressive, along comes Hathi the Elephant (Diane McHale-Fannon) with puppeteers Emily Hart and Daisy Fowler (they were also the Bee puppeteers!) - all trying to keep Shere Khan from Mowgli. Also helping was Raan the Kite (Sam Hill). This was such an impressive play, with the addition of Indian music, settng the scenes beautifully.

The ensemble of Monkeys and Wolves were so good - plenty of energy and excellent characters; Elan Browne, Amelie Knight, Arielle Hamlet, Emily Crayford, Emily Hart, Jacob Simmonds, Lea Nnando, Mabli Firswood, Noah Oliver, Olivia Mincher, Phoebe Grinham,. Rory Howe, Runa Lewis, Sam Hall and Willow Hart.

And so to the Creative Team - may I say a most dedicated group of people!  Director, Janine Walker (excellent!);  Stage manager, Dan Dainter; Assistant Stage Manager, Mark Smith;  Set Design, Gary Loughrey and Mark Smith (impressive!);  Lighting Design, Peter Waddicor;  Sound and AV Design, Janine Walker, Thomas Smith and Dan Dainter;  Master Puppeteer. Mandi Rugg (hugh congratulations!);  Costumes, Jane Curtin and Sarah Midgley;  Choreography, Janine Walker.

Behind the scenes - without whom the show could not go on!  Sound and AV Operators, Maisie Hinchliffe and Chris Beardwell;  Stage Crew, Friends of LCT;  Set Painting and Construction, Mark, Smith, Gary Loughrey and Dan Turton.  Puppets created by Mandi Rugg, Mark Smith and Gary Loughrey;  Costumes,Jane Curtin and Sarah Midgley;  Hair and Makeup, Michelle Petrow, Mandim Rugg and Friends of LCT (most impressive!);  Publicity Design, Janine Walker, Thomas Smith and Dan Dainter;  Marketing, Manda Lister and Team;  Front of House, Members and Friends of LCT;  Chaperones, Christine Greaves, Hayley Smith, Alice Crayford, Edd Grinham and Helen Shippin.

And finally.....Once again, full marks to Team LCT!   Another fabulous play, every aspect brilliantly presented. 

I have so enjoyed being your NODA Representative and I will continue to watch your progress through this, your 90th year and in all the years to come. 

Congratulations to you all - Rudyard Kipling would have been proud to have been in the audience!                                               

 

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