Emma Thompson Bringing Nanny McPhee to the West End as a Full Musical

Emma Thompson isn't done with Nanny McPhee. The acclaimed writer and performer who created the character for the 2005 film—and helmed the sequel—is now turning the stern, magical nanny into a full-blown West End musical. The show's heading to London stages next summer for its world premiere.

Thompson wrote the screenplay for both movies, so she knows this character inside and out. Bringing Nanny McPhee to the stage is a natural move for a story that's always had that theatrical energy—a mysterious figure with a supernatural touch reshaping a chaotic household. The musical adaptation feels like the kind of project that could capture that same whimsy and heart that made the films work.

With Thompson driving the creative vision again, there's reason to think this could be something special. The West End's got a solid track record with family-friendly musicals that also work for adults. Whether this lands as a full theatrical moment or just a solid nostalgia play remains to be seen—but having the original architect in the room is always a smart bet.

Read the full story at Variety → https://variety.com/2026/legit/global/nanny-mcphee-musical-emma-thompson-london-1236844871/