This archive report was first published on 15 December 2019.
As Christmas approaches, two venues in Nairobi are bringing festive cheer to residents with lively puppet shows and Santa Claus appearances.
At the Garden City Mall, a group of talented performers from Puppets254 have taken over a vacant shop to bring the magic of Christmas to children and adults alike.
The group, formed two years ago, has a keen social purpose, with all profits from their events going towards HIV and Aids and community health education shows offered free of charge to schools and orphanages throughout Kenya.
One of the standout performers is Zed, a potter from Kitengela Glass, who has been playing the role of Santa Claus at the mall since last Sunday.
According to Darren Collins, a magician and puppeteer who has high standards for his own Santa performances, Zed has the right face and gear for the role, including a kindly avuncular face and a broad and welcoming smile.
At the Hub, Darren is reprising his role as Santa, and his attention to detail is evident in every aspect of his dress, from the red coat to the white beard.
The Bethlehem Boys, as they are known, have adapted popular Christmas carols to suit a Kenyan audience, including a lively rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
For example, the fourth verse of the original carol has been rewritten to feature Kenyan delicacies, such as tilapia and nyama choma.
The shows at both venues are a hit with children and adults, and will continue every weekend and holiday until Christmas Day.
