Meet the cast of The Jungle Book

Meet the cast of our upcoming Junior Youth Theatre production of The Jungle Book!

Eva Gilbert – Akela

Can you tell us a little bit about The Jungle Book? What is the story about?
The Jungle Book is about a young mancub taken from the man village by a tiger (Shere Khan). However, this man cub is saved by a pack of wolves. The boy, Mowgli, must try his best to survive the hungry jaws of Shere Khan, and make it back to the man village, but even there, he must be accepted first.

What is your role? Who are they?
I am playing Akela the leader of the wolf pack and Mowgli’s ‘wolf father’. Akela tries his best to protect Mowgli, but is getting old, and when he misses his kill, he himself must survive those who want tot take his place as pack leader.

What has been the best thing in rehearsals?
The best thing about rehearsals would probably be how it is a great way to improve your communicative skills when co-operating with unfamiliar faces. The environment never makes you feel comfortable and has improved my personal confidence hugely!

What skills have you developed during rehearsals? Have you learnt anything new?
I have learnt how to improve my acting skills vastly. I have noticed, since The Jungle Book, how to project my voice better, more spatial awareness, and how to connect myself emotionally to the role I am playing.

Why should an audience come and see the play?
The audience should come and see the play because of how it will encourage young minds to come to youth theatre as well. Watching The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is what made me want to join Youth Theatre.

Why is Youth Theatre important?
Youth Theatre is important because of how it lets people express themselves and to be the comfort zone of many – it’s certainly mine. I have heard many mention to me how Youth Theatre is the one place where they can truly be themselves. That is why it is important.

Anything you would like to add?
I would like to add a mention about all the new opportunities you can get here over everywhere else.

William Kendle – Shere Khan

Can you tell us a little bit about The Jungle Book? What is the story about?
The Jungle Book is a story about personal growth, love, family, fun, adventures, find one’s self and the struggles that come from being a human living in the jungle.

What is your role? Who are they?
My role is Shere Khan, the powerful, power hungry, man-hating, wrathful tiger who wants nothing more than man to die and to rule the jungle.

What has been the best thing in rehearsals?
The best thing in rehearsals is the fun in making the character your own and adding your own flare and personality to each character in each scene.

What skills have you developed during rehearsals? Have you learnt anything new?
I have learnt how to be better control my voice and how to characterise better.

Why should an audience come and see the play?
Audiences should come and see this play because it is a truly incredible story, and a classic story at that, but with some Courtyard flare to keep things interesting.

Why is Youth Theatre important?
Youth Theatre has brought me some of the greatest and funniest experiences in my life and has also taught me valuable skills for later life as an actor.

Anything you would like to add?
If anyone would like to join Youth Theatre, I would gladly recommend it.

Cariad Eardley – Kaa

Can you tell us a little bit about The Jungle Book? What is the story about?
This is a story of a man cub who is adopted by the Jungle. He then grows up threatened by Shere Khan (a tiger). One day, he kills the tiger and no longer lives in fear.

What is your role? Who are they?
My role is Kaa. Kaa is a giant tree snake. Kaa is also played by three people and I am one of them.

What has been the best thing in rehearsals?
The best thing in rehearsals is probably getting to know everyone from all the years. And all the games and fun we have in every lesson.

What skills have you developed during rehearsals? Have you learnt anything new?
Skills I have learn include to never have your back to the audience. Also I have learnt to speak very clearly so the audience can understand because they only hear it once.

Why should an audience come and see the play?
I think the audience should come and watch the show because it includes comedy, drama and action, and it’s altogether a great storyline.

Why is Youth Theatre important?
I would like to be an actress when I’m older so youth theatre is helping to develop my confidence and acting skills.

Book tickets for The Jungle Book here.

Looking for some weekend fun?

Come along to our FREE Jungle Book Launch Event on Saturday 5 April, 9am – 11am.

There will be lots of fun activities for families to get involved in, including: Face Painting, Transfer Tattoos, Storytelling (10am), Fancy Dress Corner, Arts & Crafts Activities, Jungle Book Trail, Pop up Performances plus more!

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