THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND - Rehearsal images released

Emmie Newitt 22 January, 2026, 10:14

A bold and uplifting new musical based on the true story of William Kamkwamba heads to the West End in April after its inital premiere at Stratford-upon-Avon.

The cast of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind in rehearsals. Photo by Tyler Fayose.

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind is adapted from/based on the book by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer and Potboiler. The production features book and lyrics by Richy Hughes and music and lyrics by Tim Sutton.

The story follows William Kamkwamba, a Malawian boy who builds a windmill to save his village from famine. However, nobody believes he can. All he has to help him are some library books and scraps of old machinery. His determination and creativity ultimately bring hope and electricity to his family and the wider community.

Directed by Lynette Linton (Shifters), making his RSC debut as William Kamkwamba will be Alistair Nwachukwu (The Line of Beauty, Almeida Theatre). Completing the Kamkwamba family are Madeline Appiah (The Winter's Tale, RSC) as Agnes, Tsemaye Bob-Egbe (Play On!, Lyric Hammersmith) as Annie and Sifiso Mazibuko (Girl From the North Country, Old Vic) as Trywell.

Completing the company are Lori Barker, Owen Chaponda, McCallam Connell, Eddie Elliott, Tad Hapaguti, Daniel Haswell, Shaka Kalokoh, Idriss Kargbo, Newtion Matthews, Choolwe Laina Muntanga, Tomi Ogbaro, Alex Okoampa, Yana Penrose and Helena Pipe.

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The creative team is completed by Set and Costume Designer Frankie Bradshaw, Choreographer Shelley Maxwell, Lighting Designer Oliver Fenwick, Sound Designer George Dennis, Video Designer Gino Ricardo Green, Wigs, Hair and Make Up Designer Cynthia De La Rosa, Music Supervisor Liam Godwin, Orchestrator Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, Puppet Designer Nick Barnes, Puppetry Director Laura Cubitt, Fight Director Kate Waters, Dramaturg George Harrison, Dramatherapist Wabriya King, Casting Director Heather Basten CDG, Music Director Ashton Moore, Voice and Dialect Joel Trill, Associate Director TD Moyo, Assistant Dramaturg Owen Chaponda and Creative Associate Chiwetel Ejiofor.

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind was commissioned by and is presented in association with Kenny Wax Limited and Chuchu Nwagu Productions.

It will play at @sohoplace from 25 April - 18 July 2026. It will follow the West End debut of Marie and Rosetta, which runs from 28 February - 11 April 2026.

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind Tickets