The new musical adaptation of Nanny McPhee, written by Emma Thompson, will premiere at London’s Aldwych Theatre in November 2027. This stage version brings to life the beloved films and characters from Christianna Brand’s Nurse Matilda stories with a fresh creative team.

Emma Thompson’s Nanny McPhee musical is set to open at the Aldwych Theatre in London on 6 November 2027, marking its world premiere. The show, based on the Nanny McPhee films and the Nurse Matilda books by Christianna Brand and Edward Ardizzone, follows the magically unconventional nanny’s efforts to tame the unruly Brown household.

Thompson has penned the book and original lyrics, collaborating with composer Gary Clark on the music. The story centres on Nanny McPhee arriving at the Brown family home, encountering a stressed father, disobedient children, an uncontrollable donkey and a baby, before using her magic and unusual methods to restore order.

The film adaptations, first released in 2005 by Universal Pictures, Working Title Films and Three Strange Angels, starred Thompson alongside Colin Firth and Imelda Staunton among others. Thompson also returned for the sequel, Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang (2010), which she wrote and starred in.

The stage production is directed by Katy Rudd, known for Ballet Shoes and The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Rob Howell is responsible for set and costume design, while Ellen Kane leads musical staging and choreography. Simon Hale provides orchestrations, with Nigel Lilley as music supervisor and co-arranger.

Additional creative elements include Howard Hudson’s lighting, Ian Dickinson’s sound design for Autograph, Chris Fisher’s illusions, puppetry by Samuel Wyer and Andrzej Goulding’s projections. Casting is led by Natalie Gallacher for Pippa Aillon and Natalie Gallacher Casting.

Tickets for the production go on sale at midday on 14 October 2026. The musical is presented by Universal Theatrical Group and Working Title Films, in association with Studiocanal on Stage and MGM on Stage, with producers including Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Emma Thompson herself.

Casting details have yet to be announced but are expected in due course. The musical’s arrival continues the trend of adapting popular film properties for the West End stage, expanding the reach of the Nanny McPhee story beyond screens.