The Jungle Book - Altrincham Garrick

ROS Greenwood, take a bow.

Not only has she directed what is sure to be an Easter hit for all the family at the Garrick, she’s designed an appealing set, complete with overhanging flora and fauna, that provides the perfect backdrop for Kipling’s timeless and heart warming children’s classic.

I needed little persuading to swap soggy south Trafford for a jungle setting, warm enough for Mowgli the man cub to scamper around the stage minus his top as I sat in the auditorium, next to my overcoat.

Myles Ryan is an instantly likeable, wholesome and heroic Mowgli and the actor makes us care that he doesn’t end up being gobbled up by Shere Khan, the tyrant tiger, played by Peter Birch.

All your favourite characters are here in a two hour fun filled show that is a great way to introduce kids to the wonders of the theatre and reminds both them and their parents that entertainment doesn’t have to be screen shaped.

Mathew Spilsbury is very watchable as Baloo the bear and I laughed when he scooped up Mowgli in one of his huge bear hugs.

Ellidh Pollard fascinated the little ones in the audience as Kaa the snake and there were many volunteers when Kaa threatened to have them for dinner. “Eat me, eat me,” shouted one girl near the front of the stage.

While there’s a smattering of audience participation in this Garrick show it is kept to a minimum and unlike in panto there aren’t the jokes that make you cringe. Or maybe, that’s just me.

Until April 16. The box office is on 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk. When booking please note there are no performances on certain nights of the week.

Star rating - 3.5 out of 5.

Photo by Martin Ogden