Full cast and West End transfer announced for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The new musical, based on the true story of William Kamkwamba, will make its debut in Stratford-upon-Avon for a six-week run from 10 February, before announcing its transfer to the West End in April.

This production is directed by Lynette Linton (Alterations, Shifters), the former Artistic Director of the Bush Theatre, with book and lyrics by Richy Hughes and music and lyrics by Tim Sutton.

Leading The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Alistair Nwachukwu (Choir Boy, Bristol Old Vic) will make his RSC debut as William Kamkwamba. Joining Alistair and completing the Kamkwamba family are Madeline Appiah (The Winter’s Tale, RSC) as Agnes, Tsemaye Bob-Egbe (Play On!, Lyric Hammersmith) as Annie and Sifiso Mazibuko (Girl From the North Country, Old Vic) as Trywell.

They will be joined by Lori Barker, Owen Chaponda, McCallam Connell, Eddie Elliott, Tad Hapaguti, Daniel Haswell, Shaka Kalokoh, Idriss Kargbo, Newtion Matthews, Choolwe Laina Muntanga, Tomi Ogbaro, Alex Okoampa, Yana Penrose and Helena Pipe who completes the company.

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?

Joining Lynette Linton, Richy Hughes and Tim Sutton on the creative team are Set and Costume Designer Frankie Bradshaw, Choreographer Shelley Maxwell, Lighting Designer Oliver Fenwick, Sound Designer George Dennis, Video Designer Gino Ricardo Green, Wigs, Hair and Make Up Designer Cynthia De La Rosa, Music Supervisor Liam Godwin, Orchestrator Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, Puppet Designer Nick Barnes, Puppetry Director Laura Cubitt, Fight Director Kate Waters, Dramaturg George Harrison, Dramatherapist Wabriya King, Casting Director Heather Basten CDG, Music Director Ashton Moore, Voice and Dialect Joel Trill, Associate Director TD Moyo, Assistant Dramaturg Owen Chaponda and Creative Associate Chiwetel Ejiofor.

This production was commissioned by and is presented in association with Kenny Wax Limited and Chuchu Nwagu Productions.

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind will play at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from 10 February - 28 March 2026 before transferring to the @sohoplace from 25 April - 18 July 2026.