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Hiran Abeysekera Will Star in National's New Staging of The Jungle Book
Indhu Rubasingham will direct Anupama Chandrasekhar’s adaptation of the Rudyard Kipling novel.
March 16, 2026 By Andrew Gans
Hiran Abeysekera, who starred in the title role of Life of Pi and will be seen in the London transfer of Hamlet next month at BAM, will head the cast of the National Theatre's new staging of The Jungle Book in the fall.
Indhu Rubasingham will direct Anupama Chandrasekhar’s (The Father and the Assassin) new play, an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved family tale. The production, featuring innovative puppetry by Lume (Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell), will begin on the Olivier stage November 13, 2026, and continue through February 6, 2027. Opening night is set for November 24.
Joining Abeysekera as Mowgli will be Sarah Amankwah, Darcy Braimoh, Sebastian Charles, Laura Cubitt, Fred Davis, Ayesha Dharker, Ali Goldsmith, Romina Hytten, Tony Jayawardena, Avye Leventis, Kel Matsena, Sifiso Mazibuko, and Jordan Metcalfe. Additional casting will be announced at a later time.
The Jungle Book is set in the mangroves of the Sundarbans, where wolves howl, birds soar, and tigers roar. At the heart of this wild and vibrant kingdom, Mowgli is growing up, but threats lie hidden beneath every rock. To protect his family and friends, this young hero must first discover who he really is and where he truly belongs.
Director Rubasingham says in a statement, "It’s wonderful to be reuniting with Anupama for her new play as she reframes Kipling’s beloved tale. Setting it in the mangroves of the Sundarbans region of India gifts us such a rich environment to turn the Olivier theatre in a real theatrical event with extraordinary puppetry and performances at its heart. The Jungle Book is a beautiful and adventurous story about family, identity, and belonging; I can’t wait for audiences to experience this thrilling new play."
The creative team also includes set and costume designer Rajha Shakiry, movement director Finn Caldwell, composer Fernando Velázquez, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, sound designer Benjamin Grant, casting directors Bryony Jarvis-Taylor and Martin Poile, voice coach Cathleen McCarron, associate director John Young, associate puppetry director Scarlet Wilderink, associate puppet designer Caroline Bowman, and associate set designer Ruth Hall.
The production is recommended for ages seven and older. Tickets will go on sale to the general public March 26.
Visit NationalTheatre.org.uk.
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