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[title]The 1960s space race was dominated by Cold War superpowers, colossal budgets and national bravado. But while the US and USSR were pouring billions into reaching the cosmos, another contender entered the ring: a landlocked, newly independent African nation with grit and an impossible vision.
Now, that astonishing chapter of history is landing in London, courtesy of The Afronauts – another of the Royal Court Theatre’s eagerly anticipated shows from their celebrated Downstairs season. And just to make it even better, Time Out has teamed up with the Royal Court Theatre to get you into the stalls for a fraction of the usual price. As long as you’re under 35, that is.
Why you can't miss The Afronauts
Closing out the Royal Court’s celebrated Downstairs season this winter, The Afronauts is the true(ish!) story of the Zambian Space Program. Set in 1964, as the world’s superpowers fix their sights on the moon, a visionary schoolteacher gathers an eclectic crew of misfit dreamers and begins training them for lift-off. Grounded in the conviction that "as long as a man can dream, he can push the limits of what’s possible," it brings a hugely entertaining, deeply moving portrait of national ambition.
The production brings together some of the most exciting creative heavyweights in British theatre:
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Written and co-directed by Ryan Calais Cameron: The Sky Arts Award-winning playwright behind cultural juggernauts For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy and Retrograde. Cameron co-directs alongside Monique Touko (Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, Marie & Rosetta).
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A powerhouse cast: Screen and stage titan Lucian Msamati (Slow Horses, Conclave, Amadeus, Waiting for Godot) leads the company alongside breakout star Ama Qamata (Netflix’s Blood & Water, Fight Like a Girl) making her highly anticipated UK stage debut.
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Prestigious backing: Commissioned by the Genesis Foundation through the Genesis Next Generation programme, marking one of the venue’s most ambitious new plays of the year.
The exclusive Time Out ticket offer
Under-35s can claim access to limited £25 tickets across the run, but you need to be quick to get on the priority list.
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Sign-up deadline: Wednesday 21 October, midnight
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Code and booking link release: Friday 23 October at 12:00 PM (noon)
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Performance dates: Saturday 14 November – Saturday 19 December 2026
Important booking details:
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Maximum of two tickets per booking.
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Both ticket holders must be aged 34 or under on the date of your chosen performance.
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Valid photo IDs may be checked upon arrival at the theatre.
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Offer is strictly subject to availability and redeemable online only.
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Standard Royal Court Theatre terms and conditions apply.
Sign up before midnight on Wednesday 21 October to secure your private link and booking code ahead of the noon drop on Friday.