While the story of a 16-year-old whose life is set to be cut short by a genetic condition may not sound like the most uplifting night at the theatre, Kimberly Akimbo is a life-affirming show that achieves the rare tonal balance of laughter and tears.
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.
Additionally, Kimberly's life expectancy is greatly reduced as most with this condition don't live past 16. Despite this, Kimberly is attempting to live a normal life; going to school in New Jersey, ice skating with friends, having a crush.
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.
Given the daily metaphysical questions that Kimberly wrestles with, she has some jagged edges, a darker sense of humour (a particular line about going through the menopause had the audience cracking up) and wisdom beyond her years. Friedman brings all of this and more to the character, while still managing to retain a sense of childlike joy and abandon, most notably in the song Make a Wish.
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
One particularly affecting scene arrives when Kimberly's friends describe their adolescent life in New Jersey as a waiting room, a purgatory before real life begins, while Kimberly looks mournfully into space. This is a great example of what this script excels at: hard truths being revealed through seemingly innocuous conversation.
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).
While this is a slew of heavy topics and dynamics, Kimberly Akimbo miraculously manages to maintain an infectious sense of humour throughout.
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.
All of the action takes place across Soutra Gilmour's impressive three-storey set which cleverly incorporates a rotating element to move between different locations. The set is packed full of quirky era-appropriate Americana – think John Hughes-style lockers covered in Daria, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and NSYNC stickers – and scenes featuring car journeys and video cameras are incorporated in immersive ways.
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.
And speaking of nuanced and bittersweet, the ending of Kimberly Akimbo is one for the ages; a beautiful melange of sad and uplifting. It's a little cheesy, yes, but lean into it and you'll leave the theatre with a new zest for life.
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.
Kimberly Akimbo is currently playing at Hampstead Theatre until 7 November 2026.
Buy Kimberly Akimbo tickets at London Theatre Direct
How to get Kimberly Akimbo tickets
Head to London Theatre Direct to get your hands on tickets for upcoming shows. There is currently good availability for tickets across all shows.
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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