The Royal Shakespeare Company brings the new musical The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind to the West End this spring, transferring to @sohoplace following its acclaimed run in Stratford‑upon‑Avon. Based on the true story of William Kamkwamba, the production tells an uplifting story of innovation, hope and determination.
Eddie Elliott appears in the cast as Jeremiah Kamkwamba and Patience, joining an ensemble that brings this inspiring tale of resilience in drought‑stricken Malawi to the stage through powerful storytelling and original music.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind runs at @sohoplace from 29 April to 18 July 2026. Tickets are available here.
You’re appearing in The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind at @sohoplace. What can you tell us about the show?
Putting it simply, the show tells the story of William Kamkwamba and how he saved his village from famine by generating electricity using bits of scrap metal.
But the show is also a celebration of Africa, specifically Malawi. It amplifies the rich culture and heritage that Africa as a continent is known for and drops the audience right in the middle of it through song, dance, set and costume.
I describe it as a love letter to my parents and ancestors. It is a riot of colour, visually and sonically. Ultimately, it is a true story of human resilience and the ability to overcome.
You play Jeremiah Kamkwamba and Patience. How did you approach bringing these characters to life on stage?
I have been with the show for over two years in its various workshops and have had the pleasure of letting the characters and the world reveal themselves to me slowly but surely.
What I mean by that is, of course I have read books, done research and spoken to Malawian natives, but ultimately living in these characters for so long means they develop day by day and you keep making new discoveries about them.
Additionally, we have had wonderful input from our dialect coach, and Owen, who plays Mike and Blessings, is from Malawi, so is a rich source of information.
This musical is based on a true story and a well known book and film. What feels most powerful about telling this story in a live theatre setting?
The connection with the audience is a real gift. Having them immersed in the world and watching them come along on a journey with us each show is so very special.
They laugh with us, cry with us and ultimately celebrate with us. It is such a joy to see these emotions pour out of the audience in real time.
What has it been like working with the Royal Shakespeare Company and this creative team on a new musical?
It has been a real career highlight. I could never have imagined I would be working with the RSC and to do it with a show that I have been with from its infancy is such a privilege.
Even at the very first read through and workshop in early 2024, I knew this was a special piece. So to see its growth and evolution has been magical.
I have even been in the room reading for auditions. To get a peek behind the curtain of what it takes to get a brand new show up and running has been a real eye opener. So much dedication, manpower and sheer determination has gone into it.
The story centres on resilience, imagination and community. What themes do you hope audiences take away from the production?
I really hope people who come to watch the show are inspired to persevere and to be tenacious.
The lesson from the show is that self belief and tenacity can get you to where you want to be. It might not necessarily always be easy, but the human ability to endure is remarkable.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind?
Get on with it! Stop thinking and just do. That is literally at the heart of the show.
If William had not been curious, if he had hesitated, we would not be here still celebrating his story all these years later.
