Maria Friedman will return to the stage to star in the European premiere of Kimberly Akimbo at Hampstead Theatre later this year.
The production marks the first European outing of the Tony Award-winning musical by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori and will run from 28 August to 7 November 2026.
Directed by Michael Longhurst, the new production brings the acclaimed Broadway hit to London following its success in New York, where it won five Tony Awards in 2023 including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book.
Kimberly Akimbo tells the story of 16-year-old Kimberly Levaco, whose rare genetic condition causes her to age four times faster than usual, as she searches for love and connection while knowing time is not on her side.
Maria Friedman, one of the most celebrated performers in musical theatre, has won three Olivier Awards and received eight Olivier nominations, alongside recognition from the WhatsOnStage, Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle Awards.
Maria Friedman said: “I 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.”
Michael Longhurst said: “An eight-time Olivier Award nominee and three-time winner, 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 – a match made in heaven for Jeanine Tesori’s Tony-winning score, and David Lindsay-Abaire’s Tony-winning book. Maria’s indomitable spirit, world renown vocals and comic elan will offer an unforgettable portrayal of this beautifully unique character in this life-affirming entertainment.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
