Emma Thompson's stage adaptation of Nanny McPhee will open in London's West End in summer 2027, according to an announcement from the production team. The musical, based on the two films Thompson starred in and wrote, has been in development since 2018 and will now finally reach the stage.
Creative team and plot details
Thompson will serve as writer, with Katy Rudd directing. Rudd is known for her work on magical realist West End productions including The Ocean at the End of the Lane and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. While no venue or exact opening dates have been confirmed, the production is slated for the summer of 2027.
The plot follows the story of the first film, in which the catastrophically unruly Brown family is gradually brought under control by the mysterious Nanny McPhee, whose appearance transforms as she solves their problems. Thompson, who has barely performed on stage since 1990, will not reprise the title role.
Background and development
The character originally appeared as Nurse Matilda in British author Christianna Brand's children's books from the 1960s. Thompson starred in Nanny McPhee (2005) and Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang (2010), and had hoped to make a third film, which never materialised. The musical was first announced in 2018.
Thompson's involvement is expected to provide a boost for the family musicals market, which has been dominated by Disney productions in recent years.
West End 2027 season
Nanny McPhee joins Disney's The Greatest Showman and the Barbican's revival of Sunday in the Park with George in what is shaping up to be a busy 2027 season for West End musicals. Further details about the production, including casting and venue, are expected to be announced closer to the opening.
