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Nanny McPhee musical to have a world premiere in London
A stage adaptation of the family comedy film Nanny McPhee is coming to London with Emma Thompson on the creative team
We’ve had Mrs Doubtfire – now Nanny McPhee is the next unorthodox childminder to tread the boards. A brand new Nanny McPhee musical will have its world premiere in London in summer 2027, with Academy, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Emma Thompson providing the book and lyrics.
Penning lyrics with her is singer-songwriter Gary Clark, who also provides the music. Katy Rudd (Ballet Shoes, The Ocean at the End of the Lane), will direct, with choreography from Ellen Kane and set and costume designs from Tony and Olivier Award winner Rob Howell.
The creative team also includes orchestrations by Simon Hale, music supervision by Nigel Lilley, music arrangements by Simon Hale and Nigel Lilley, lighting by Howard Hudson, sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph, illusions by Chris Fisher, puppetry by Samuel Wyer, and projections by Andrzej Goulding.
The show will be based on the Nanny McPhee film, in turn based on the Nurse Matilda character by Christianna Brand and Edward Ardizzone that inspired them. The 2005 film was written by and starring Emma Thompson in the titular role, with Colin Firth, Angela Lansbury, Kelly Macdonald, Imelda Staunton and Thomas Brodie-Sangster. Thompson also appeared in and wrote the 2010 sequel Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang.
As in the first film, the new musical will follow the unusual Nanny McPhee, who arrives at the Browns’ door to find the seven children running amok. Her unorthodox methods soon begin to see results – but it isn’t just the children who have something to learn from her.
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.”
Further information, including the theatre that the show will open at, London performance dates and casting details are yet to be announced.
