Gather your children, everyone. Nanny McPhee is officially coming to the West End.
A new musical based on the character and penned by Emma Thompson — who starred in and wrote the screenplay for the beloved 2005 film and its sequel — is set to world premiere in London next summer.
“When the mysterious figure of Nanny McPhee arrives at the Browns’ door she discovers a household in chaos; anarchic children who have driven away every Nanny before her, a desperate father, a donkey that is out of control, and a baby who will stop at nothing,” a synopsis for the musical reads. “Armed with her strange knobbly stick, exceedingly unorthodox methods and quite a lot of magic, Nanny McPhee begins to restore harmony. And as it turns out, the children aren’t the only family members who have lessons to learn.”
Alongside Thompson, the “Nanny McPhee” musical will feature music from Gary Clark, frontman of the band Danny Wilson who wrote the music for the “Sing Street” musical and film, with the two collaborating on lyrics. Katy Rudd (“Ballet Shoes,” “The Ocean at the End of the Lane”) is set to direct, with set and costume designs from Tony and Olivier winner Rob Howell and choreography by Ellen Kane, both of whom worked on “Matilda the Musical.”
“I’ve lived with Nanny McPhee for so long that to see her finally tread the boards is supremely exciting,” Thompson said in a statement. “Theater feels like her natural home — magic, music, mischief and a good dollop of danger can all happen right in front of you. Working with Gary Clark to create the musical heart that beats through the story has been an unforgettable journey of a lifetime. And I am thrilled and so proud that the brilliant Katy Rudd will be bringing it all to life with her inimitable witty wonderment. I can’t wait to introduce the all-new Nanny McPhee to audiences next summer.”
After all, it was the titular character who famously said: “When you need me, but do not want me, then I must stay. When you want me, but no longer need me, then I have to go.” Well, we certainly need a Nanny McPhee musical, and that will be granted.
