Emma Thompson is bringing Nanny McPhee to the West End.
The Oscar-winning actress has written a new musical stage adaptation around the character, set to open on London’s prestigious theater scene in the summer of 2027.
Based on the Nanny McPhee films — in which Thompson played the magical, mischievous governess — as well as the Nurse Matilda character by Christianna Brand and Edward Ardizzone, the musical will follow the mysterious figure of Nanny McPhee as she arrives at the Brown family’s door and discovers a household in chaos. It’ll mark the first time the character has been depicted on the stage.
The original 2005 film was written by Thompson, co-starring Colin Firth, Imelda Staunton, Kelly Macdonald, Angela Lansbury and Thomas Brodie-Sangster. Then came the 2010 sequel, which Thompson also wrote and led: Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang. They grossed a combined $216 million at the global box office.
Thompson will be joined by singer-songwriter Gary Clark, providing the music, with original lyrics by both her and Clark. Katy Rudd is set to direct with set and costume designs by Tony-winning Rob Howell (Matilda the Musical) and choreography from Ellen Kane.
“I’ve lived with Nanny McPhee for so long that to see her finally tread the boards is supremely exciting,” said Thompson, star of Sense and Sensibility, Harry Potter and more recently, Down Cemetery Road. “Theatre feels like her natural home — magic, music, mischief and a good dollop of danger can all happen right in front of you.”
She continued: “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.”
Casting announcements will come in due course. Nanny McPhee is presented by Working Title Films and Universal Theatrical Group. Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lindsay Doran, Emma Thompson, Paul Warwick Griffin, Gareth Hewitt Williams and Rebecca Quigley are producing for Working Title Films.
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