The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
An uplifting new musical that tells the extraordinary true story of William Kamkwamba.
Kenny Wax Limited, Chuchu Nwagu Productions in association with Nica Burns present the Royal Shakespeare Company production of the West End Premiere of the new musical, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. Playing @sohoplace from Saturday 25 April – Saturday 18 July 2026.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a bold and uplifting new musical which tells the true story of William Kamkwamba who had the courage to dream in the face of impossible odds.
In drought-stricken Malawi, a 13-year-old boy dreams of saving his village. Nobody believes he can - not his father, his friends, nor his community. As crops fail and hope runs dry, William finds inspiration in scraps of old machinery and a handful of library books. What he lacks in resources, he makes up for in determination, grit and imagination, and a windmill begins to take shape. Can William defy expectations and harness the power of the wind to bring energy, life, and hope to his people?
Chiwetel Ejiofor, who wrote, directed, and starred in the 2019 film joins the West End production as Executive Producer.
Adapted from William Kamkwamba’s memoir and Ejiofor’s film, this West End premiere transfers directly from Stratford-upon-Avon, directed by Lynette Linton, formerly Artistic Director of the Bush Theatre, with book and lyrics by Richy Hughes (Superhero) and music and lyrics by Tim Sutton.
Alistair Nwachukwu (Line of Beauty - Almeida, Choir Boy - Bristol Old Vic) is originating the title role of William Kamkwamba.
A celebration of human ingenuity and the courage to dream in the face of impossible odds, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a powerful story where imagination brings hope for tomorrow.
Where: @sohoplace, Charing Cross Road, W1D 3BG
When: 25 April –18 July 2026
Tickets from £25
Venue details
- Address:
- @sohoplace
- 4 Soho Place
- London
- W1D 3BG