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Beloved Emma Thompson film Nanny McPhee confirmed to get "magic" original stage musical in 2027

Oh boy do we need Nanny McPhee right now.

Thomas Sangster as Simon Brown and Emma Thompson as Nanny McPhee.

Universal Pictures

Published: Thursday, 27 August 2026 at 11:00 am

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"Magic, music, mischief and a good dollop of danger" is heading straight for London in 2027. Beloved children's film Nanny McPhee is getting its own West End show written by Emma Thompson herself.

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The original musical is set to make its world premiere in London next summer, with no further date or venue announced.

The news was broken last night in an emotional Instagram video which showed Thompson tearing up at an advert for Nanny McPhee before giving us the cryptic line: "She's on her way."

Thompson, who of course starred as Nanny McPhee in the 2005 movie, has written the show's book, while singer-songwriter Gary Clark (frontman of the band Danny Wilson) has been recruited for music and lyrics.

The show will be directed by Katy Rudd (Ballet Shoes and The Ocean at the End of the Lane), with set and costume designs by Rob Howell (Tony and Olivier Award-winner for Matilda the Musical) and choreography by Ellen Kane.

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Speaking today, Thompson said that the part has "lived with [her]" for a long time.

She 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.”

Nanny McPhee first came out in 2005 starring Thompson, Colin Firth and Kelly McDonald, and centred around the severe, yet magical nanny who comes to help the disobedient Browns' children. The plot of this show is likely to be similar as the synopsis reads: "When the mysterious figure of Nanny McPhee arrives at the Browns’ door she discovers a household in chaos; anarchic children who have driven away every Nanny before her, a desperate father, a donkey that is out of control, and a baby who will stop at nothing.

"Armed with her strange knobbly stick, exceedingly unorthodox methods and quite a lot of magic, Nanny McPhee begins to restore harmony. And as it turns out, the children aren’t the only family members who have lessons to learn."

More ticket details and casting news have yet to be announced.

Plus, the Merlin Annual Pass is offering four months free theme park entry.

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For more recommendations check out the Theatre section or listen to our new podcast In the Interval. Plus, our Jesus Christ Superstar review and Beetlejuice review. We also have events like the best kids theatre shows and best West End shows.

Authors

Olivia Garrett

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