‘Nanny McPhee’ Musical From Emma Thompson Headed to the West End
Emma Thompson has written a new musical adaptation of Nanny McPhee, due to open in London’s West End in summer 2027. It will be the character’s first stage appearance, bringing the magical governess to theatre after two successful films, and matters as a major new West End project based on a well-known British family franchise.
The production draws on Thompson’s 2005 and 2010 films and the Nurse Matilda books by Christianna Brand and Edward Ardizzone; the films earned a combined $216 million worldwide. Gary Clark will compose the music and co-write lyrics with Thompson, while Katy Rudd directs, Rob Howell designs sets and costumes, and Ellen Kane choreographs; casting has yet to be announced.
- Emma Thompson’s Nanny McPhee musical opens in the West End in 2027.
- It marks the character’s first stage adaptation.
- The creative team includes Gary Clark, Katy Rudd and Rob Howell.
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Nanny McPhee is a magical governess who arrives to help families with unruly children, using unusual lessons to encourage better behaviour. The character was first created in the Nurse Matilda children’s books by writer Christianna Brand, illustrated by Edward Ardizzone.
Emma Thompson adapted the stories for two films released in 2005 and 2010, in which she also played Nanny McPhee. The films introduced the character to a wider audience and became successful family releases internationally.
London’s West End is the main commercial theatre district in Britain, where large new musicals often have substantial creative teams and long runs. This stage version brings together Thompson with composer Gary Clark and theatre director Katy Rudd, though the performers have not yet been named.