Little Angel Theatre design trainee programme has produced some exciting and innovative trainees in the past. This year’s trainee is Gisela Mulindwa who has written and produced The Tortoise and the Firefly. Set in Africa, it follows the tale of Tortoise who lives in quiet contemplation under his favourite tree near Lake Victoria until the unremitting sun and severe drought forces him to seek food and shelter elsewhere.

Much to his disgust, he discovers that a firefly has taken residence in his shell. Initially Tortoise is loathe to befriend the Firefly, but they soon realise that they need each other if they are to survive. Tortoise recollects a fable from his ancestors, and the song they sung to bring the rains. Working together, they climb the volcano and, as in all good children’s stories, there is a happy ending.

Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong acts as narrator for much of the story and engages the children’s attention throughout.  She has a lovely voice when singing the simple rain making song, although inviting children to sing along could increase their level of participation. Music is provided by Foley musician Esther Kehinde Ajayi however the effects were not always audible. Hannah Akhalu confidently handles the Tortoise.

The visual elements include a combination of styles, featuring primitive shadow and string puppets as animals within a Castellet-style enclosure. A rotating desk is used to display the interior of the tortoise shell, although the function may not clear to younger audience. The star of the show though, is the amazing tortoise hand puppet which is a work of genius.

This production is presented as a work in progress but demonstrates significant potential and highlights Mulindwa’s promise for the future.

2 ½ stars

Reviewed by Nina Gardner.

The run has now finished.

Cast

Hannah Akhalu             Tortoise

Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong         Firefly

Creatives

Written, Designed & Directed by Gisela Mulindwa
Sound Design by Esther Kehinde Ajayi

You can read more about the show and the Children’s Puppet Festival at the link below

https://www.littleangeltheatre.com/childrens-puppet-festival-2025/