First look at rehearsals for Kimberly Akimbo ahead of its UK premiere at Hampstead Theatre
by Best of Theatre Staff on Monday 10 August 2026, 2:38 pm in Theatre News
Rehearsal photos have been released for Kimberly Akimbo ahead of its UK premiere at Hampstead Theatre, with four-time Olivier Award winner Maria Friedman playing Kimberly Levaco from 28 August.
Rehearsal photos have been released for Kimberly Akimbo ahead of its UK premiere at Hampstead Theatre.
Michael Longhurst's new production of the Tony Award-winning musical by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori begins previews on Friday 28 August at Hampstead Theatre, with the production running through to Saturday 7 November 2026.
Four-time Olivier Award winner Maria Friedman plays Kimberly Levaco, with Alice Fearn (Wicked, Apollo Victoria; Come From Away, Phoenix Theatre) playing Debra, Peter Hannah (Waitress, Adelphi Theatre) playing Buddy Levaco and Gilli Jones (Brigadoon, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre) playing Seth Weetis, with Nichel Flynn and Daniel Walford completing the company.
Kimberly Akimbo, David Lindsay-Abaire (Good People, Rabbit Hole) and Jeanine Tesori's (Caroline, or Change, Fun Home) profoundly funny and heartwarming musical, won five Tony Awards in 2023 including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. It tells the story of 16-year-old Kimberly Levaco, whose rare genetic condition 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.
The creative team comprises director Michael Longhurst (Caroline, Or Change, Next To Normal), designer Soutra Gilmour, musical supervisor and musical director Nigel Lilley, choreographer Matt Cole, lighting designer Jack Knowles, sound designer Paul Groothius and video designer Luke Halls. Casting is by Anna Cooper CDG.
Tickets for Kimberly Akimbo are on sale now.