The stage adaptation of 13 Going on 30, based on the beloved 2004 romantic comedy starring Jennifer Garner, is set to make its U.K. debut on 21 September 2025.
The show’s synopsis introduces Jenna Rink, a charmingly awkward 13-year-old who, longing to escape her middle school struggles, wishes to become an adult. Waking up to find herself “thirty, flirty, and thriving” as a fashion magazine editor, Jenna embarks on a journey of self-discovery to uncover what truly matters.
Directed by Andy Fickman (Heathers: The Musical) and featuring a book by original film writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, the musical will run at Manchester’s Opera House from 21 September to 12 October 2025. Goldsmith and Yuspa expressed their excitement about bringing Jenna’s story to life for a new generation, saying, “When we wrote 13 Going on 30, we never imagined its 20th anniversary would bring this story to the stage. We hope you enjoy watching the show as much as we loved creating it!”
