The Tony Award-winning musical Kimberly Akimbo will have its European premiere at Hampstead Theatre in 2026
Kimberly Akimbo, the profoundly funny and heartwarming musical receives its much anticipated European premiere in a new production by Michael Longhurst.
Winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book it tells the story of a 16-year old Kimberly 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.
Kimberly Akimbo plays Hampstead’s Main Stage from 28 August to 7 November.
Other shows coming up on the main stage in 2026
A fresh perspective on George Eliot
Olivier Award-winning playwright Alexi Kaye Campbell offers a fresh perspective on one of England’s greatest writers, George Eliot, in his new play Bird Grove. A poignant exploration of family ties and self-determination, Bird Grove questions how we can live alongside those we disagree with. Directed by Anna Ledwich it receives its world premiere on Hampstead’s Main Stage from 13 February to 21 March.
London stage directing debut of Stanley Tucci
Stanley Tucci makes his London stage directing debut with the world premiere of Springwood by Olivier and Tony Award-winning playwright Richard Nelson. Playing Hampstead’s Main Stage from 19 June to 25 July Springwood is a witty and poignant new play that pulls back the curtain on a pivotal meeting in 1939 between King George VI and President Roosevelt.
Three further premieres are also announced for Hampstead Theatre’s Downstairs studio.
R.O.I (Return On Investment)
American playwright Aaron Loeb makes his UK debut with the world premiere of R.O.I (Return On Investment) a provocative and darkly humorous exploration of power, ownership and the true cost of innovation. The play centres on 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 it plays Hampstead Downstairs from 6 March to 11 April.
Firewing
Firewing marks the playwriting debut of David Pearson, a graduate of Hampstead Theatre’s INSPIRE programme for emerging playwrights. Directed by Hampstead Associate Director Alice Hamilton it is a striking new play about connection, artistry and control as a wildlife photographer and his apprentice go in search of the elusive Firewing. It has its world premiere at Hampstead Downstairs from 17 April to 23 May.
We Had A World
Following a successful Off-Broadway run We Had A World by Joshua Harmon has its European premiere. A deeply personal and searingly funny play, Joshua Harmon brings to theatrical life his New York childhood shaped by an eccentric grandmother, revealing thirty years of family fights and enduring love that influenced him both as a person and an artist. Directed by Josh Seymour it plays Hampstead Downstairs from 29 May to 4 July.
Take a look at what else is playing in London
