Five questions with William Kamkwamba of 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind'
The real-life inspiration behind the new musical The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind tells us how his story made its way to the London stage.
Summary
- William Kamkwamba is the real-life inspiration for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
- His life story has been made into a musical now running at @sohoplace
- Alistair Nwachukwu stars in the lead role
New musical The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is based on the 2009 memoir by William Kamkwamba about his experiences growing up in drought-stricken Malawi as a young boy. His moving story is now brought to life at intimate, in-the-round London venue @sohoplace.
Book The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk
What was your first reaction when you heard your story was being turned into a musical?
I was honoured. When I wrote my book I never imagined so many people would read it and learn about my journey. To think of my life being in a musical was very special. I remember being much younger and organising a play in my community, but it was nothing like what’s on stage now. It feels unreal. But it’s special because music and singing are such a big part of life in Malawi. My mother always sang while she worked and in the songs from the musical I can feel my memories come alive.
Your story has inspired people around the world. What do you think theatre can bring to it that film or books cannot?
Theatre is alive. Our work with Moving Windmills Project is catalysed by the stories that we see unfold every day. Seeing this story on stage is amazing. Every night is different — the performers, the audience, breathing together in the same room. A book you read alone. A film you can watch with family. But with theatre you feel with strangers around you; at @sohoplace because of the seating, you can see other audience members responding to what’s happening and that just gives a new energy. That shared experience is really special to witness because you are experiencing with other people.
How does it feel to watch actors portray people you know — including you and your family?
Somehow strange and somehow beautiful. Watching another person live out moments from my life in real time, it’s surreal. To hear the sounds of Malawi so clearly in London. The process has made me grateful all over again for the people who kept believing in me. It’s been amazing having my sister and friend Gilbert here for opening to share this moment, it’s their first time in London and I’m glad we can share it together.
What do you hope younger audience members take away from your story after seeing the musical?
That curiosity is enough to start. I had a library book and a question — a problem to solve. Wherever you are, whatever you have — that is sufficient. Begin there. Take the first step.
Are you planning to see any other musicals while you’re in London?
Yes, I saw Karate Kid and it was incredible. I grew up watching the Karate Kid movie in Malawi so to see it on stage was very special. I have such appreciation for actors, to be on stage and performing with the audience takes incredible skill. For me, I never imagined this story could be a musical but I watched it come alive in new ways.
Book The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk
This article first appeared in the June 2026 issue of London Theatre Magazine.
Photo credit: William Kamkwamba. Inset: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. (Courtesy of production)
Frequently asked questions
What is The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind about?
Be brought into the breathtaking true story of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, a thought-provoking new musical about the resilience of one Malawian boy as it arrives in the West End.
Where is The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind playing?
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is playing at Soho Place. The theatre is located at 2 Soho Place, London, W1D 3BG.
How long is The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind?
The running time of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is 2hr 30 min. Incl. 1 interval
How do you book tickets for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind?
Book tickets for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind on London Theatre.
What's the age recommendation for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind?
The recommended age for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is Ages 9+. Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by, and sat next to, an adult aged 18 or over..
How much do tickets cost for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind?
Tickets for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind start at £32.
Who wrote The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind?
The book and lyrics are by Richy Hughes, and the music and lyrics are by Tim Sutton. It is based on the book by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, as well as the film adaptation.
Who directed The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind?
Lynette Linton is the director.
What songs are in The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind?
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind includes many songs, including “Where Did That Boy Go,” “Something More Than Magic,” and “The Girl in the Market Place.”
Is The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind appropriate for kids?
This show is best suited for those ages 11 and above. Children aged under 14 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Is The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind good?
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is incredibly rich and uplifting. Audiences are sure to leave inspired as a true story is brought to life on stage.
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