Afronauts
★★★★☆ Breathtaking
Underbelly George Square (Venue 300): Thurs 6 – Sun 30 Aug 2026
Review by Hugh Simpson
Afronauts, from Underbelly, Circus Zambia and Wake the Beast at the Udderbelly, is an enticing and stunning theatrical experience.
Writers and directors Gift Chansa and Adam McGuigan have fashioned a wonderful combination of storytelling and circus skills. This is the story of the Zambian space programme, developed just before independence in 1964, and tells of Edward Makuka Nkoloso (Ephraim Phiri), whose private Zambian Space Academy is behind the plan to send one of a group of specially-trained youngsters into space (with some cats), beating the USA and the USSR to the moon.
A scene from AFRONAUTS. Pic: Circus Zambia & Wake the Beast.
This might seem Mouse on the Moon territory, but it’s actually a true story, focused on 16-year-old Matha Mwamba (Angel Phiri) who dreams of going into space even though she’s ‘just a girl’.
Like all the best shows aimed at children, the messages about equality and believing in your dreams are embedded in the story rather than being hammered home. Meanwhile, the use of a BBC broadcast deriding the Afronauts as ‘crackpots’ makes a telling point without fuss.
It’s all accompanied by constant knockabout humour (the depiction of those cats, some rearranging of the name ‘Afronauts’ a la Fawlty Towers) and frankly jaw-dropping acrobatics.
There are human pyramids, tumbling, wonderful aerial silk work (from Belinda Kaputula) and generally astonishing feats from the other performers – John Mputu, Charles Malama, Hassan Gwai, Bergus Syatubotu and Musa Zulu. Being in such close proximity to the action makes for a real appreciation of the skill, bravery and timing involved.
elegance and charm
There’s an elegance and charm to Jophael Banda’s choreography, Richard Chombu’s design, Lawrenzo Mukolo Kataya’s costumes and the helmets of Amber Donovan Kahn. Luke Thomas’s music also has a real impact.
The acrobatics, the humour and the storytelling generally blend well, although sometimes there are jarring moments; the humour can also be a little on the broad side.
It’s still a highly potent mix, however. This is a genuine family show, with the broadest possible appeal.
Running time: One hour (no interval).
Underbelly George Square (Udderbelly), EH8 9LX (Venue 300).
Thursday 6 – Sunday 30 August 2026.
Daily (not 17, 24):1.55pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Tickets direct from venue: Book here.
Circus Zambia website: www.circuszambia.org/
Facebook: @circuszambia
Instagram: @circuszambia
Instagram: @wakethe_beast
Linktree: @circuszambia.
ENDS
