Pump up the volume – The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind [Tyler Fayose]

BASED on a true story, William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer’s The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind follows William’s journey in rural Malawi to build a wind turbine capable of operating a water pump that irrigates the land. His invention helps his family and community as they battle famine.

Now it’s been turned into an uplifting new musical – with book and lyrics by Richy Hughes, music and lyrics by Tim Sutton – about triumphing against the odds.

Fourteen-year-old William (Alistair Nwachukwu) is the son of a hardworking subsistence farmer, Trywell (Sifiso Mazibuko), whose livelihood suffers when the surrounding land is sold off for tobacco fields, diverting resources from food crops and degrading the soil.

When his family can’t afford the tuition fees, William is barred from attending school, but he sneaks into its library to borrow books and teaches himself electronics. As the family’s fortunes deteriorate and his mother Agnes (Madeleine Appiah) contracts malaria, his sister Annie (Tsemaye Bob-Egbe) elopes with a local teacher, Mike (Owen Chaponda), and heads for the city.

The thrilling score blends women’s choral traditions, campfire and work songs supported by a vibrant live band.

Frankie Bradshaw sourced many fabrics, objects and tools directly from Malawi for the costumes and her magnificent set.

It’s brilliantly acted, and Yana Penrose’s puppet work with the dog Khamba is a scene-stealer.

Lynette Linton’s joyful production celebrates the power of imagination and resilience in a harsh landscape wracked by corruption. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a little baggy in places, and at almost three hours could be a touch shorter, but the sheer exhilaration of its cast and music more than compensates for any flaws.

Until July 18
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