Queen of the Jungle

Through an overgrown forest of a children’s playground, the Chichester Festival Youth Theatre production of The Jungle Book took their audiences on an adventure to remember during December.

The whole cast of 70 young people were truly exceptional, however for The Portsmouth Grammar School it was the performance of our Year 12 pupil, Sarada P, that was particularly special to see.  

“An outstanding performance as the human child alone in the jungle and adopted – with varying degrees of willingness – by the animals in the hope that she will one day rid them of the evil Shere Khan. As she grows, Mowgli – and Sarada brings this out so well – senses increasingly that she doesn’t belong, and again this is where the show is at its strongest. There is a remarkable moment very early on when Mowgli is shown real compassion – a spine-tingling moment which brings everything powerfully into our here and now.  Sarada gives us plenty of vulnerability as Mowgli – and indeed plenty of frustration. But the beauty of the performance is in the spirit she invests it with,” said reviewer Phil Hewitt from Sussex World.

Sarada performed in a brand-new adaptation of The Jungle Book by Sonali Bhattacharyya, featuring original songs by Ruth Chan, written especially for Chichester Festival Youth Theatre.

"I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work on a production of this scale,” said Sarada. “Working amongst such a talented cast and professional crew has undoubtedly helped improve my performing skills besides giving invaluable lessons on team working, focused hard work and time management. The whole process has boosted my confidence immensely, both on and off stage.”

Congratulations Sarada from the whole of the PGS community!

Photo credit: Johan Persson