A brand-new musical adaptation of Nanny McPhee will receive its world premiere in London in summer 2027, with Academy Award-winning actor and screenwriter Emma Thompson returning to the beloved story she first brought to cinema audiences more than two decades ago.
Based on the Universal Pictures and Working Title films, and inspired by the Nurse Matilda character created by Christianna Brand and Edward Ardizzone, the production marks the first time the magical world of Nanny McPhee has been adapted for the stage.
The new musical features a book by Emma Thompson, with music by singer-songwriter Gary Clark and original lyrics by Thompson and Clark.
Nanny McPhee follows the mysterious nanny who arrives at the chaotic Brown household, where a group of unruly children have driven away every previous nanny. Armed with her distinctive stick, unconventional methods and a touch of magic, Nanny McPhee sets out to restore order while teaching the family some important lessons along the way.
Working Title Films first introduced Nanny McPhee to audiences in 2005, with Thompson writing and starring alongside Colin Firth, Angela Lansbury, Kelly Macdonald, Imelda Staunton and Thomas Brodie-Sangster. Thompson later returned for the 2010 sequel, Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang.
Emma Thompson said: “I’ve lived with Nanny McPhee for so long that to see her finally tread the boards is supremely exciting. Theatre feels like her natural home – magic, music, mischief and a good dollop of danger can all happen right in front of you. Working with Gary Clark to create the musical heart that beats through the story has been an unforgettable journey of a lifetime. And I am thrilled and so proud that the brilliant Katy Rudd will be bringing it all to life with her inimitable witty wonderment. I can’t wait to introduce the all-new Nanny McPhee to audiences next summer.”
The production will be directed by Katy Rudd, whose theatre credits include Ballet Shoes and The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Set and costume design will be by Rob Howell, with choreography by Ellen Kane.
The creative team also includes Simon Hale as orchestrator and music arranger, Nigel Lilley as music supervisor and music arranger, Howard Hudson as lighting designer, Ian Dickinson for Autograph as sound designer, Chris Fisher as illusion designer, Samuel Wyer as puppetry director, Andrzej Goulding as projection designer and Natalie Gallacher CDG casting for Pippa Aillon and Natalie Gallacher Casting.
The musical is presented by Working Title Films and Universal Theatrical Group, and produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lindsay Doran, Emma Thompson, Paul Warwick Griffin, Gareth Hewitt Williams and Rebecca Quigley for Working Title Films.
Further details, including the London venue, performance dates and casting, will be announced at a later date.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
