WORLD PREMIERE 2026
Based on the international best-selling memoir, this bold and uplifting new musical tells the extraordinary true story of William Kamkwamba.
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 (Shifters, Sweat, Intimate Apparel, Blues for an Alabama Sky), formerly Artistic Director of the Bush Theatre, with book and lyrics by Richy Hughes (Superhero) and music and lyrics by Tim Sutton (Restless Natives, RSC’s The Merry Wives of Windsor).
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.
Humanity finds its power Spring 2026.
William's Story
Gallery
William Kamkwamba and the creatives visit Wimbe, Malawi, where William's extraordinary story took place.
The Boy, the father, the best friend –William, Trywell and Gilbert beneath the windmill in Wimbe.
The writers discover a textbook crucial to William's understanding of wind energy.
A farm on the outskirts of Mzuzu.
A celebration of rural traditions in Daniel Gausi Village.
Having fun with what others have thrown away, Daniel Gausi Village.
Children queue for their porridge at Bana Mbatose nursery school.
Lessons in science at Mzimba Secondary School.
'More and more, going to the scrapyard began to replace school in my mind.'