The Tony Award-winning musical Kimberly Akimbo will have its European premiere at Hampstead Theatre in 2026 alongside the premieres of five new plays and the London stage directing debut of Stanley Tucci.

Kimberly Akimbo, David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Hampstead Theatre’s Producer and Chief Executive, Greg Ripley-Duggan said;

“It’s a privilege to be announcing our plans so far for 2026 - and we’ve more to come! These productions will start the year in classic Hampstead Theatre style - thrilling new plays, exciting debuts and, later in the year the European premiere of a Broadway hit musical. It’s a real joy to welcome David Lindsay-Abaire, Jeanine Tesori and Michael Longhurst back to Hampstead for Kimberly Akimbo and I’m really looking forward to introducing our audiences to a raft of new writers and some truly wonderful new plays by some familiar playwrights.”

Additional shows and casting are to be announced.

Alongside the productions on stage Hampstead Theatre has been awarded a second year of funding from Camden Council to continue its ENGAGE programme for adults at risk of loneliness and isolation in Camden. Working in partnership with Camden Disability Action, Camden Carers and The Winch those who live locally to Hampstead Theatre will have the opportunity to come together to take part in creative writing and dramaturgy sessions, community nights and also a large-scale community production on the theatre’s Main Stage.

As well as continuing to offer £10 tickets across all performances at Hampstead Theatre a new Young Friends scheme for 2026 will enable under 30s to enjoy a further range of benefits.

Priority booking for Patrons opens on Friday 28 November, for Friends Plus on Tuesday 2 December, for Friends on Wednesday 3 December and for Young Friends on Thursday 4 December. Public booking opens on Friday 5 December at 10.30am.

 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR 6 NEW SHOWS FOR 2026 HERE