The famous characters of the Jungle Book will be roaming the grounds of Glamis Castle this summer.
Hot on the heels of the news that Scots singing sensation Susan Boyle is to join West End star Elaine Paige for July’s Glamis Prom, it has been confirmed that an open-air adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s enchanting novel will be performed at the Angus landmark.
Mowgli, Baloo the Bear, panther Bagheera and tiger Shere Khan will perform for the Glamis audience and children are being invited to dress up as their favourite character for what the castle hopes will be a spectacular interval jungle parade.
The production is being brought to Angus by Chapterhouse Theatre Company as part of the group’s 16th year of touring UK and Ireland with some of literature’s best loved classics in family outdoor performances.
Along with the Jungle Book, this year’s touring programme features Jane Eyre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Pride and Prejudice, the Secret Garden and the Casebook of Sherlock Holmes.
The Jungle Book will be staged on the evening of Saturday July 11 just a week before the eagerly-awaited return of the Glamis Prom.
Castle general manager Tommy Baxter said it is shaping up to be a busy and hopefully bumper summer, at the 600-year-old attraction.
“We also have the outdoor production of Mr Stink by David Walliams on June 26 so there are going to be a lot of exciting things happening at Glamis in June and July,” said Mr Baxter.
Comedian and Britain’s Got Talent judge Walliams found success with his Quentin Blake-illustrated Mr Stink book in 2009 and it has been successfully adapted for the stage and a BBC television film.
“These open air shows are a wonderful way for people to enjoy Glamis and to encourage families to enjoy the whole atmosphere of the place,” Mr Baxter added.
“They may never have visited the castle, but have a great fun evening at an open-air event and decide to come back to go around the house.”