Umoja silenced for the moment

THE Citizen newspaper reports that the producers of the hit South African musical, Umoja, are searching for an alternative venue following the local council's decision to ban the show at its current venue, Shaftesbury Theatre in London's West End, due to complaints from local residents about noise levels. This comes as quite a blow to the show's cast who have been praised by the local media and public and who have been sending some hard-earned pounds back to their families in South Africa. Apparently two elderly women complained that the drum music kept them awake at night. It is unclear at present what will become of the show, but being so popular, it's is unlikely that Londoners will see the end of Umoja for while yet to come. Meanwhile, another cast is preparing to set off to Australia next month. (Miguel de Sousa)