Actor and Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School student Luke Callaghan is making a name for himself in Perth’s theatre scene.
Callaghan recently starred in the Camelot Theatre’s updated adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 classic The Jungle Book.
Callaghan portrays Rann, one of three kite messengers providing narration throughout the show as the “voice of the Jungle”.
“It’s been fun, that’s one of the best things about acting – you get to be someone else for a little bit,” he said.
“It’s a really good character as well, and slowly – as the play has gone on every night – I have tried to add more things.”
The story follows Indian boy Mowgli as he befriends lovable bear Baloo and fights off vicious tiger Shere Khan in the jungle.
The performer has balanced his school and acting schedules for the past three months, travelling to Perth three times per week for rehearsals.
The play – directed by Sarah Christiner and Connor Carlyle – brings the jungle setting to life through puppetry, poetry and animation.
Production included eight weeks of character workshops and rehearsals ahead of opening night.
Last year, Callaghan hit the stage with Camelot Theatre’s adaptation of William Golding’s The Lord of the Flies.
The actor was also involved in Channel 9 tele-movie House of Hancock, giving him the chance to meet acting veteran Sam Neill.
His body of work previously included school plays and TV commercials.
Callaghan has his sights set on studying acting at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts after graduating from high school.
Callaghan thanked the school’s drama department and his parents for their support.
