The Afronauts world premiere at the Royal Court reveals cast

Royal Court Theatre has announced the cast for the world premiere of The Afronauts, co-directed by playwright Ryan Calais Cameron and director Monique Touko.

The production marks the finale of the Royal Court’s 70th anniversary programme. Calais Cameron’s previous work at the venue includes For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy, while Touko previously directed the sold-out world premiere of G by Tife Kusoro at the venue, alongside productions including Jaja’s African Hair Braiding and Marie and Rosetta.

Set in Zambia in 1964, The Afronauts tells the “true(ish)” story of the Zambian Space Program. The play follows a schoolteacher who assembles a group of aspiring astronauts as the newly independent nation attempts to compete in the global space race.

Lucian Msamati will star as Edward, alongside Ama Qamata as Matha.

The company is rounded out by Ivanno Jeremiah as Simon, Chomba S. Taulo as Ben, Munashe Chirisa as Cheelo, Pamela Nomvete as Grace, Lukwesa Mwamba as Liji, and Prince Kundai as David.

The creative team includes set designer Soutra Gilmour, costume designer Kinnetia Isidore, lighting designer Ryan Day, composer and sound designer Khalil Madovi, video designer Dick Straker, movement director Kloé Dean, wigs, hair and makeup designer Cynthia De La Rosa, casting director Heather Basten, dramaturg Gillian Greer, cultural dramaturg Mwansa Phiri and assistant director Danielle Kassaraté.

Calais Cameron is currently associate playwright at the Royal Court following the recent West End run of Retrograde.

The Afronauts is presented as part of Genesis Next Generation at the Royal Court, a Genesis Foundation project.

It will be running from 14 November to 19 December 2026, with press night on 23 November.