West End transfer revealed for 'THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND'

Emmie Newitt 21 November, 2025, 10:00

The bold and uplifting new musical, which is based on the true story of William Kamkwamba, will head to the West End next Spring following its initial premiere at Stratford-upon-Avon. This production follows the organisation's close collaboration, following the success of Kyoto.

Artwork for The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind.

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

Directed by Lynette Linton (Shifters), making his RSC debut as William Kamkwamba will be Alistair Nwachukwu, who is currently starring in The Line of Beauty at the 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.

On announcing the West End debut and cast for this new musical, director Lynette Linton said: “This production has grown through collaboration and creativity, reflecting the spirit of community that lies at the heart of Wimbe, where this story began. It’s a tale of imagination, resilience and collective hope.”

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.

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