Nanny McPhee the Musical

Nanny McPhee the Musical: theatre breaks to London

Emma Thompson’s magical nanny is finally heading for the stage. Nanny McPhee, a brand-new musical that Emma Thompson herself, has written, has its world premiere at the Aldwych Theatre, with performances from 6 November 2027. If you are looking for a family Christmas theatre break for 2027 (NEXT YEAR!!), this is one to plan around.

I will let you know as soon as Theatre Breaks for Nanny McPhee go on sale.

What’s it about?

The Brown household is in uproar. A hard-pressed father, a band of unruly children who have seen off every nanny so far, an unmanageable donkey and a very determined baby have turned family life upside down. Into this walks Nanny McPhee, with a gnarled walking stick, some highly unusual methods and a fair amount of magic. As order slowly returns, it becomes clear that the children are not the only ones with lessons to learn.

Thompson created this version of the character for the 2005 film, which she wrote and starred in alongside Colin Firth and Angela Lansbury, drawing on Christianna Brand’s Nurse Matilda books. She returned for Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang in 2010. The stage version has been a long time coming, with workshops going back several years. The music is by Gary Clark, best known for Sing Street, and he and Thompson wrote the lyrics together.

The team behind it

The creative team has a strong family-theatre pedigree. Katy Rudd, who directed The Ocean at the End of the Lane and Ballet Shoes, is in charge. Rob Howell, who designed Matilda the Musical, is designing the sets and costumes, and Ellen Kane, choreographer of Paddington The Musical and the Matilda film, handles the movement. With dedicated designers for illusions, puppetry and projections as well, expect plenty of stage magic. Casting is still to be announced: I will keep you posted.

Planning your break

The Aldwych Theatre stands at the eastern edge of Covent Garden, close to the Strand and Somerset House and a short stroll from Waterloo Bridge and the South Bank. A November start means the run takes in the Christmas season, when Covent Garden is at its most festive, so a pre-show wander round the piazza should be part of the treat.

A new family musical with a year’s lead time will see its Christmas and school-holiday dates go first, so if you have a particular weekend in mind, it is worth planning early. I will update this post as soon as Theatre Breaks for Nanny McPhee go on sale.

Before you book

Is Nanny McPhee suitable for young children?

Age guidance has not been published yet, so check it before booking for very young children. Every member of the audience, babies included, needs their own ticket.

Where is the best place to stay?

Covent Garden and the Strand put you within a few minutes’ walk of the theatre. Check out the Strand palace Hotel. Bloomsbury and Holborn hotels like the President are a little further and often quieter and better value, and the South Bank is just across Waterloo Bridge.

How do I get there by train?

From King’s Cross St Pancras, the Piccadilly line runs direct to Holborn or Covent Garden, both under ten minutes’ walk from the theatre. From Euston, take the Northern line to Leicester Square and change to the Piccadilly line for one stop to Covent Garden. From Waterloo, it is about a 15-minute walk across Waterloo Bridge.

Are there accessible performances?

Yes. A captioned matinee is planned for Thursday 9 March 2028, a signed evening performance for Wednesday 15 March 2028 and an audio-described evening performance for Friday 24 March 2028. The Aldwych has step-free access, wheelchair spaces and audio enhancement.