REVIEW - BRAVE BETTIE | Z-ARTS, MANCHESTER | 14/03/2026
- Sarah Monaghan
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
BRAVE BETTIE AT Z-ARTS – A WOODLAND ADVENTURE ABOUT FINDING THE COURAGE TO BE BRAVE
Brave Bettie is a brand-new Half Moon and Z-arts co-production written by Tatenda Naomi Matsvai, created especially for children aged 3–8 years. Combining storytelling, poetry, songs and music, the production draws on Zimbabwean heritage and mythology while exploring themes of friendship, courage, environmental activism and our connection to nature.
Before the show begins, the performers gently begin drawing the young audience into the world of the story. Children are introduced to a few words in the Shona language and taught a rain dance which they will later perform during the show. The performer also asks the children to share their favourite animals, inviting a few audience members to shout theirs out. Both of my children were picked — Alice (8) proudly announced her favourite animal was a penguin, while Leo (6) chose a giraffe — a lovely moment that helped the young audience feel involved before the story had even begun.
Brave Bettie begins with Bettie reading a story about Paida Moyo, a legendary figure rooted in Zimbabwean mythology. Through this opening, the audience is introduced to the brave and powerful Paida Moyo before Bettie’s own journey really begins.
In Bettie’s book, Paida Moyo is known as a fearless protector of her kingdom and the animals who live there. Bettie recounts tales of Paida’s courage, including rescuing an injured lioness and surviving encounters with stampeding elephants. These legendary stories establish Paida Moyo as a heroic figure and inspire Bettie to believe she might find the courage to help protect the forest she loves.
Bettie treasures the woodland behind her home and sees it as a place of comfort and sanctuary. When she discovers that the council plans to cut down her favourite tree and destroy the forest to build a car park, it becomes a deeply personal loss. Wanting to be brave enough to help, Bettie wishes on a star — and it is then that Paida Moyo appears, stepping out of legend and into Bettie’s world.
Together, the two set out on a woodland adventure to try and protect the forest and the animals who call it home. Along the way the story explores themes of friendship, courage, self-belief, resilience and environmental activism, while also weaving in poetry, music and Zimbabwean heritage.
Alice particularly enjoyed the moment where Bettie helps a hedgehog collect leaves to camouflage it, while Leo’s favourite part was when the audience joined in with the rain dance to help fill the Beaver’s dried-up lake with water. These interactive moments added an extra layer of fun for younger audience members and helped bring the woodland adventure to life.
The woodland world is brought to life through Bolu Dairo’s imaginative set design, which uses layered green platforms and fence-like structures to create a stylised forest setting. Decorated with leaves, vines and small woodland details, the set transforms throughout the story as Bettie and Paida journey deeper into the woodland. The different levels of the stage are used effectively during the adventure, helping to create a sense of movement and discovery as the characters explore the forest.
Lighting by Emily Walls enhances the magical atmosphere of the production. Shifts between soft greens, blues and warmer amber tones help create the feeling of a woodland environment, while subtle twinkling lights add a touch of enchantment to the forest setting.
The costumes help clearly define the two central characters. Bettie appears in simple everyday clothing, reflecting her role as an ordinary child who loves nature and stories, while Paida Moyo’s nature-inspired costume reflects her role as a legendary protector and powerful figure from the stories Bettie reads.
The production is further supported by Axel Kacoutié’s music and sound design, which helps create a rich woodland soundscape. The songs blend naturally with the storytelling and help guide the pace of the adventure.
The show is performed by Joanna Nsianguana as Bettie and Abena Adoma as Paida Moyo.
Nsianguana brings warmth and sincerity to Bettie, capturing both the character’s uncertainty and her growing determination as the story unfolds. Adoma is immediately engaging as Paida Moyo, confidently leading the interactive elements and bringing a bold and charismatic presence to the legendary eco-warrior.
Together, the two performers create a convincing friendship at the heart of the story, with Bettie’s quieter nature balancing Paida Moyo’s bravery and confidence.
Brave Bettie is a thoughtful and imaginative piece of children’s theatre that blends storytelling, music and mythology into a magical woodland adventure. With engaging performances, playful audience participation and a heartfelt message about courage, friendship and protecting nature, the production offers young audiences both entertainment and inspiration.
A magical woodland adventure that celebrates bravery, friendship and our connection to nature.
For more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the official website.
Photo Credit - Bettina Adela
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review
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