The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind - A New Musical!
- Jan 4
- 2 min read
A New Musical The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind. Book and lyrics by Richy Hughes, music and lyrics by Tim Sutton. Adapted from/based on the book by William Kamkioamba and Bryan Mealer and Potboiler Productions film. At the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from 10 February to 28 March 2026, and then at Soho Place, London from 25 April to 18 July 2026.
Preview
William wants to build a windmill. Nobody believes he can – not his father nor his friends. Hope feels out of reach where the land is thirsty but the rains don't come. As drought closes in on his family’s farm and the village he loves, everyone prays for a miracle. All William has to hand are some library books and scraps of old machinery. The rest must come from within. Will he defy expectations? Will the wind turn the sails of his invention, produce the gift of power, and give hope for tomorrow?
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a bold and uplifting new musical telling the true story of William Kamkwamba. Based on his memoir and Chiwetel Ejiofor's film, this world premiere is directed by Lynette Linton (Alterations, Shifters), formerly Artistic Director of the Bush Theatre, with book and lyrics by Richy Hughes (Southwark Playhouse Superhero) and music and lyrics by Tim Sutton (Restless Natives, RSC The Merry Wives of Windsor).
Alistair Nwachukwu will make his RSC debut as William Kamkwamba. Joining Alistair and completing the Kamkwamba family are Madeline Appiah (Agnes), Tsemaye Bob-Egbe (Annie) and Sifiso Mazibuko (Trywell).
Full company comprises; Madeline Appiah (Agnes Kamkwamba), Lori Barker (Ensemble), Tsemaye Bob-Egbe (Annie Kamkwamba), Owen Chaponda (Mike Kachigunda/Blessings), McCallam Connell (Chief Wimbe), Eddie Elliott (Jeremiah Kamkwamba /Patience), Tad Hapaguti (Offstage Understudy), Daniel Haswell (Offstage Understudy), Shaka Kalokoh (Charity), Idriss Kargbo (Gilbert Mofat), Newtion Matthews (Mister Ofesi), Sifiso Mazibuko (Trywell Kamkwamba), Choolwe Laina Muntanga (Mika Kamkwamba), Alistair Nwachukwu (William Kamkwamba), Tomi Ogbaro (Mizeck), Alex Okoampa (Ensemble), Yana Penrose (Khamba), Helena Pipe (Edith Sikelo).
When the full cast was announced back in November, director Lynette Linton said: “I’m so excited to finally share the brilliant cast who will bring this new musical adaptation of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind to life. 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. Every member of this company brings so much energy, intelligence and warmth to the room, I can’t wait to work with these brilliant humans and for our audiences to discover William’s story. Let’s go!”
For more information and tickets go to: https://www.rsc.org.uk/the-boy-who-harnessed-the-wind
RSC Box Office for Stratford-upon-Avon: rsc.org.uk, 01789 331111
@Sohoplace Box Office for London: sohoplace.org, 0330 333 5961
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