Full house for Jungle Book

REVIEW by INÊS LOPES ines.lopes@theresidentgroup.com

Jungle Book, the International School of the Algarve’s latest production, was a total success with the two afternoon sessions last Saturday performing to a full house audience, including British Consul Clive Jewell.

The funny Anthony McDonald as Colonel Hathi

More than 100 pupils took to the stage at the Lagoa Auditorium twice, with only a short break between shows, impressing all who attended, parents, teachers, school staff and guests, with their immaculate performance based on the Walt Disney film version of the Rudyard Kipling story.

The entire cast put on a fantastic show

You could be forgiven for thinking you were watching professionals for the pupils gave their all, acting, singing and engaging with the audience.

Your heart would melt at Max Robinson’s performance of Mowgli. The angelic looking boy, dressed in rags, was a delight to watch, as were the eloquent and ‘overprotective’ Natércia Soeiro (Bagheera) and the confident and laid back Mário Capitão (Baloo).

Anthony McDonald had everyone laughing with his character Colonel Hathi, the strict military leader of a herd of elephants, and Octávia Best doubled up into the energetic King Louie as well as Winifred, the female Indian elephant.

But, for me, Gabriela Jacinto’s performance of Kaa, the sly, deceitful and ever hungry python, was just outstanding. She played the villain flawlessly and I hope to see this young actress in the making taking on more demanding roles in future school plays as I’m sure she will just shine.

Last but not least, Henrique Coimbra as Shere Khan the sophisticated tiger, Freya Moore as the Jungle Girl who lures Mowgli into the village as well as the entire cast made this school production one to look out for next year.

But will Lagoa Auditorium be big enough for the crowds?

Directed by the school’s director of music Gita Nasta and assisted by music teacher Bruno Rodrigues, with the support of Head of Primary Pennie Best, the Jungle Book performance is part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the school in Porches.