SET in the grounds of the Everett family home, director Meri Mackney’s good-looking production of Stuart Paterson’s adaptation of Kipling’s Indian jungle tales is truer to the original than Disney’s version.
Akela, a wolf, takes a baby abducted by monkeys home to his wife, Raksha.
They name him Mowgli and raise him.
With guidance from black panther Bagheera and Baloo the bear, the grown Mowlgli learns how to survive the stalking by tiger Shere Khan and jackal Tabaqui.
The monkeys and python Kaa (Ruth Kibble) enliven the leisurely proceedings but, once re-united with mother Messua, the pace quickens as Mowgli slays Shere Khan and banishes the braggart Buldeo to become king of the jungle.
The monkeyhouse and head-dresses were impressive features.
ALAN JOHNS
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