The Jungle Book at Blackpool Grand

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

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The Jungle Book

8-12 May 2018

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Manuel Harlan
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Blackpool is where it’s at this May for a fresh and fun new Jungle Book for our times.  This brand new adaptation of Mowgli’s journey of self-discovery from a stellar creative team (directed by Max Webster The Lorax, The Old Vic) celebrates the adventure of growing up in an enrichingly diverse society today.

Aimed at age 6 and over, expect jungle japes galore and hilarious and heart-warming scenes as Mowgli (a human cub raised by wolves) strives to find a way to live in a place where you feel like you don’t completely belong, with the help of Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther and, of course, many less helpful beasts.

Olivier award-winning writer Jessica Swale has taken inspiration from Kipling’s orginal short stories to “refocus the tale to celebrate diversity”. This Jungle Book is about “community and compassion, about immigration and unity”.  So while there is plenty of high jinx, fast paced action and all the good things such as friendship and triumph against adversity and evil for the young ones to revel in, there are also poignant new devices for those with previous knowledge, most obvious being the tackling of previous gender imbalance in alpha females Bagheera and Akela (wolf leader).  Mowgli, meanwhile is played by the critically acclaimed female actor Keziah Joseph however it’s clear to the audience that it’s a gender neutral part – with Mowgli simply representing a child that’s neither particularly male nor female.

It’s not often that a classic tale can have such new energy and emphasis catapulted into it to make audiences truly experience it afresh, however this exciting new production promises all this and more. With an exhilarating original score and a hugely talented cast of actors who are also musicans and pupeteers, it’s storytelling of the highest order. And what better stories are there than the adventures of growing up?

Where to go near The Jungle Book at Blackpool Grand

Dirty Blonde's
Blackpool
Restaurant
Dirty Blonde’s

Dirty Blonde’s is a dive bar and pizza joint that feels more downtown New York than British seaside town. Go for the craft beer, graffitied walls and indie playlist, stay for the New York pizzas and wings.

Blackpool
Café or Coffee Shop
HIVE Blackpool

HIVE is an independent artisan quality coffee shop with its own art gallery, whose ‘GuggenHive’ wall gives a leg-up to emerging artists.

Blackpool
Event venue
Empress Ballroom

The Empress Ballroom is a famous Blackpool venue in the heart of Winter Gardens. It has a spectacular interior, and a capacity of 3350. This makes it a wonderful place for concerts and large events.

Charabanc blackpool
Blackpool
Shop
Charabanc

Charabanc is your go-to for vintage and handcrafted items including fashion, gifts and homewares.

West Coast Rock Cafe

Family owned restaurant that is famous for it’s burgers and brews its own beer, with a good location is close to the Winter Gardens. Its lockdown delivery menu offers everything you need for a family night in.

Mandarin
Blackpool
Restaurant
Michael Wan’s Mandarin

Think of Blackpool and what springs to mind? Whatever it is, it’s probably not top tier Cantonese dining. But a visit to Michael Wan’s Mandarin might just change that.

La Fontana
Blackpool
Restaurant
La Fontana

This cosy, family-run trattoria is perfect for couples and families alike, pairing lovingly-prepared plates of Italian classics with twinkling fairy lights, roman pillars and a fountain.

Image courtesy of Saoko Cocktail Bar.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Saoko Cocktail Club

This cocktail bar may be the new kid on the Blackpool block, but it’s already renowned for its excellent service and imaginative drinks that offer an ‘experience and a story’.

Twisted
Blackpool
Restaurant
Twisted Indian Street Food

Blackpool’s number one Indian restaurant, Twisted Indian packs a flavour punch and isn’t afraid to mix the traditional with the modern. Their motto? ‘Being normal is boring.’

Abington Street Market
Blackpool
Shop
Abington Street Market

Abington Street Market is a go-to for independent retail, housing 12 shopping units selling everything from handmade ceramics to clothing, crystals and cake.

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