Youngsters enjoy jungle musical fun

The beat of jungle jazz, and a menagerie of colourful characters filled the stage at Sheringham during the annual Easter youth theatre treat.

Thirty youngsters took part in a high energy kids’ stage production of The Jungle Book, featuring the singalong songs from the Disney animation such as I Wanna Be Like You and The Bare Necessities.

They sang, danced, and acted out the plot as man cub Mowgli made friends such as Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther and confronted enemies in Kaa the snake and Shere Khan the tiger.

Some cast members switched between roles between shows – giving more youngsters a chance to take the key roles.

Mowgli was played by Halle Harris and Georgia Hamilton, Baloo by Attia Law and Maisy Hart, Bagheera by Maiara Lima and Amiyah Hawes, Kaa by Hunter Child and Alexa Price and Shere Khan by Regan Bentley Regan Bentley, Imogen Atkinson and Isabella Daniels.

Others played a range of jungle critters from elephants to monkeys in the show which was directed by Little Theatre regular and youth theatre expert Nick Earnshaw.

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “It’s always a pleasure to see and hear the energy and enthusiasm of our talented youngsters as they get into their roles which this year ranges from cheeky monkeys to sneaky snakes.

“We are proud of our role encouraging children and teenagers to get involved in local theatre – whether they go on to make careers in the showbiz world, or simply enjoy it as a fun hobby, both of

which are healthy for the theatre world in general providing performers and audiences of the future.”

The Little Theatre runs youth drama sessions every Monday during school term time for a range of ages (5-6pm for ages 6-8, 6.15-7.15 for 9-12, and 7.30-8.30 for 13-16s). Sessions are £5 a week. Email dramagroups@sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call the box office on 01263 822347.

The venue is also running a stage special effects stage make-up workshop for youngsters on August 9 and a summer comedy workshop with Nick Earnshaw on August 16. A Halloween youth show will also be staged in October half term. Watch the theatre’s website and Facebook page for details.