AFRONAUTS.
Theatre/Circus/Festival
date. Touring (Europe/Africa Tour) 2026
city. Lusaka + Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Co-production with Circus Zambia
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Based on true events.
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An all-ages, high-flying collision of circus, theatre, and space adventure.
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It’s 1964. The world’s superpowers are locked in the heat of the space race… but they’ve been joined by an unexpected contender — Zambia.
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Edward Mukuka Nkoloso, visionary and risk-taker, set out to send Africa’s first astronauts into the cosmos. His crew? A young girl, two cats, and a missionary. His rocket? Aluminium, ambition, and sheer audacity.
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Wake The Beast and Circus Zambia launch you into a story of dreamers, daredevils, and impossible possibilities. This astonishing all-ages show bursts to life with breathtaking acrobatics, theatrical spectacle, and irresistible heart.
It’s a true story of hope, courage, and the kind of audacity that might just take you all the way to the moon… or at least make you believe you could.
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Following its world premiere in Lusaka, Afronauts is touring the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands in Summer/Autumn 2026 — with performances landing in festivals, theatres, and unexpected spaces along the way. More dates and venues will be announced soon.
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In the meantime, you can book tickets for the Edinburgh Fringe here and support the journey via our crowdfunder here.
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Written and Directed by Gift Chansa and Adam McGuigan
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AFRONAUTS is kindly supported by the Irish Embassy, Lusaka, Zambia.
