'Kimberly Akimbo' to have European premiere at Hampstead Theatre

Heartwarming musical Kimberly Akimbo tells the story of a teenager whose rare genetic condition causes her to age four times faster than usual.

Summary

• Tony Award-winning musical Kimberly Akimbo transfers to London as part of Hampstead Theatre's new season
• Stanley Tucci also makes his London directing debut
• Five new plays will premiere in the season

Hampstead Theatre has announced shows in its 2026 season, including the European premiere of Tony Award-winning musical Kimberly Akimbo and the London stage directing debut of Stanley Tucci.

The London venue has also revealed five new plays will premiere in the season.

David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s funny and heartwarming musical Kimberly Akimbo will be staged in a new production by Michael Longhurst. The musical tells the story of teenager Kimberly whose rare genetic condition causes her to age four times faster than usual. The show on the Main Stage will run from 28 August to 7 November.

Stanley Tucci makes his London stage directing debut with the world premiere of Springwood by Olivier and Tony Award winner Richard Nelson. The play focuses on a pivotal meeting in 1939 between King George VI and President Roosevelt, and will run from 19 June to 25 July.

Olivier Award winner Alexi Kaye Campbell reveals the untold story of one of England’s greatest writers, George Eliot, in his new play Bird Grove. Directed by Anna Ledwich, it runs from 13 February to 21 March.

In Hampstead Theatre’s Downstairs studio, American playwright Aaron Loeb makes his UK debut with R.O.I (Return On Investment), which centres on ambitious venture capitalist May Lee, who backs an invention by a young entrepreneur that could change everything for the human race. Directed by Chelsea Walker, it plays from 6 March to 11 April.

Also Downstairs, Firewing marks the playwriting debut of David Pearson. Directed by Hampstead Associate Director Alice Hamilton, Firewing follows a wildlife photographer and his apprentice as they go in search of the elusive Firewing. The show will play from 17 April to 23 May.

Following an Off-Broadway run, We Had a World by Joshua Harmon runs from 29 May to 4 July, and brings to life Harmon's New York childhood shaped by an eccentric grandmother.

Hampstead Theatre’s Producer and Chief Executive, Greg Ripley-Duggan, said: “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.”

Additional shows and casting are yet to be announced.

Check back for Kimberly Akimbo and more tickets in the Hampstead Theatre season on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Kimblerly Akimbo artwork. (Courtesy of production)