The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind musical to transfer to the West End

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s musical The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind will transfer to London’s West End following its run at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The production opens at @sohoplace for a 12-week season from 25 April to 18 July 2026, continuing the RSC’s collaboration with Nica Burns after the success of Kyoto.

Chiwetel Ejiofor, who previously wrote, directed and starred in the 2019 film version of the same title and joins the West End production as executive producer, 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.”

Director Lynette Linton added: “I’m so excited to finally share the brilliant cast who will bring this new musical adaptation of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind to life. This production has grown through collaboration and creativity, reflecting the spirit of community that lies at the heart of Wimbe, where this story began. It’s a tale of imagination, resilience and collective hope. Every member of this company brings so much energy, intelligence and warmth to the room, I can’t wait to work with these brilliant humans and for our audiences to discover William’s story. Let’s go!”

The musical tells the true story of William Kamkwamba, a Malawian teenager who, during a time of famine and poverty, built a wind turbine from scrap materials to bring electricity and water to his village. His ingenuity and determination became a symbol of resourcefulness and the power of education.

Producers Kenny Wax and Chuchu Nwagu said: “This musical is a snapshot of William’s bigger story. One which began long before the curtain rises upon our stage and continues well after the curtain falls. We urge you to spend a moment visiting www.movingwindmills.org to see how William’s commitment towards revolutionary problem-solving empowers the innovators of tomorrow to bring about positive change, not just for Malawi, but for the world.”

Tickets go on sale for the West End run to the general public from 26 November, priced from £25.

Venue owner Nica Burns concluded: “Following their huge artistic and box office success with Kyoto @sohoplace early this year, we are delighted to be welcoming back the RSC with this moving and uplifting musical – a true story – The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. This wonderful musical played in the thrust configuration is the second in @sohoplace’s 2026 spring and summer season which, for the first time, presents three unique productions with music at their heart. It follows Marie and Rosetta, a play with some of the best gospel and rhythm and blues songs gloriously sung by Beverley Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu with their extraordinary vocals. The third production of this season with music is to be announced and on sale in January 2026. The intimacy of our atmospheric auditorium with its exceptional acoustics will give audiences a memorable theatrical and musical experience.”

Casting for the show was also revealed today.