When the musical opens, Kimberly Levaco is about to turn 16. However, due to an ultra-rare genetic condition, Kimberly ages between four and five times as quickly as the average person, giving her an appearance far beyond her years.
This is made somewhat difficult by her chaotic family, especially her aunt Debra who has a penchant for harebrained money-making schemes, and the mystery surrounding the departure from their previous town. But the clear focus of this musical is Kimberly herself and her relationships with her family, friends and life itself.
Playing a 16-year old character, especially one struggling with her own impending mortality as well as the regular concerns of a teenage girl, as a 66-year old is no mean feat. But Maria Friedman makes it look effortless.
With a protagonist who knows she won't reach adulthood, the larger existential question of how we spend our time is ever-present. At its heart, Kimberly Akimbo is a reckoning with mortality, something that everyone faces
This is done excellently through the dialogue of Kimberly's family, a group of people trying their hardest to muddle through, but who scatter unintentional insults to Kimmy throughout their conversations. The result is a precarious dynamic, balancing sweetness with tension bubbling underneath the surface (excellently explored in the number The Inevitable Turn).
The script leans into ridiculousness in a delightfully fun way, as well as being packed full of relatable cringey teenage moments. While some acting choices from the wider ensemble cross over into hammy (often making the show choir quartet seem younger than intended), fun quirks like Seth's adorable geekiness and Delia's Rachel Berry-esque hold on the show choir bring the laughter back each time.
The soundtrack is pure 2010s infectious pop, with gospel tracks positioning Aunt Debra as a charismatic cult leader (and showing off Alice Fearn's powerhouse vocals). Creators David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori's writing prowess comes into full force in the more nuanced and bittersweet numbers like Father Time and Great Adventure.
Buy Kimberly Akimbo tickets at London Theatre Direct
For more of our thoughts on the latest London theatre productions, check out our Electra/Persona review.
Buy Kimberly Akimbo tickets at London Theatre Direct
How to get Kimberly Akimbo tickets
Buy Kimberly Akimbo tickets at London Theatre Direct
Looking for more live entertainment in 2026? Here's how to get tickets to see Interstellar Live with an orchestra, as well as how to get Stevie Wonder tickets.
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