Nanny McPhee Musical Set For 2026

Emma Thompson’s ‘Nanny McPhee’ Musical Set to Enchant West End Audiences in 2026

London’s West End is gearing up for a magical new addition in 2026 as Emma Thompson’s highly anticipated musical adaptation of the beloved film Nanny McPhee prepares to take center stage. According to exclusive sources, the project, which Thompson co-wrote with songwriter Gary Clark, has been in development for over a decade in collaboration with Working Title’s stage division.

The original 2005 film, directed by Kirk Jones, featured Thompson in the titular role of the enchanting nanny who uses her magical walking stick to transform the lives of a mischievous family. The stage musical draws inspiration from Christianna Brand’s Nurse Matilda stories, first published in 1964, bringing a fresh lyrical and musical interpretation to the classic tale.

Director Katy Rudd, known for her work on productions like Ballet Shoes and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, has officially signed on to helm the production. Early workshops in 2018 saw notable talents such as Olivia Colman, Lily James, and Rory Kinnear exploring roles, with Colman receiving high praise from Thompson for her performance. While Colman is not currently involved, her potential return remains open.

The creative team has secured interest from major theater owners, including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s LW Theatres and Cameron Mackintosh’s Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, signaling strong industry support. The musical promises to captivate audiences with its blend of strict yet warm-hearted storytelling, magical illusions, and memorable songs crafted by Thompson and Clark.

“Nanny McPhee” is poised to bring its unique charm and whimsical magic to the West End, offering families a delightful theatrical experience. With its scheduled debut in 2026, fans of the original film and new audiences alike can look forward to the enchanting return of the beloved nanny who says, “I did knock.”