The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind at Swan Theatre Stratford upon Avon Review
Written by Hollie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
This production contains scenes of an upsetting nature and strong language. It also contains loud music, flashing lights and strobe effects, haze, stage blood, gunshots and pyrotechnics.
“The Greatest leader doesn’t necessarily know the greatest things.”
But William Kamkwamba became the greatest leader for his people and his community in his small village in Malawi. This epic true story of courage, determination and love has been adapted for the stage by Director Lynette Linton and is based on the original book of the same name written by William Kamkwamba himself alongside Bryan Mealer.
Opening the show with an energetic first performance, this production, which was originally made into a film for Netflix in 2019 starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, has been adapted into a musical for the stage. As the villagers ask the important question “Where does that lazy boy go?” they dance together rhythmically and sing in harmony throughout and bring intensity and movement to each and every musical number.
Playing William Kamkwamba is Alistair Nwachukwu in his debut RSC role as the protagonist, a 13 year-old school boy who spends his time at the scrap yard trying to piece different objects together and learn from his inventions.
Broken pieces are his masterplan as he tries his best at school alongside his best friend Gilbert Mofat, played by Idriss Kargbo. Together as a duo, Alistair and Idriss bounce off each other with hilarious one-liners, as well as their perfectly rehearsed camaraderie which brings moments of light and laughter to a community that is struggling with the unpredictable weather, sacrifices they have to make and family connections.
Running in as William’s other best friend is Khamba, his dog, played by Yana Penrose, who symbolises strength and adversity, two characteristics that the family and villagers are having to find every day to get them through some difficult challenges. Yana’s skill and natural ability with puppetry doesn’t go unnoticed in this incredibly mesmerising retelling of William’s real life.
The biggest and strongest man in the village, William’s Dad, Trywell Kamkwamba, is played by Sifiso Mazibuko. Sifiso’s ability to show a range of emotions and feelings including hope, disappointment and grief, are well executed and audience members can relate to him and his desire to look after his family. Alongside him is Madeline Appiah, who plays William’s Mum, Agnes Kamkwamba. The on-stage relationship that the trio have together is believable and authentic and it makes you want to be a part of their family with their love for each other.
As the community tries to rally round each other to save themselves and their friends from famine, William discovers a book in the school library that ignites both an idea as well as the feeling of hope. William plans to build a windmill that will power the town’s broken water pump. “It is a time for doing, not dreaming,” his mother declares as the family has to reduce the amount of food they eat and his friends and family are against his big idea and initially don’t help him collect what he needs.
Against challenges and objections, William strives to show his people that he can help them and that some of their problems can be solved. On stage, through the use of projections as well as bright and colourful costumes and a sense of community coming together, the spirit of Malawi is portrayed and almost becomes a character in its own right throughout the show.
Set and Costume Designer Frankie Bradshaw has excelled in her clever use of the wooden features and backdrop of the RSC’s Swan Theatre. The vibrant and vivid costumes contrast with the set and this production is a visual and thought-provoking masterpiece from the very beginning.
As it was Press Night, William Kamkwamba himself joined the actors on stage at the end of the show. With a standing ovation, there wasn’t a dry eye in the auditorium. What a dream, what a story and what an achievement.
This production of ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’ continues at the RSC’s Swan Theatre until Saturday 28th March 2026 before it transfers to the West End at Soho Place with performances from Saturday 25th April until Saturday 18th July 2026.
★★★★★