Emma Thompson’s enchanting stage adaptation of her beloved film series will bring “small miracles” and “Victorian-punk” magic to the West End next summer, it has been confirmed.
After months of speculation, Nanny McPhee the Musical has officially been confirmed for the West End. While venue and casting have not yet been announced, the production is eyeing a Summer 2027 debut.
Oscar winner Emma Thompson, who wrote the screenplays for both Nanny McPhee films, leads the creative development of this new musical adaptation, bringing the “Nurse Matilda” stories to the stage for the first time with what’s been billed as a “Victorian-punk” energy. The production is directed by Katy Rudd, the acclaimed director behind The Ocean at the End of the Lane and Ballet Shoes, with music and lyrics by Gary Clark (Sing Street, Modern Love).
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.”
Based on Christianna Brand’s Nurse Matilda books, the story follows the mysterious, magical Nanny McPhee, who arrives to help an overwhelmed widowed father and his unruly children, teaching them lessons they never expected, and dispensing a little magic along the way. The original 2005 film starred Thompson alongside Colin Firth and Angela Lansbury, and was followed by the 2010 sequel Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang.
This production marks the first time the story has been brought to the stage.
View details for Nanny McPhee the Musical here
The creative team behind Nanny McPhee
Alongside a summer 2027 premiere, more details have been released about the creative team working on the show. Director Katy Rudd (Ballet Shoes, The Ocean at the End of the Lane) will lead a creative team that includes set and costume designs by Tony and Olivier Award-winning Rob Howell (Matilda the Musical) and choreography by Ellen Kane (Matilda the Musical film)
The award-winning creative team also includes lighting design by multi award winning designer Howard Hudson (& Juliet, Starlight Express), sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph (Company, Angels in America), illusions by Chris Fisher (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), puppetry by Samuel Wyer (The Ocean at the End of the Lane) and projections by Andrzej Goulding (Life of Pi, & Juliet, Groundhog Day).
Venue and casting announcements are expected at a later date.
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