'Nanny McPhee' world premiere to open in London in 2027

Joining Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor and writer Emma Thompson in the creative team of the Nanny McPhee musical is singer-songwriter Gary Clark, who provides the music, with original lyrics by Emma Thompson and Gary Clark.

Summary

• A Nanny McPhee musical is coming to the London stage
• Performances will begin in summer 2027
• Emma Thompson has provided the book and original lyrics

A new musical stage adaptation of Nanny McPhee, with a book by Academy Award winner Emma Thompson, will open in London in summer 2027.

Based on the Nanny McPhee films, and the Nurse Matilda character by Christianna Brand and Edward Ardizzone that inspired them, the new musical will follow the mysterious figure of Nanny McPhee, as she arrives at the Browns’ door and discovers a household in chaos. As she begins to restore harmony, we learn that adults, as well as the children, have lessons to learn.

The original 2005 film, written by and starring Emma Thompson in the title role, also featured Colin Firth, Angela Lansbury, Kelly Macdonald, Imelda Staunton and Thomas Brodie-Sangster. Thompson also wrote and starred in the 2010 sequel Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang.

Joining Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor and writer Emma Thompson in the creative team is singer-songwriter Gary Clark, who provides the music, with original lyrics by Emma Thompson and Gary Clark. Katy Rudd (Ballet Shoes and The Ocean at the End of the Lane), will direct, with set and costume designs by Tony and Olivier Award winner Rob Howell (Matilda the Musical) and choreography by Ellen Kane.

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 award-winning creative team also includes orchestrations by Simon Hale, music supervision by Nigel Lilley, music arrangements by Simon Hale and Nigel Lilley, lighting by Howard Hudson, sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph, illusions by Chris Fisher, puppetry by Samuel Wyer, and projections by Andrzej Goulding.

Further information, including the theatre, performance dates and casting are yet to be announced.

Check back for Nanny McPhee tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Emma Thompson. (Photo by Nick Haddow)