It’s always a challenge bringing a well-known story to the stage.

But the Octagon has never been afraid of a challenge and with The Jungle Book, this year’s family-friendly festive feast, the theatre has pulled it off in style.

The Jungle Book wolf pack (Picture: Craig Fuller)There can’t be many youngsters - or their parents and grandparents for that matter - who aren’t aware of the Disney version.

But this show isn’t it. There’s no Bear Necessities, no King Louie and it doesn’t matter.

What you get is a proper story which will engross the younger members of the audience and bring a warm glow to the adults accompanying them.

Staying reasonably true to Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale about a young boy brought up by wolves after being found in the jungle, it’s the perfect show for Christmas full of heart and sharing the message of friendship and family.

Staged completely ‘in the round’ this is truly an immersive production with the audience feeling as though they are sitting in the jungle. The excellent - and very hard-working cast - use the space to great effect often appearing at the top of the aisles and walking through the audience to get to the stage floor.

The costumes may be bordering on the simple side but they are pretty effective, especially that of Shere Khan. And the scene in which baby Mowgli 'grows up' into a sulky teen from babe in arms using a series of puppets is mesmerising.

The cast of The Jungle Book (Picture: Craig Fuller)The Octagon has built up a reputation for the quality of its Christmas shows and The Jungle Book can be added to that long list of success.

It’s a cliche but it’s true. Many youngsters first experience of live theatre comes at Christmas and this is a great introduction. For a start there is a proper story, it’s not a collection of set pieces and extreme silliness which can sometimes be the sum total of some pantomimes.

There are some careful nods to the panto tradition. Baloo played by Charlie Ryan who is clearly in his element engaging with the audience is a part panto figure. And there is the obligatory audience participation.

But none of this interrupts the flow of the story unfolding in front of you.

Kiara Nicole Pillai is Mowgli, struggling to come to terms with who he really is. Kiara breaks out some mean dance moves and is very convincing as the confused ‘man cub’ not quite sure where he belongs.

Ashley D Gayle as Bagheera (Picture: Craig Fuller)Ashley D Gayle is an imposing Bagheera, the panther who along with Baloo tries to teach Mowgli the ways of the jungle and Harveen Mann-Neary as Akeela, the wolf mother, is another convincing figure in the world of the jungle.

She also has a great cameo as the salsa-loving snake Kaa who tries to ensnare an unsuspecting Mowgli.

Then there is the villain of the piece - Shere Khan the tiger. Rachel Marwood revels in the role which is part traditional panto baddie and part a bitter and ultimately sad character. Treating the audience with wonderful disdain, she’s a menacing figure but not too frightening to give younger audiences members nightmares.

As well as a great story, this version of The Jungle Book also has some terrific original songs - I defy anyone not to have the Jungle Jive in their head as they leave - and it’s very funny.

There are some Brummie monkeys who are real hoot and Charlie Ryan’s Baloo will definitely get you laughing.

So - good story, good songs, plenty of laughs and a cast who work their socks off to deliver a show which all ages will enjoy. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a festive offering to me.

The Jungle Book runs until Saturday, January 4. Details from www.octagonbolton.co.uk