A Childhood Favorite Finds New Life on Stage With “Nanny McPhee” Musical

A childhood staple is gaining new legs beneath the stage lights.

“Nanny McPhee” is making the jump from screen to stage with a brand-new musical set to make its world premiere in London next summer.

Even better, the magical nanny’s newest adventure is being shaped by someone who knows the character perhaps better than anyone.

Emma Thompson, who starred as Nanny McPhee in the beloved 2005 film and its 2010 sequel, has written the new stage production. Thompson also penned the screenplays for both films, making this latest adaptation another chapter in her long creative history with the character.

The upcoming musical will once again introduce audiences to the wonderfully unusual Nanny McPhee as she arrives at the Brown household and finds exactly what one might expect: complete and utter chaos.

The children have driven away every nanny who came before her, their father is overwhelmed, the family donkey is apparently just as unruly and even the baby has a mind of its own.

Enter Nanny McPhee.

With her familiar knobbly stick, unconventional approach and more than a little magic, she begins helping restore order to the household. Yet, as fans of the original story will remember, the children are not necessarily the only ones in need of a lesson or two.

There is something rather fitting about “Nanny McPhee” finding her way to the stage.

The original films already blended whimsical storytelling, larger-than-life characters, magic, family and just enough danger to keep things wonderfully unpredictable. Moving those elements into a live theatrical space opens the door for a very different kind of magic to unfold directly in front of audiences.

Thompson herself seems to agree.

After living with the character for more than two decades, she described theater as a natural home for Nanny McPhee, where the story’s magic, music, mischief and danger can all happen live before an audience.

Joining Thompson on the musical is Gary Clark, who will provide the music and collaborate with Thompson on lyrics. Clark previously worked on both the film and stage versions of “Sing Street.”

Katy Rudd is set to direct the production. Her previous credits include “Ballet Shoes” and “The Ocean at the End of the Lane.”

The creative team also includes some impressive talent with experience bringing imaginative worlds to the stage.

Tony and Olivier Award winner Rob Howell will handle set and costume design, while Ellen Kane will serve as choreographer. Both previously worked on “Matilda the Musical.”

Simon Hale will provide orchestrations, with Nigel Lilley overseeing music supervision. Howard Hudson will handle lighting, while Ian Dickinson is behind the sound design.

For a story built around more than a little magic, the production is also bringing in Chris Fisher to create its illusions. Fisher previously worked on productions including “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” and “Back to the Future: The Musical.”

Samuel Wyer will oversee puppetry, while Andrzej Goulding will provide projections.

Working Title Films and Universal Theatrical Group are presenting the production, with Thompson also serving among the producers.

For audiences who grew up watching Nanny McPhee arrive exactly when she was needed — and leave exactly when she was wanted — seeing that familiar figure step onto a stage should feel like a rather special homecoming.

Only this time, when that magical stick hits the floor, the magic will be happening right in front of you.

The “Nanny McPhee” musical is set to make its world premiere in London in summer 2027.