First look production images have been released for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s new musical The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, now playing at @sohoplace in London.
The West End premiere began performances earlier this month following its acclaimed run at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Adapted from the memoir by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, the musical tells the true story of a 13-year-old boy in Malawi who builds a windmill to save his village during a devastating drought.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind features a book and lyrics by Richy Hughes, with music and lyrics by Tim Sutton, and is directed by Lynette Linton.
Alistair Nwachukwu stars in the title role of William Kamkwamba, leading a cast that also includes Madeline Appiah, McCallam Connell, Eddie Elliott, Idriss Kargbo and Helena Pipe.
The creative team includes Frankie Bradshaw as set and costume designer, Shelley Maxwell as choreographer, Oliver Fenwick as lighting designer and George Dennis as sound designer.
Chiwetel Ejiofor, who wrote, directed and starred in the 2019 film adaptation, joins the stage production as Creative Associate and Executive Producer.
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.”
The musical is booking at @sohoplace until 18 July 2026.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
