The Afronauts, a new play by Ryan Calais Cameron, receives its world premiere at the Royal Court Theatre from 14 November to 19 December 2026. Cameron co-directs with Monique Touko.
Inspired by Zambia’s 1960s space programme, the play follows a schoolteacher who gathers a group of dreamers and trains them for lift-off as the world’s superpowers race towards the moon.
The Afronauts cast
The world-premiere company brings together eight performers. The individual cast profiles below are already laid out ready for the approved headshots and biographies.
Lucian Msamati plays Edward, Ama Qamata plays Matha, Ivanno Jeremiah plays Simon, Chomba S. Taulo plays Ben, Munashe Chirisa plays Cheelo, Pamela Nomvete plays Grace, Lukwesa Mwamba plays Liji and Prince Kundai plays David.
Dates and venue
- Venue: Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square
- Dates: 14 November–19 December 2026
- Press night: 23 November 2026 at 7pm
Creative team
The creative team includes Soutra Gilmour (set), Kinnetia Isidore (costume), Ryan Day (lighting), Khalil Madovi (composer and sound), Dick Straker (video), Kloé Dean (movement), Cynthia De La Rosa (wigs, hair and make-up), Heather Basten CDG CSA (casting), Gillian Greer (dramaturg) and Mwansa Phiri (cultural dramaturg).
Tickets and accessible performances
Royal Court tickets are currently listed from £15, with concessions on selected performances and the theatre’s £15 Monday ticket scheme subject to availability. The production has an age guidance of 14+.
- Audio described: Saturday 5 December at 1.30pm
- Captioned: Tuesday 8 December at 7.30pm
- Chilled: Saturday 19 December at 1.30pm
Check the Royal Court’s current access calendar and booking information before travelling, as availability can change.
More autumn theatre
The production is already included in Clarissa’s Corner’s Autumn Theatre Guide 2026; this dedicated guide expands that listing with the newly announced cast. You can also read the current Man to Man at the Royal Court guide for more coverage from the venue.
