The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Musical Review: Rousing but Lacking Depth
The extraordinary true story of William Kamkwamba, a Malawian boy who built a life-saving wind turbine from scraps during a devastating famine, has been told in a memoir, a film, and a celebrated Ted Talk. Now, it arrives on stage as a vibrant musical at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, directed by Lynette Linton. This production bursts with energy, colourful costumes, and African-inspired sounds, yet struggles to fully capture the emotional gravity of its source material.
An Inspiring Tale of Resilience
William Kamkwamba's narrative is one of remarkable resourcefulness and prodigious intelligence. As a 13-year-old facing floods, drought, and starvation in his village, he constructed a wind turbine that provided crucial power and hope. The musical adaptation, with a book by Richy Hughes, aims to celebrate this heroically inventive response through song and dance. Alistair Nwachukwu portrays William with a good-natured charm, supported by Idriss Kargbo as his cheeky friend Gilbert, who aids his education after he is dismissed from school due to unpaid fees.
The production features a gorgeous grass-roofed set design by Frankie Bradshaw and vivid costumes, including patterned fabrics and bright headdresses. Energetic choreography by Shelley Maxwell and vibrant African movements create a big, West End-style energy that often feels expansive. Performers excel in these lively sequences, with spirited ululations and superb percussion adding to the atmosphere.
Strengths and Shortcomings
While the musical is filled with warm light and humour, it tends to stay too insistently feelgood, even when addressing harsh themes like hunger and famine. The production glances at darker elements—such as William's mother (Madeline Appiah) struggling with malaria, clashes with his father (Sifiso Mazibuko), and death in the community—but withdraws quickly, as if hesitant to diverge from its high mood. A re-emerging hyena, symbolising danger, is portrayed by Shaka Kalokoh but carries little threat, resembling an extra from The Lion King.
Tim Sutton's music is big on sound, with standout songs like Mphala Boys Power and This I Know. However, many numbers are unmemorable, and some singing voices are ropey. The book renders characters rather simplistic, leaving William strangely unknown amidst the song and dance. Sweet features, such as his friendship with an adopted dog played by Yana Penrose, add charm but fail to evoke deep emotional tragedy when needed.
Final Verdict
At over two hours long, this drama of immense suffering and determination is certainly life-affirming. It celebrates Kamkwamba's incredible achievement with rousing performances and a vibrant aesthetic. Yet, it does not fully engage the gut or squeeze the heart as it should, missing opportunities for nuanced storytelling. The musical runs at the Swan Theatre until 28 March, then transfers to Soho Place in London from 25 April to 18 July, offering audiences a spirited but somewhat superficial take on a powerful true story.
