Three-time Olivier Award winner Maria Friedman is set to star in Kimberly Akimbo, the Tony Award-winning musical by Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire.
Kimberly Akimbo is making its UK premiere at Hampstead Theatre in London from 28 August to 7 November 2026.
The production is directed by former Donmar Warehouse artistic director Michael Longhurst (Next to Normal, Woman in Mind).
View availability for Kimberly Akimbo tickets at Hampstead Theatre London.
Kimberly Akimbo – Directed by Michael Longhurst and starring Maria Friedman (Photo Genevieve Girling)
The show has music by two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home; Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change), and lyrics and book by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole), based on Lindsay-Abaire’s play.
In the show, 15 year old Kimberly (Maria Friedman) has recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, her first crush, a rare genetic condition that has caused her to age rapidly and look like a 72 year old woman, and possible felony charges! Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.
Tesori and Lindsay-Abaire reunited on Kimberly Akimbo after working together on Shrek The Musical. Tesori’s musical Fun Home had its UK premiere at the Young Vic in London, and an Olivier Award-winning revival of Caroline, or Change played at Hampstead Theatre, where Kimberly Akimbo will run.
The original Broadway production scored five Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Original Score.
Maria Friedman & Michael Longhurst
Maria Friedman is one of the most acclaimed performers in musical theatre, having won numerous awards including three Olivier Awards and eight Olivier nominations, plus recognition from the WhatsOnStage, Evening Standard, Critics’ Circle Awards and many others for her work across both the West End and Broadway.
She said in a statement that she “couldn’t be more thrilled to be bringing Kimberly Levaco to life. She’s such a beautifully complex character – full of hope, humour and this fierce determination to live every moment to the fullest, even when time isn’t on her side. It’s rare to find a role that is this funny, heartbreaking and life-affirming all at once and I feel incredibly lucky to step into her world.”
Director Michael Longhurst returns to Hampstead Theatre after directing their current production, Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen starring Alex Kingston, Richard Schiff and Damien Molony.
Longhurst said in a statement that Maria Friedman is “unquestionably one of our greats – so I am over the moon that she is returning to the stage to lead my production of Kimberly Akimbo”. Longhurst also praised Maria’s indomitable spirit, world renowned vocals and comic elan.
Book tickets to Kimberly Akimbo at Hampstead Theatre London.
Plan your visit
- Venue: Hampstead Theatre
- Dates: 28 August to 7 November 2026
Hampstead Theatre, London
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