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).

For more information on the themes and content of the play please visit our content advisory page.

Creative Team

Director Lynette Linton | Set & Costume Designer Frankie Bradshaw | Lighting Designer Oliver Fenwick | Sound Designer George Dennis | Choreographer Shelley Maxwell | Video Designer Gino Ricardo Green | Dramaturg George Harrison | Casting Director Heather Basten CDG

New Work at the RSC is generously supported by Hawthornden Foundation and The Drue and H.J. Heinz II Charitable Trust

With thanks to Season Supporter Charles Holloway OBE