Book and Lyrics by Richy Hughes
Music and Lyrics by Tim Sutton
Adapted from / Based on the book by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer and Potboiler Productions Film
This production was commissioned by Kenny Wax and is presented in association with Kenny Wax Ltd and Chuchu Nwagu Productions
A bold and uplifting new musical telling the true story of a boy who hopes to defy expectations to produce the gift of power and give hope for tomorrow.
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 was a bold and uplifting new musical telling the true story of William Kamkwamba. Based on his memoir and Chiwetel Ejiofor's film, the world premiere in Statford-upon-Avon was 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).
Following a successul run in Stratford-upon-Avon in early 2026, the musical made its London premiere @sohoplace from April to July 2026.
