"You will die": Emma Thompson explains why she's not reprising iconic role for new adaptation

Though Emma Thompson is involved with the upcoming Nanny McPhee stage musical, the actor isn't reprising her role as the titular character – and she gave a few good reasons as to why.

It was confirmed in August that a stage adaptation of the beloved 2005 film, which in turn was based on Christianna Brand's Nurse Matilda book series, was set to premiere in London's West End next year.

Thompson is writing the book and co-writing the lyrics – alongside Gary Clark – for the upcoming show, though she has already confirmed that she won't be returning as the iconic central character.

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Speaking to Jamie Theakston and Zoe Hardman on radio network Heart, Thompson shared that she had decided to not appear in an acting role due to some advice that she was given by a legendary composer.

"It was suggested that I do that and I had just worked with Stephen Sondheim, who, of course, is a certified genius," she shared. "God rest him. He was extraordinary and he said, 'Look, if you need to talk to me or if you have any questions, then just reach out.'"

"So, I did and I said, 'Stephen, they want me to play her, what do you think?’ And he said, 'You can’t do that, you will die.' And I said, 'Why?' And he said, 'Because you are writing it,'" she continued.

Thompson recalled that Sondheim, who is known for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, explained how busy the process can be, especially if late changes to songs are made following previews.

Reflecting on the advice she was given, Thompson recalled: "He said that 'you just can't do both things, and you will not be able to survive that'. And it was such a good lesson to do one job."

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In the announcement for the musical, Thompson said that she and Clark had been working on the project for the past two years, and also expressed hope that a third Nanny McPhee film could be made.

The production will premiere at London's Aldwych Theatre on 6 November 2027, though it hasn't been confirmed how long it will run for. There's yet to be a casting announcement, though it has been rumoured that Hannah Waddingham may take the lead role.

Nanny McPhee the Musical will premiere at London's Aldwych Theatre on 6 November 2027.

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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media.  His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.