ALL aboard the Zambezi Express for a pulsating evening of African beats, powerful vocals and high energy at the Hackney Empire this week.

Taking its name from the great steam railway that runs through the mountains, deserts and plains of Africa, this colourful musical concerns a wide-eyed boy from a mining township in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, whose dreams of becoming a superstar footballer lead him to South Africa and the tough reality of the big city.

Created in collobation between producer Gerry Cottle, a veteran circus entrepreneur and 20-year-old Zimbabwean theatre company Siyaya, and fresh from a successful run at London’s Riverside Studios, the dynamic production features a 30-strong ensemble who will transport you to the African sun with their uplifting performance.

Zambezi Express runs at the Hackney Empire, Mare Street, London, until Wednesday, October 28, 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets: 020 8985 2424 or www.hackneyempire.co.uk (£14-£22)