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Olivier Winner Hiran Abeysekera to Lead 'The Jungle Book' Stage Adaptation

Olivier Award-winning actor Hiran Abeysekera has been cast as Mowgli in a major new stage adaptation of 'The Jungle Book' at London's National Theatre. The production, written by Anupama Chandrasekhar and directed by Indhu Rubasingham, relocates Rudyard Kipling's classic story to the mangrove forests of India's Sundarbans region. It will feature extensive puppetry work and a large ensemble cast. The play is scheduled to run from November 2026 through February 2027 on the National Theatre's Olivier stage.

Key Points: Hiran Abeysekera Stars in New Jungle Book Stage Play

  • Olivier winner leads cast
  • Adaptation set in India's Sundarbans
  • Features elaborate puppetry
  • Supported by Chanel Culture Fund
  • Runs Nov 2026-Feb 2027
2 min read

Olivier Awardee Hiran Abeysekera to play Mowgli in The Jungle Book play at London's National Theatre

Olivier Award winner Hiran Abeysekera will play Mowgli in a new National Theatre adaptation of The Jungle Book, set in India's Sundarbans.

"It's wonderful to be reuniting with Anupama for her new play as she reframes Kipling's beloved tale. - Indhu Rubasingham"

Washington DC, March 16

Olivier Award winner Hiran Abeysekera will play Mowgli in a new stage adaptation of 'The Jungle Book' at London's National Theatre, reported Variety.

The script of the play is written by Anupama Chandrasekhar and is directed by Indhu Rubasingham.

Abeysekera, who won the best actor Olivier in 2022 for 'Life of Pi,' heads an ensemble that includes Sarah Amankwah, Darcy Braimoh, Sebastian Charles, Laura Cubitt, Fred Davis, Ayesha Dharker, Romina Hytten, Tony Jayawardena, Avye Leventis, Kel Matsena and Sifiso Mazibuko, reported Variety.

Further casting is yet to be announced.

The production features puppetry by Lume's Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, some of which was showcased at a high-profile National Theatre and High Commission of India event last week, attended by several of 'The Jungle Book' cast, including Abeysekera and Dharker, Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and former U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, reported Variety.

Chandrasekhar's adaptation relocates the Kipling classic to the mangroves of the Sundarbans region of India, where Mowgli navigates danger and questions of identity in a teeming jungle world of wolves, birds and tigers.

"It's wonderful to be reuniting with Anupama for her new play as she reframes Kipling's beloved tale," said National Theatre director and co-chief executive Rubasingham as quoted by Variety.

"Setting it in the mangroves of the Sundarbans region of India gifts us such a rich environment to turn the Olivier theatre into a real theatrical event with extraordinary puppetry and performances at its heart," added Rubasingham as quoted by the outlet.

The creative team includes set and costume designer Rajha Shakiry, composer Fernando Velazquez, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, sound designer Benjamin Grant, casting directors Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG and Martin Poile CDG, associate director John Young, associate puppetry director Scarlet Wilderink and associate set designer Ruth Hall. Caldwell also serves as movement director.

Chandrasekhar is participating in a studio program supported by the Chanel Culture Fund, which backs international artist residencies at the National Theatre Studio. The production itself is supported by the Bagri Foundation.

'The Jungle Book' will run on the National Theatre's Olivier stage from November 13, 2026, to February 6, 2027.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Hiran Abeysekera is an incredible actor, his performance in Life of Pi was stunning. Perfect choice for Mowgli. Also great to see Ayesha Dharker and Tony Jayawardena in the cast. This production looks world-class.
D
David E
Interesting to see Rishi Sunak attending the event. The cultural diplomacy angle is strong here. The Bagri Foundation's support is also noteworthy. Hope this leads to more such collaborations between Indian and UK arts institutions.
A
Ananya R
Setting it in the Sundarbans is genius! It's such a unique and ecologically vital part of India. I hope the play also subtly highlights the conservation challenges the region faces. The puppetry sounds amazing.
S
Sarah B
November 2026 is so far away! But definitely marking my calendar. The creative team is stellar. I do wonder, respectfully, if relocating the story to India might oversimplify the complex legacy of Kipling's original work and its colonial context.
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Vikram M
As an Indian living in London, this is the kind of representation we love to see. Not just actors, but writers, directors, designers... the whole team. Makes me want to book tickets right now! Jai ho!

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