When Rudyard Kipling first wrote the Jungle Book in 1894, it’s unlikely he expected the current climate crisis to become the backdrop of his story.

Jungle Book Reimagined, brought to life by the Akram Khan Company, is a dance retelling of the children’s tale set in a dystopian future where climate change has taken its toll.

The mesmerising new show, which is coming to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, sees orphan Mowgli left alone to discover the world around him.

However, this time he has to find his way around a concrete jungle rather than a natural one.

The deserted modern city in which the show is set has been taken over by wild animals, leaving Mowgli to find unlikely allies in the creatures around him.

Ten talented dancers from the company will transform into monkeys, wolves and other animals, while striking animation and visual effects will create flocks of birds that soar into the skies and elephants that charge into the broken city.

There will also be a nod to familiar characters from the 1967 Disney film, such Baloo the bear, Kaa the snake and Bagheera the panther, for those who have fond childhood memories of the animated classic.

The compelling narrative aims to send a message about the climate crisis, encouraging the audience to bond with nature and warning of the potential dangers of climate change.

Despite the darker undertones of this adaptation, the show is still suitable for families with children aged eight and over.

There’s also a chance to learn more about how the show was made with a free post-show talk on opening night.

Those who wish to stay for the talk do not need to purchase an additional ticket, but can simply stay in their seat once the show is over and wait for the talk to begin.

Jungle Book Reimagined is at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury on Wednesday, June 28 and Thursday, June 29. Book tickets online here.

You can also book tickets by calling 01227 787787.