REVIEW: Kimberly Akimbo (Hampstead Theatre London)
Star rating: ★★★★
Are you ready for one of the most anticipated musicals of 2026? The Tony Award-winning musical directed by Michael Longhurst has arrived in London with an incredible score and laugh-out-loud moments. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
The musical follows the story of Kimberly, a teenager who suffers from a rare genetic condition that causes her body to age four times faster than normal. Although she is turning 16, she looks like a 65-year-old woman, leaving her life feeling like a ticking clock. Despite heavy themes such as alcoholism and family neglect, the show is remarkably hilarious and upbeat, featuring an incredible score written by Jeanine Tesori, with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.
Maria Friedman is stepping into the iconic role of Kimberly. The way she portrays the character is so well done; you completely get the feeling that she is a teenager despite the age difference. Friedman plays opposite West End star Alice Fearn, who plays Debra, Kimberly’s aunt. We all know Fearn is an incredible singer and actress, and she proves herself again in this new role. With challenging songs such as “The Inevitable Turn” and “Better,” she steals the show.
Kimberly lives with her parents, Buddy Levaco and Pattie Levaco, played by Peter Hannah and Niamh Perry. They had Kimberly at a young age, which reflects on their parenting skills. Alongside that, her dad is an alcoholic, and her mum is pregnant again, desperately wanting a "normal" child.
During the show, we also meet Seth, played by Gilli Jones, Kimberly’s classmate, who is incredibly sweet and endearing. The teenage friendship of the whole group is charming and funny—it makes you want to be part of it.
Throughout the show, we are treated to brilliant chemistry across the whole cast, which is vital for a show like this that intertwines dark themes with humor. It feels quirky, chaotic, and completely original. Without that connection, the humor wouldn't hit the same way. It invites you to connect with the different characters, making it feel funny, warm, and incredibly uplifting. You live the story right along with them.
Combined with the score, it results in a catchy show with some gorgeous emotional moments. The show is set in New Jersey and brings you to everyday locations like Kimberly’s house, school and skating rink, featuring a beautiful set design that makes scene transformations seamless. The colours and overall aesthetic really match the story.
My only critique is the cheque scam plotline. It builds up throughout the story, but we don't actually see much of it happen, it feels like a lot of narrative time went into it without a clear payoff. That also made the ending feel slightly rushed and unresolved. Still, it is a moving and hilarious night out at the theatre!
Kimbery Akimbo is playing at the hampstead theatre until 7th November 2026. More information about the show can be found here: https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2026/kimberly-akimbo/#cast
Photos taken by Marc Brenner
