Ama Qamata Excited to Make Her UK Stage Debut in ‘The Afronauts’

South African actress Ama Qamata is set to take on an exciting new challenge as she makes her UK stage debut in Ryan Calais Cameron’s play The Afronauts in London.

Best known for her role in Blood & Water, Qamata will star as Matha alongside Lucian Msamati, who plays Edward. The production also features Ivanno Jeremiah, Chomba S. Taulo, Munashe Chirisa, Pamela Nomvete, Lukwesa Mwamba, and Prince Kundai.

The world premiere of The Afronauts will run at the Royal Court Theatre’s Jerwood Theatre Downstairs in London from Saturday, 14 November to Saturday, 19 December 2026.

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Qamata took to her Instagram story to share her excitement about heading to the UK and being part of the production. The actress expressed her love for the story and thanked the team for the opportunity.

“Next stop is the UK! Can’t believe I’m going to be an Afronaut!! I absolutely love this story & I just know you guys will LOVE it too. Thank you for this incredible opportunity let’s take it to the moon.”

For Qamata, the production marks an important new chapter in her acting career as she steps onto the UK stage for the first time. Her role as Matha will see her join an ensemble cast bringing the story of Zambia’s ambitious space programme to life.

The Afronauts tells the true(ish) story of the Zambian Space Program and is set in Zambia in 1964. The play follows a schoolteacher who gathers a group of misfit dreamers and trains them for lift-off, as the country becomes an unlikely contender in the space race.

The production will also mark the finale of the Royal Court’s 70th anniversary Downstairs season, making Qamata’s UK stage debut part of a significant season for the theatre.

The play will be staged at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS. Performances are scheduled from Monday to Friday at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm performances also available, while Saturdays will have shows at 1.30pm and 6.30pm.

With Qamata preparing to take on the role of Matha, fans will soon get to see the South African actress bring her talent to a London stage for the first time.