Reviewed by Catherine Brown
Metta Theatre’s Jungle Book is a fantastic, entertaining show containing elements of the book, cartoon or film you may be familiar with, but with a modern hip-hop, dance-theatre twist. It is currently showing in The Patrick Centre at Birmingham Hippodrome before continuing a UK tour.
The story begins with Baloo (Stefano Addae), the beat-loving bin man bear, who introduces us to the key characters. Shere Khan (Kaner Scott), the tiger, is portrayed as a gangster rapping thief trying to capture Mowgli (Alfa Marks), a young girl who has become separated from her mother. The skateboarding wolf crew, led by Akela and Raksha, promise to bring Mowgli up with the help of Bagheera (Kloe Dean), the graffiti artist panther, and Baloo.
Years later, Mowgli is kidnapped by a gang of lawless monkeys so Baloo and Bagheera have to call on the help of the snake Kaa (Nathalie Alison). She uses her hypnotic acrobatics to distract the monkeys while Mowgli is rescued. Mowgli’s return to the city gives her the idea to use flames from a barbecue to defeat Shere Khan. She is reunited with her mother but struggles to fit in with a city where everyone is in a rush and has no time for each other.
I really appreciated the way the costumes hinted at the traditional characters e.g. gangster Shere Khan wears a cap with the initials SK and the wolves have strips of fur across the back of their shirts. The staging and props were minimal, but well thought out, such as the pole of the lamp post being used by Kaa and the clothes rail swung on by Mowgli.
All of the dancers were extremely talented and the acrobatics, which seemed so effortless, were mesmerising. The story is accessible to an audience familiar with the traditional narrative or just those who want to appreciate gifted dancers. I enjoyed the alternative presentation of the story and will be watching out for more shows by Metta theatre. For creating something so impressive and unique I give the performance a 5 out of 5 rating.
Birmingham Hippodrome is in the city centre and is easily accessible by train or car. The staff were very welcoming and polite and we were able to purchase snacks and drinks from the foyer. There were plenty of clean toilets which avoided the chance of large queues.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost £18 (booking fees may apply).
Jungle Book is at the Birmingham Hippodrome from 19-22 July 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com or call the box office on 0844 338 5000.
Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB | 0844 338 5000
