Zimbabwe musical hits right note

The first musical to come out of Zimbabwe looks set to become London's next feel-good hit after opening to packed audiences.

Backers of Zambezi Express hope to enjoy Billy Elliot-style success with their story of a little boy struggling to escape the slums and make it as a footballer.

Billed as the "happiest show on earth", Zambezi Express, pictured right, was created by British circus entrepreneur Gerry Cottle, who was inspired by the energy of African dance group Siyaya.

He decided to make them, and 15 extra performers who had never left Zimbabwe, the stars of a new musical.

The 30-strong company trained at Mr Cottle's circus school at Wookey Hole in Somerset to add acrobatics to their performance, which opened at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith this weekend.

Zambezi Express - named after the steam railway which winds across Africa - tells the story of Zilli, who battles to become a football star.

The story was inspired by the approaching 2010 World Cup, which will be held in South Africa.

"It's the first time Zimbabwe has ever had a musical outside the country," said Mr Cottle's son Gerry Jnr. "It's been years in the making.

"It's a cross between Billy Elliot and Slumdog Millionaire. People come out with smiles all over their faces."

The show runs until Sunday 27 September.