The first footage has been released of joyous new musical The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind at @SohoPlace Theatre in London.
Based on the uplifting true story of William Kamkwamba, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is playing at @SohoPlace Theatre for 12 weeks only from 25 April to 18 July 2026.
Ahead of London, the show recently premiered at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon, and is now playing there until 28 March 2026.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind – Watch the trailer
Meet the creators of the show
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is directed by Lynette Linton (Alterations, Shifters, Barcelona), and is adapted and based on the book by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, and the Potboiler Productions film.
The show has a book and lyrics by Richy Hughes (Superhero), and music and lyrics by Tim Sutton (Restless Natives, The Merry Wives of Windsor – RSC).
Acclaimed actor, writer and director Chiwetel Ejiofor is the Creative Associate and Executive Producer of the show.
Photos: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Photos by Tyler Fayose
Casting Update
The cast of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is led by Alistair Nwachukwu (The Line of Beauty, Shadow and Bone) as William Kamkwamba, with Madeline Appiah (The Winter’s Tale – RSC, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) as Agnes Kamkwamba, Tsemaye Bob-Egbe (Play On!, Six The Musical) as Annie Kamkwamba, and Sifiso Mazibuko (Girl From the North Country, Ain’t Too Proud) as Trywell Kamkwamba.
The full company includes Lori Barker (Ensemble), Owen Chaponda (Mike Kachigunda/Blessings), McCallam Connell (Chief Wimbe), Eddie Elliott (Jeremiah Kamkwamba /Patience), Tad Hapaguti (Offstage Understudy), Daniel Haswell (Offstage Understudy), Shaka Kalokoh (Charity), Idriss Kargbo (Gilbert Mofat), Newtion Matthews (Mister Ofesi), Choolwe Laina Muntanga (Mika Kamkwamba), Alistair Nwachukwu (William Kamkwamba), Tomi Ogbaro (Mizeck), Alex Okoampa (Ensemble), Yana Penrose (Khamba), and Helena Pipe (Edith Sikelo).
Based on a true story: In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, 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?
Planning a visit with children? Explore more family-friendly West End shows in London.
Plan your London visit
- Theatre: @SohoPlace Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London
- Booking dates: 25 April to 18 July 2026.
- Performance schedule: Monday to Saturday evenings and Thursday & Saturday matinees
- Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval)
- Age range: Recommended for ages 6+
- Tickets: Book tickets to The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
POST UPDATES: First published 16 February 2026 with production photos. Updated on 24 February 2026 with a new video trailer.
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