Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo, in the next village.

Handa is taking seven delicious fruits as a surprise – but seven different animals have seven very different ideas… could you resist the sweet-smelling guava? How about a ripe red mango or a tangy purple passion fruit?

A blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combine to create an intimate, magical production with audience participation. Come and share in the magical tangerine surprise!

Handa’s Surprise is aimed at ages 2-5. The small audience sit on cushions and mats around the stage for an intimate experience, and there is a chance to join in the dancing at the end.


Adapted from the book by Eileen Browne; Directed by Marleen Vermeulen; Set designed by Sophia Lovell Smith; Puppets made by Peter O’Rourke; Performed by Rujenne Green and Hannah Akhalu.

This play is based on the original book Handa’s Surprise, written and illustrated by Eileen Browne. Published by Walker Books ltd.

Dates & Times

Last session: Sat 18 Jun 2022 at 1:30 PM - This event has now passed
Derby Hall @ The Met
£9 (inc fees)

Recommended for ages 2-5 years.

Duration approx. 35 minutes.

Please note that the audience will sit on cushions and mats around the stage for an intimate experience.

Covid Safety at The Met

This will be a full-capacity event with a non-socially distanced audience; we will however still be utilising many Covid safety measures for your safety and the safety of our staff.

Learn about our COVID safety measures

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