Nanny McPhee Musical Headed to London Stage in Summer 2027
A new stage musical adaptation of Nanny McPhee, with a book by Emma Thompson, will receive its world premiere in London in summer 2027. The show is based on the Nanny McPhee films and the Nurse Matilda character created by Christianna Brand and Edward Ardizzone, according to WhatsOnStage.
Thompson, who wrote and starred in the two Nanny McPhee films (2005 and 2010), has been working on the stage adaptation for several years. She provides the book and original lyrics alongside Gary Clark, the frontman of the band Danny Wilson. Clark wrote the music and previously composed for the stage and film versions of Sing Street.
The production is directed by Katy Rudd, whose recent work includes the stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane at the National Theatre. Set and costume design is by Rob Howell, known for Matilda the Musical. Choreography is by Ellen Kane, whose credits include the film adaptation of Matilda the Musical.
Working Title Films and Universal Theatrical Group are presenting the production. The producer list runs to Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lindsay Doran, Emma Thompson, Paul Warwick Griffin, Gareth Hewitt Williams and Rebecca Quigley for Working Title Films.
No venue, exact dates or ticket prices have been announced. WhatsOnStage reported that auditions are expected to begin later in 2026, which suggests casting news will follow in the coming months.
The journey to the stage has been a long one. Thompson told WhatsOnStage in an earlier interview that the musical was at one point scheduled for a West End opening in 2023. A November 2024 report by Deadline had the project aiming for a 2026 debut. A February 2026 report by West End Theatre noted that the show had not been confirmed for the West End and that no formal announcements had been made about a venue or dates. The current WhatsOnStage announcement confirms London as the premiere city but does not specify whether it will land in the West End.
For a general audience unfamiliar with the backstage timeline, the simplest way to read it: the project has moved more than once. Summer 2027 is the firm date now.
The creative team carries serious West End pedigree. Howell's work on Matilda the Musical — which ran at the Cambridge Theatre for over a decade — and Clark's transition from indie rock to musical theatre via Sing Street give the production a blend of stage-craft and contemporary song-writing. Kane's choreography has been seen across both stage and screen.
What remains unknown is who will play Nanny McPhee herself. Thompson took the role in both films, but no casting has been confirmed for the stage version. With auditions reportedly set for later this year, that question may be answered soon.
