Following its world premiere at the Royal Shakespeare Company, this uplifting new musical adaptation of William Kamkwamba’s best-selling memoir arrives in the West End for a strictly limited season. Directed by the acclaimed Lynette Linton (Blues for an Alabama Sky, Shifters), this bold production brings to life the extraordinary true story of a young innovator who refused to let his future be defined by circumstance. It is a powerful celebration of human ingenuity, education, and the courage to dream in the face of impossible odds.
Set in a small village in Malawi during a devastating famine, the story follows teenage William, who is forced to drop out of school when his family can no longer afford the fees. While his community faces starvation and drought, William sneaks into the local library, where he discovers a book on energy. Armed with nothing but scrap metal, bicycle parts, and determination, he sets out to build a wind turbine that can bring electricity and water to his village. The musical captures the tension between tradition and modernity, exploring how one boy’s invention changed the lives of everyone around him.
The production features a dynamic score by Tim Sutton and lyrics by Richy Hughes, blending traditional Malawian rhythms with contemporary folk and pop to create a soundscape that is both authentic and infectious. The cast is led by rising star Alistair Nwachukwu as William, supported by a talented ensemble including Madeline Appiah and Sifiso Mazibuko. The staging utilises the unique, intimate configuration of @sohoplace to immerse the audience in the landscape of Malawi, using puppetry and inventive movement to visualise the mechanical magic of William’s creation.
For the 2026 season, this show stands out as a vital story of “Black joy” and resilience, moving beyond narratives of trauma to highlight African innovation and environmental stewardship. It is a life-affirming theatrical event perfect for all generations, offering a message of hope that resonates deeply in today’s climate-conscious world.
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