Maria Friedman to star in Kimberly Akimbo UK premiere

Exclusive: Maria Friedman will lead the European premiere of Kimberly Akimbo at Hampstead Theatre, with performances running from 28 August to 7 November.

The production will be directed by Michael Longhurst and marks a return to the stage for Friedman in the title role.

Written by David Lindsay-Abaire with music by Jeanine Tesori, the musical premiered in the United States and went on to win five awards at the Tony Awards in 2023, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book.

The story follows 16-year-old Kimberly Levaco, who lives with a rare genetic condition that causes her to age at four times the normal rate, as she navigates adolescence while aware of her limited time.

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.”

Longhurst added: “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.”

Further cast and creatives will be revealed in due course, with tickets on sale now.