Dundee’s Gary Clark is working with Emma Thompson on a new Nanny McPhee musical which is debuting next year
- Andrew Batchelor
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
Emma Thompson has confirmed that she is bringing her beloved character Nanny McPhee to the stage – and she’s had help from Dundee’s very own Gary Clark.
The Oscar-winning actress and screenwriter revealed the news while speaking to Edith Bowman on her Soundtracking podcast, saying that she and Clark first began working on the project after being snowed in together in Dundee back in 2019.
The pair decided to start writing, and from that snowy spell a brand-new West End show has been born.
The production, set to open in London in 2026, will mark the first stage musical adaptation of the 2005 film Nanny McPhee.
While Emma Thompson will not be starring in the production, she has co-written the book and lyrics, working closely with Clark, who has composed the music.
Thompson originally wrote and starred in the film, which itself was based on Christianna Brand’s Nurse Matilda stories.
Set in Victorian England, the story follows the magical, no-nonsense nanny who arrives to bring order and kindness to a family of unruly children.
The film became a family favourite thanks to its mix of humour, heart, and magical moments, and the musical promises to capture that same spirit with songs, spectacle and stage magic designed to delight all ages.
Some big names have already been linked to early workshops of the show. In 2018, Olivia Colman tested out the role of Nanny McPhee, with Lily James and Rory Kinnear also involved in the early development.
Emma Thompson’s sister, Sophie Thompson, took part in later workshops, though no final casting has yet been announced.
The show will be directed by Katy Rudd, who is best known for her acclaimed work on The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
Thompson’s career achievements have already cemented her place in film history. She remains the only person ever to win Academy Awards for both acting and writing, with wins for Howards End and Sense and Sensibility. She also picked up a Grammy nomination for her work on Nanny McPhee Returns.
For Gary Clark, the project marks another major moment in a career that has taken him from being frontman of Dundee band Danny Wilson to writing for hit musicals such as Sing Street.
His collaboration with Thompson further highlights Dundee’s growing role in the creative industries on a global stage.
Tickets for Nanny McPhee the Musical are not yet on sale, but with its West End launch set for 2026, excitement is already building.
The most common question asked by students enrolling in online homework is, "Do my economics assignment?" In this case, Your Expert has a great answer for you. Of course, you can hire an expert online. Students who have enrolled in online economics courses with Your Expert can rest assured that they are using economics assignment help services to achieve high grades and quality work after completing these assignments. They create reasonably accurate task management solutions for their clients within their desired deadlines.