RSC’s The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind to transfer to West End

The full cast and creative team for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s new production of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind has been announced ahead of its initial run at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from 10th February to 28th March 2026. 

After concluding at the Swan Theatre, the production will move to @sohoplace, London, where it will play from 25th April to 18th July 2026.

Alistair Nwachukwu will make his RSC debut as William Kamkwamba. He is currently starring in the Almeida Theatre in The Line of Beauty and other credits include Choir Boy (Bristol Old Vic).

Joining Alistair on stage to complete the Kamkwamba family are Madeline Appiah (Agnes), Tsemaye Bob-Egbe (Annie) and Sifiso Mazibuko (Trywell). 

About the show

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a bold and uplifting musical based on the true story of William Kamkwamba which was later adapted for a 2019 film.

13-year-old 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? 

The production is directed by Lynette Linton, with book and lyrics by Richy Hughes and music and lyrics by Tim Sutton.

Group bookings

Groups can take advantage of group rates and discounts for the production at the Swan Theatre and @sohoplace. Both theatres have dedicated groups teams to assist with the booking process. 

The RSC also offers group theatre tours, food and drink offers and visits to the The Play’s The Thing exhibition in Stratford-upon-Avon.