Emma Thompson’s “Nanny McPhee” Musical Will Make Summer 2027 Debut in London

A new musical based on the Nanny McPhee story will debut in London in summer 2027, with Emma Thompson credited as author of the book, Deadline reported on Aug. 27. The production is described as a stage adaptation of the Universal Pictures and Working Title Films movies, which center on the character Nurse Matilda, known for her unconventional approach to teaching children discipline and order.

Deadline said the musical’s creative framework traces back to Nurse Matilda, created by author Christianna Brand and illustrator Edward Ardizzone. The films were previously developed from that underlying children’s literature concept, and the upcoming show will bring the premise to the musical theater format for the first time as a standalone London stage run.

Thompson, who is associated with the project as writer of the book for the musical, is also widely recognized for her work across film and theater, and Deadline indicated the musical had been first revealed in 2024. The Aug. 27 announcement positions the London opening as a major next step for the property after its screen success, shifting the story from film releases to live performance.

The news comes as theater producers continue to expand family-oriented programming in major markets, and it adds to the pipeline of new stage adaptations of widely known screen and literary properties. Deadline’s reporting did not name a specific venue, casting, production company, or dates beyond the season window of summer 2027.

Universal Pictures and Working Title are credited in Deadline’s account as part of the underlying film lineage that the musical draws from. That connection matters for audiences and industry stakeholders because the adaptation ties the stage property to a recognizable screen brand, potentially affecting marketing, rights administration, and how future international bookings may be structured.

For families, the show’s premise centers on child-focused themes, including behavior, home life, and the role of a caretaker figure in reshaping day-to-day routines. Those elements are typically approached in theater as character-driven storytelling rather than spectacle alone, which can influence how families select performances and how theaters schedule matinees during peak season.

The next publicly defined milestones will likely include the release of the full creative team and production details, including the London venue, official opening date, and casting. Deadline’s report also leaves open whether the production will later move to additional markets after London, or how the show will be marketed to theatergoers familiar with the film franchise.