A brand-new musical stage adaptation of Nanny McPhee will make its world premiere in London in summer 2027. Featuring a book and original lyrics by Academy Award-winning actor and screenwriter Emma Thompson, the production brings the magical world of the popular film franchise to the stage for the very first time.
Based on the Universal Pictures and Working Title feature films—as well as the Nurse Matilda books by Christianna Brand and Edward Ardizzone that inspired them—the story follows the mysterious Nanny McPhee as she arrives to restore order to the chaotic Brown household. Armed with her knobbly walking stick, unorthodox methods, and plenty of magic, she sets out to transform the lives of a desperate father, an unruly baby, an out-of-control donkey, and seven rebellious children who have driven away every previous nanny.
Thompson, who wrote and starred in the 2005 film and its 2010 sequel, expressed her excitement about bringing the character to the theatre, describing the stage as Nanny McPhee's natural home for magic, mischief, and music.
The production features original music by singer-songwriter Gary Clark, frontman of Danny Wilson and composer for Sing Street, who co-wrote the lyrics alongside Thompson. Directed by Katy Rudd (The Ocean at the End of the Lane), the creative team boasts an array of award-winning theatrical talent. Set and costume designs are by Tony and Olivier Award winner Rob Howell (Matilda the Musical), with choreography by Ellen Kane, orchestrations by Simon Hale, and music supervision by Nigel Lilley.
The technical team includes lighting designer Howard Hudson, sound designer Ian Dickinson for Autograph, illusion designer Chris Fisher, puppetry designer Samuel Wyer, projection designer Andrzej Goulding, and casting director Natalie Gallacher CDG. The general management will be handled by Playful Productions.
Presented by Working Title Films and Universal Theatrical Group, the show is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lindsay Doran, Emma Thompson, Paul Warwick Griffin, Gareth Hewitt Williams, and Rebecca Quigley. Performance dates, theatre venue, and casting details will be announced in due course.
