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Hampstead Theatre in North London has announced its new season for 2026.

Tony Award-winning musical Kimberly Akimbo is set to get its European premiere in 2026, playing at Hampstead Theatre from 28 August to 7 November.

David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s funny and heartwarming musical will be directed by former Donmar Warehouse artistic director Michael Longhurst.

The musical won five Tony Awards in 2023 including Best Musical, and centres on the story of a 16-year old Kimberly whose rare genetic condition that causes her to age four times faster than usual. As she comes of age she searches for love and meaning while knowing time is not on her side. Read more about Kimberly Akimbo at Hampstead Theatre.

Other highlights include screen star Stanley Tucci (The Devil Wears Prada, The Hunger Games) making his London stage directing debut with new play Springwood.

Springwood is playing at Hampstead Theatre from 13 February to 21 March 2026.

Springwood is by Olivier and Tony Award-winning playwright Richard Nelson, and promises to be a witty and poignant new play that pulls back the curtain on a pivotal meeting in 1939 between King George VI and President Roosevelt.

The show is based on the hit movie Hyde Park on Hudson. Read more about Springwood.

Springwood at Hampstead Theatre directed by Stanley Tucci (Photo Gerhard Kassner)
Springwood at Hampstead Theatre directed by Stanley Tucci (Photo Gerhard Kassner)

New play Bird Grove by Olivier Award-winning playwright Alexi Kaye Campbell is about much-loved English writer George Eliot, in an exploration of family ties and self-determination.

Bird Grove is directed by Anna Ledwich and plays at Hampstead Theatre from 13 February to 21 March 2026.

There will also be three premieres in Hampstead Theatre’s Downstairs studio.

American playwright Aaron Loeb makes his UK debut with the world premiere of R.O.I (Return On Investment) about an ambitious venture capitalist who backs an invention by a young entrepreneur that could be life-changing for the entire human race.

Directed by Chelsea Walker, R.O.I plays at Hampstead Theatre Downstairs from 6 March to 11 April 2026.

David Pearson will make his playwriting debut with Firewing, directed by Hampstead Associate Director Alice Hamilton.

The play sees a wildlife photographer and his apprentice go in search of the elusive Firewing, and premieres at Hampstead from 17 April to 23 May 2026.

Joshua Harmon follows the successful Off-Broadway run of his play We Had A World with its European premiere at Hampstead.

Billed as a deeply personal and searingly funny play, Harmon’s New York childhood is brought to life on stage, shaped by an eccentric grandmother.

Directed by Josh Seymour, We Had A World runs at Hampstead Theatre Downstairs from 29 May to 4 July 2026.

Hampstead Theatre’s Producer and Chief Executive, Greg Ripley-Duggan said in a statement: “It’s a privilege to be announcing our plans so far for 2026 – and we’ve more to come! These productions will start the year in classic Hampstead Theatre style – thrilling new plays, exciting debuts and, later in the year the European premiere of a Broadway hit musical. It’s a real joy to welcome David Lindsay-Abaire, Jeanine Tesori and Michael Longhurst back to Hampstead for Kimberly Akimbo and I’m really looking forward to introducing our audiences to a raft of new writers and some truly wonderful new plays by some familiar playwrights.”

Indian Ink at Hampstead Theatre

Coming up at Hampstead Theatre is a revival of Tom Stoppard’s Indian Ink starring Felicity Kendal, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis & Gavi Singh Chera, from 3 December 2025 to 31 January 2026.

Booking Tickets

Book tickets to Kimberly Akimbo at Hampstead Theatre in London

Book tickets to Springwood at Hampstead Theatre in London

Book tickets to Bird Grove at Hampstead Theatre in London

Kimberly Akimbo

Hampstead Theatre, London

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Kimberly Akimbo
Main photo: Hampstead Theatre 2026 season

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