The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Soho Place
A bold and uplifting new musical telling the true story of William Kamkwamba
25th April - 18th July 2026
Suitable for 6-100 years
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 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).
Humanity finds its power Spring 2026.
Start date: 25th April, 2026
End Date: 18th July, 2026
2hr 30 min. Incl. 1 interval
Ages 6+. Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by, and sat next to, an adult aged 18 or over.
This production contains loud music and flashing lights.
Integrated BSL:
Saturday, 20th June, 2:30pm
Captioned:
Saturday, 27th June, 2:30pm
Audio Described:
Friday, 10th July, 7:30pm
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind cast and creative team
Based on the book by: William Kamkwamba
Songs by: Richy Hughes, Tim Sutton
Director: Lynette Linton
Choreography: Shelley Maxwell
Address and Contact Info
Soho Place
2 Soho Place
London
W1D 3BG
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road
Nearest Park: Soho Square Gardens