RSC to produce first new musical under co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey

The Royal Shakespeare Company will present the world premiere of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon early next year.

Adapted from the memoir by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, the new musical features a book and lyrics by Richy Hughes and music and lyrics by Tim Sutton. The piece is based in part on the 2019 film adaptation directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, and tells the story of a Malawian teenager who, during a period of drought, attempts to build a windmill from scrap materials and library books in an effort to save his community.

The production is directed by Lynette Linton, former artistic director of the Bush Theatre, whose previous credits include Alterations and Shifters. Set and costume design is by Frankie Bradshaw, with lighting design by Oliver Fenwick, sound design by George Dennis, choreography by Shelley Maxwell, and video design by Gino Ricardo Green. George Harrison serves as dramaturg and Heather Basten is the casting director.

Running from 10 February to 28 March, it has been commissioned by the RSC and is presented in association with Kenny Wax Limited and Chuchu Nwagu Productions. Tickets are available from £10 to £60, with member booking from next week and public booking later this month.

The show was revealed in the venue’s latest season announcement.