Mata-Mata running in the Playhouse Sanlam Loft is a delight for children of all ages. Written and directed by Gcina Mhlophe, it’s about a loud-mouthed and interfering mountain tortoise Mata-Mata who decides to take up residence by the side of the beautiful and plentiful Lake Manzandonga. Before long, she has alienated members of the animal and birdlife community who shed their normal peace-loving dispositions in various unsuccessful attempts to get rid of her.

To my chagrin, I have to admit that this is the first time I have seen Gcina Mhlophe perform and she’s everything anybody’s ever said about her. A fine storyteller, she’s offbeat, lively and expressive with a dramatic stage presence and a million dollar smile looking stunning in an outfit designed by Irek Karamon.

To discover that Irek designed both costumes and set was one of the biggest surprises of the production. Where has the Playhouse Company been hiding this talent? Irek Karamon has worked for the organisation for many years on the technical side, so it is not astonishing that he could have produced such a delightful set. Placed among rocks adorned with aloes and cactus plants, the central water area has water lilies, reeds which hide a nifty trapdoor for Mata-Mata to appear half-submerged and shoals of fish which come to life under Glen Olsen’s clever lighting effects.

However, it’s Irek’s skills with innovative costume design that prompts admiration. Smiley Kunene gives a spunky performance as Xoxo the frog clad in emerald green with long webbed fingers and floppy feet. Xoxo’s sidekick is the golden fish Nhlanzi played with graceful weaving movement by Andile Maqoma in golden scaled head-dress and floating chiffon. As a delightful Hippo, Sipho Sydney Mzobe projects much comedy from within his gargantuan costume while Eubulus Tracy as the watchman bird Sibagobe is suitably hyperactive and self-satisfied in feathers and hornbill.

Velile Nchunu is a sturdy hunter boy clad in leopard skin top and patched trousers while Nokuthula Mngomezulu struts proudly as clever ostrich Siza puffed up with feathers. As lofty Mude-Mude, the giraffe who acts as mediator, Thami S’kosana gives a statesmanlike performance in Mandela style with the help of a majestic neck and crutches. Dumisani Dlamini is a energetic and lively Monkey and Nondumiso Tembe is charming in grass-coloured skirt and top.

Stealing the show as Mata-Mata is Dieketseng Mnisi, notable for her strong singing voice and impeccable diction. An experienced and highly talented actress, she brought her own energy to the character of this know-all boisterous and fish-gobbling tortoise. Looking like a First World War airman in grey overalls with kneepads and helmet (could they be part of a car seat?), she charmed the youthful audience so much that there was no question of an affirmative response when she called for forgiveness for her bad behaviour.

Mata-Mata has a surprisingly short run in the Playhouse Sanlam Loft from December 7 to 19 but, hopefully, the management can be persuaded to extend this must-see production further into the festive season. Apart from its obvious charm, Gcina Mhlope’s new musical has an underlying message of peace and co-existence, all-important in our current times.

Tickets R20 at Computicket or Dial-A-Seat on (031) 369-9444. Discounted block bookings (20 or more) from Mala Govender on 369-9448. Mata-Mata forms part of the Playhouse Company’s Summer Stage festive season sponsored by NBS.