The Jungle Book – Fun for all the family in Lewes this Winter!
Lewes and Hassocks based Drama Collective members are excited to present a variety of tales inspired by Indian legends and wise morals on Sunday, the 8th of February 2026 in Lewes.
The Four Friends
Presented by Hassocks Drama Collective Junior Club and Youth Group.
Written, directed and produced by Tim Rowland.
Inspired by Panchatantra, a collection of ancient Indian fables, this short performance features four animals who lived in a jungle and end up helping each other to save each other’s lives. Our performers hope to enchant you with their take on this story, of which the written version is believed to originate from Sanskrit verse and prose that dates back to 300 BCE.
By portraying how individuals with different capabilities and talents can become friends, and use their differences to be strong together, we learn about their compassion, respect and teamwork and see how it is possible to “be united whatever the situation is”.
The Panchatantra itself is a niti-shastra, or textbook of niti which is understood to encompass “the wise conduct of life.” The word “Panchatantra” is a combination of the words Pancha – which means five in Sanskrit, followed by tantra – and essentially carries the meaning of interweaving five threads of traditions and teachings into a text. The text is attributed to Vishnu Sharma, who made “masters of the art of intelligent living out of three foolish princes” hundreds of years ago.
The Jungle Book
Proudly presented by Lewes Drama Collective Saturday Theatre Group.
Adapted for the stage by Stuart Paterson.
Produced by Tim Rowland. Assistant Directors Mel and Dan Hardwick
Amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.
Adapted by Stuart Paterson, “a master of children’s theatre” (Scotsman), this adaptation, which was first staged by Birmingham Stage Company in 2004, navigates through themes that many audience members will have experienced in their lives already, from identity, friendship and growing up – this event promises to offer a fantastically captivating afternoon for all ages!
“A top-class production, a tropical cocktail of intense and comical moments, shaken and stirred with heart-stopping dangers and surprises.”
Daily Telegraph
Follow Mowgli as he learns the Laws of the Jungle from Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther so that he may survive the jaws of Shere Khan the ferocious tiger. Mowgli, the brave little man cub, grows into a confident and care-free young boy. However, danger is never far away and Shere Khan is hungry for revenge. As Mowgli faces each challenge, he must decide whether he belongs in the animal kingdom or indeed, the world of men.
“This exhilarating production ticks all the boxes for families looking for an uplifting treat.”
Time Out
Bring your family and friends to experience this wonderful re-imagination of Kipling’s much-loved story in a vibrant and colourful family adventure that’s full of surprises!
We are proud to advise that this amateur production will be performed, by arrangement with Nick Hern Books, by a brilliant bunch of talented children, tweens and teens from East and West Sussex.
In the meantime, you might also want to visit Rudyard Kipling’s house – Bateman’s – a 17th-century house set in the landscape of the Sussex Weald and participate in Baloo’s Clues Trail to explore the house and garden and collect clues to solve Baloo’s puzzles.
BOX OFFICE
Due to limited capacity, we encourage you to book your tickets before they all sell out for this one-time-only showing of these fantastical tales.
Be part of these jungleriffic experiences and book your tickets now by clicking on the below image:
TIMINGS
- Doors will open at 1:30pm and the show will aim to start promptly at 2pm.
- The interval usually takes place after about 1 hour to 80 minutes after the show begins.
- The interval usually lasts for 15 to 20 minutes.
- The performance would usually finish by 5:30pm to 6pm at the latest.
Please note that times may vary on the day.
Interval
During this comfort break our fabulous volunteers will be serving freshly made cakes, coffee, tea and soft drinks and selling raffle tickets to support these community-led performing arts groups.
THE PERFORMANCE VENUE
This one-off triple bill will be presented on stage in Lewes, East Sussex at the wonderful multi-purpose community venue, the All Saints Centre, managed by Lewes Town Council.
Venue information:
All Saints Centre address: Friar’s Walk, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2LE
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How to get there via public transport
By train with Southern Railway, by bus with Brighton & Hove Buses as well as with local bus companies and community transport on routes from Eastbourne, Seaford, Newhaven, Wivelsfield, Haywards Heath, Tunbridge Wells, Uckfield, Brighton and London.
Car parking options nearby
All Saints Centre has no car park and there is very little on street parking surrounding the venue. However, you may be able to find a space at Lewes Station car park which is just a few minutes from the venue. There are a number of other car parks in Lewes that are within walking distance including East Street and Phoenix Causeway.
ADVICE FOR AUDIENCE MEMBERS
Photography / Filming
This performance does not allow photography or filming at any time.
Notice for younger children
Please note that there may be loud sound effects at certain points in the performance and some children aged under 5 years old may be a little frightened at times. However, it is ultimately at your own discretion as to whether you feel your child would enjoy the performance and we will not turn anyone away at the door.
SPECIAL THANKS!
We are sincerely grateful to everyone involved in creating yet another entertaining experience, and our crew and cast wish to thank:
- our invaluable voluntary team members
- parents, carers, guardians of our talented production participants
- the All Saints Centre’s helpful staff and Lewes District Council
- East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council
- The team at the Lewes Tourist Information Centre.
- Local businesses for their support in promoting this event as well as those who have generously donated prizes for our raffle.