REVIEW: Afronauts, Circus Zambia and Wake the Beast, EdFringe 2026 ★★★★

High flying and hopeful, Afronauts is a circus and physical theatre performance like no other. Based on the true story of Zambia’s first space cadets led by ‘crackpot’ Edward Mukuka Nkoloso, Circus Zambia and Wake the Beast have created a show that emphasises the importance of a dream.

Set in 1964, the space race between USSR and the USA is in full force and Zambia, having just become independent, throws their hat in the ring to become the first to the moon with so many odds against them. It’s a compelling story, filled with heart and imbued with magic by the stunning visuals and feats of acrobatics surrounding it.

The real Nkoloso truly did intend to send young Matha Mwambwa and two cats into space. They had a makeshift facility, minimal funding, and, over time, the mocking attention of the media. This show captures both the humour and the intrepid nature of this endeavour. It asks the audience to consider redefining the impossible, dreaming what it might look like if this mission succeeded. Performing feats of great physical strength and beauty, the cast uplift one another as if uplifting the dream itself.

There is a longing in the narrative for the continuation of a great project. It takes place across time, beginning with two modern siblings discovering the leftover pieces of the program and learning, through Matha’s diary, what happened. These siblings themselves are in disbelief at first, so forgotten and buried is the memory of the Afronauts, but in a poignant crossing of worlds, the audience sees the past and the present interact and merge. Both are children looking for something to inspire them.

The audience will undoubtedly feel inspired themselves as they watch Matha rise above the voices telling her that she cannot be an astronaut ‘because she is a girl’. The sexism of the time period are handled deftly and clearly, even treated with some humour highlighting the absurdity. Throughout the performance, slapstick, physical comedy, and gags effectively keep the overall tone light, particularly the gaggle of cats whose dramatic reactions had the audience laughing every time they appeared.

Perhaps one of the more emotional scenes in the show is the inclusion of real documentary footage from the BBC labeling Nkoloso a ‘crackpot’. It is this term that is seeded throughout the show, the Afronauts are ostracised for their dedication to their mission, they are called ‘losers’ and cast down. The performance conveys this adversity through succinct story telling, with tactful lighting and sound. The music swells as the Afronauts are overcome by their emotions, it begins to liven and become ethereal as they are supsended in space.

The performers are connected through their choreography, relying on one another to complete the tableau in a display of oneness that is also central to the themes of the show. The space scenes are perhaps the most beautiful examples of stunning aerial choreography and clever costuming to create weightlessness. A weightlessness that feels not only physical, but spiritual. This is the power of the dream, something that lets you rise above all you face in every day life.

A beautiful story told through physical theatre and circus, this production has all round appeal and a lot of heart. The acrobatics were exciting, and the narrative let the incredibly talented cast show depth and complexity. Afronauts is a show that dreams big and delivers.

Recommended Drink: A summer smoothie, something bright with a lot of depth.

Catch Afronauts from 6th to the 31st August (not 17, 24) at Udderbelly at Underbelly George Square at 13.55 (1hr). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.