Universal Theatrical Group and Working Title Films have announced that the Nanny McPhee musical will stage its world premiere in London’s West End. Performances begin on November 6, 2027, at the historic Aldwych Theatre. Tickets go on sale to the public at 12 pm on October 14, 2026.
The musical adaptation is rooted in the Universal Pictures and Working Title films, as well as the original Nurse Matilda books by Christianna Brand and illustrated by Edward Ardizzone. The story follows the mysterious nanny as she arrives at the chaotic household of the Brown family. There, she encounters a desperate father, unruly children who have driven away every previous nanny, an out-of-control donkey, and a determined baby. Armed with her iconic knobbly stick, unorthodox methods, and magic, Nanny McPhee sets out to restore order and teach the household life lessons.
An Award-Winning Creative Team
The production features a creative team led by Academy Award-winning actor, writer, and star of the original 2005 film, Emma Thompson, who penned the book and co-wrote the lyrics. She is joined by singer-songwriter Gary Clark-frontman of Danny Wilson and composer for Sing Street-who wrote the show’s music and co-penned the lyrics.
Katy Rudd directs the world premiere, with credits including Ballet Shoes and The Ocean at the End of the Lane. The creative lineup also features Tony and Olivier Award-winning set and costume designer Rob Howell (Matilda the Musical) and choreographer Ellen Kane, who won the 2023 World Choreography Award for her work on the film adaptation of Matilda the Musical.
Behind the Magic and Music
To bring the world of Nanny McPhee to the stage, the production has enlisted industry professionals across design disciplines:
- Orchestrations & Arrangements: Simon Hale and Nigel Lilley
- Music Supervision: Nigel Lilley
- Lighting Design: Howard Hudson
- Sound Design: Ian Dickinson for Autograph
- Illusions & Visual Effects: Chris Fisher
- Puppetry: Samuel Wyer
- Projections: Andrzej Goulding
- Casting: Natalie Gallacher CDG (for Pippa Aillon and Natalie Gallacher Casting)
- General Management: Playful Productions
Production Background
Nanny McPhee debuted on the big screen in 2005, written by and starring Emma Thompson alongside a cast featuring Colin Firth, Angela Lansbury, Kelly Macdonald, Imelda Staunton, Celia Imrie, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster. Thompson returned to write and star in the 2010 sequel, Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang.
The stage version is presented by Universal Theatrical Group and Working Title Films in association with Studiocanal on Stage and MGM On Stage. It is produced for Working Title Films by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lindsay Doran, Emma Thompson, Paul Warwick Griffin, Gareth Hewitt Williams, and Rebecca Quigley. Official casting announcements for the West End production are pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Nanny McPhee musical open in the West End?
Performances for the world premiere begin on Saturday, November 6, 2027, at the Aldwych Theatre in London.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets for the production go on sale at 12 pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Who wrote the book and music for the musical?
The book and original lyrics are written by Academy Award winner Emma Thompson, with music composed by singer-songwriter Gary Clark.
Who is directing the production?
The show is directed by Katy Rudd, known for her work on The Ocean at the End of the Lane and Ballet Shoes.
Which companies are producing the stage adaptation?
The musical is presented by Universal Theatrical Group and Working Title Films, in association with Studiocanal on Stage and MGM On Stage, with general management by Playful Productions.
