Kimberly Akimbo to have UK premiere at Hampstead Theatre in 2026

Award-winning musical and Broadway smash hit Kimberly Akimbo will be making its highly anticipated UK premiere next year.

The musical, which features a book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, will play at Hampstead Theatre from Friday August 28 until Saturday November 7, with a press night scheduled for Wednesday September 9.

The new production will be directed by Michael Longhurst, whose previous credits include Next to Normal, Caroline, or Change, Between Riverside and Crazy, and Gloria.

Kimberly Akimbo tells the story of Kimberly Levaco who is excited to celebrate turning sweet 16. However, Kimberly looks 74 as she has a rare genetic condition which prematurely ages her around four times faster than her peers. Her situation is made increasingly more complicated by her family suddenly moving town under suspicious circumstances, as well as her developing feelings for a boy named Seth after meeting at an ice rink.

Kimberly Akimbo made its off-Broadway debut in 2021 before transferring for a Broadway run in 2022. The show received ample critical acclaim and won five Tony Awards in 2023 including Best Musical. It has since been on a National US tour as well as an Australian tour, but the run at Hampstead Theatre marks its European premiere.

The show forms part of Hampstead Theatre’s wider plans for 2026 which also includes a further five world or European play premieres, as well as Stanley Tucci’s London stage directing debut.