National Theatre unveils first look at new Jungle Book, with puppets and a free stream in 2027

The National Theatre has released a first look at its new stage version of The Jungle Book, with a cast of 32 performers working 57 puppets. Previews begin on 13 November, and the production runs in the Olivier Theatre on the South Bank in London until 6 February 2027, according to WhatsOnStage.

The adaptation is by Anupama Chandrasekhar, working from Rudyard Kipling's stories, and it is directed by Indhu Rubasingham. This version is set in the mangroves of the Sundarbans, the tidal forest region that spans India and Bangladesh. Hiran Abeysekera plays Mowgli, the boy raised by wolves who is at the centre of the tale.

The animals are built and moved by puppet makers Lume, the company made up of Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell. The puppets include Baloo the bear, the panther Bagheera and the tiger Shere Khan. The first-look video is narrated by conservationist and TV presenter Matt Baker.

Anyone who cannot get to London can still see the show. The National Theatre says it will be streamed free worldwide in March 2027 through its National Theatre at Home programme, on the Take Your Seats channel on YouTube. The stream will have captions in English, Arabic, Hindi, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish and Tamil.

The timing gives both groups a clear plan. Theatregoers who want to see the puppets live have until early February to book, and those who prefer the sofa can wait for the March stream. Families, schools and teachers outside the capital now have a fixed date to plan around.

Previews are the first performances before a press night, when a production has an audience but its reviews have not yet been published. The show will change a little during this stage, as shows usually do before they settle. The National Theatre has not announced a press night date.

Ticket prices and the full list of performance dates are available on the National Theatre's website.