The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind transfers to the West End

The new musical will run @sohoplace from 25th April to 18th July

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).

The cast is led by Alistair Nwachukwu ad William Kamkwambe joined by Choolwe Laina Muntanga as Mika Kamkwamba, Tomi Ogbaro as Mizek, Yana Penrose as Khamba, Madeline Appiah as Agnes Kamkwambe, Helena Pipe as Edith Sikelo, Tsemaye Bob-Egbe as Annie Kamkwamba, Owen Chaponda as Mike Kachigunda/Blessings, McCallam Connell as Chief Wimbe, Eddie Elliott as Jeremia Kamkwamba/Patience, Shaka Kalokoh  as Charity, Idriss Kargbo as Gilbert Mofat, Newtion Matthews as Mister Ofesi, Sifiso Mazibuko as Trywell Kamkwamba, Tad Hapaguti and Daniel Saswell as Offstage Understudy, Lori Barker and Alex Okoampa ensemble members.

The musical has book and lyrics by Richy Hughes, music and lyrics by Tim Sutton, directed by Lynette Linton, set and costume designer by Frankie Bradshaw, choreographer Shelley Maxwell, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, sound designer George Dennis, video designer Gino Ricardo Green, wigs, hair and make up designer as 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 by Joel Trill and creative associate Chiwetes Ejiofor.

Ejiofor said: “I am absolutely delighted to be involved with the exceptional team bringing William’s story to theatre audiences. William’s incredible experiences are a powerful testament to resilience and hope. It’s a narrative that remains both timeless and timely and, I’m sure, will continue to resonate deeply with everyone who encounters it.”

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!”