Hampstead Annex to Stage Disneys Freaky Friday: A New Musical Oct. 8-11
The musical is a new adaptation of Mary Rodgers’s 1972 novel Freaky Friday and the Disney film series that followed. The book is written by Bridget Carpenter, while music is composed by Tom Kitt and lyrics are by Brian Yorkey. The production is directed by Emily Graham and Steve Campbell, with Jaime Schumer as music director, Katie Auletti‑Smith as choreographer, and Maya McCall as stage manager.
The first performance will be Thursday, October 8 at 7 p.m., followed by Friday, October 9 at 7 p.m. Saturday, October 10 will feature two shows – a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening performance at 7 p.m. – and the final matinee will take place on Sunday, October 11 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are priced at £17 and can be purchased online. The Hampstead Annex is a small, intimate venue that has hosted a variety of community and touring productions. The venue’s capacity is 120 seats, which means tickets are likely to sell quickly.
Freaky Friday first premiered as a stage show in 2016, produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. The musical has been performed in the United States and internationally, and the story has been adapted into several Disney films – the first in 1976, a second in 1995, a third in 2003, and a 2018 Disney Channel Original Movie. The premise centers on a mother and daughter who magically swap bodies for a day, forcing each to experience the other’s life.
Tom Kitt, the composer, is a two‑time Tony Award winner and Pulitzer Prize co‑recipient for his work on Next to Normal. Brian Yorkey, the lyricist, has written the book for Next to Normal and has been nominated for a Tony Award for his work on the musical. Bridget Carpenter, the book writer, has a background in television and theatre, having worked on shows such as Friday Night Lights and Parenthood.
The production’s creative team brings a blend of experience and fresh perspective. Emily Graham and Steve Campbell have directed several regional productions, while Jaime Schumer’s work as a music director has earned him recognition in the London theatre community. Katie Auletti‑Smith’s choreography is known for its contemporary style, and Maya McCall’s stage management experience supports the smooth running of the show.
The musical’s themes of family, empathy, and the challenges of everyday life resonate with audiences of all ages. The story’s blend of comedy and drama, coupled with Kitt’s music and Yorkey’s lyrics, aims to deliver an engaging experience for both children and adults.
For those interested in attending, tickets can be bought through the official ticketing website linked on the Hampstead Annex page. The venue’s small size and the show’s limited run make it a unique opportunity for local theatregoers to see a Disney‑produced musical in a community setting.
The production is part of Untitled Theatre Productions’ ongoing commitment to bringing high‑quality, family‑friendly shows to the Hampstead area. The company has previously staged productions such as The Lion King and Aladdin in the same venue.
In summary, the Hampstead Annex will host five performances of Freaky Friday: A New Musical from October 8 to 11. Tickets are £17 and available online. The show offers a family‑friendly experience that blends comedy, drama, and music, and it features a creative team with notable credentials in theatre and film.
The run concludes on Sunday, October 11, after which the venue will return to its regular schedule of community and touring productions. Attendees can expect a well‑produced, entertaining evening that highlights the enduring appeal of the Freaky Friday story.