Emma Thompson stars as the titular Nanny Mcphee, with Colin Firth as widowed father Cedric Brown and Kelly Macdonald as scullery maid Evangeline. The magical nanny uses discipline to tame seven unruly children.
Main cast
- Nanny McPheeEmma ThompsonMain
- Cedric BrownColin FirthMain
- EvangelineKelly MacdonaldMain
- Mrs. QuicklyCelia ImrieMain
- Mr. JowlsImelda StauntonMain
Supporting cast
- Simon BrownThomas Brodie-SangsterSupp
- Tora BrownHolly GibbsSupp
- Eric BrownRaphael ColemanSupp
- Lily BrownJennifer Rae DaykinSupp
- Christianna BrownElizabeth BerringtonSupp
- Selma QuicklyAngela OnwuzuruikeSupp
Guest & voice
- Great-Aunt AdelaideAngela LansburyGuest
- Mrs. PartridgePhyllida LawGuest
- Mr. WheenPatrick BarlowGuest
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About this cast
Nanny McPhee (2005) is a British fantasy comedy-drama based on Christianna Brand’s Nurse Matilda books. The film stars Emma Thompson as the plain-faced nanny who uses magic and firm lessons to reform the seven wild Brown children, while Colin Firth plays their beleaguered father Cedric Brown and Kelly Macdonald plays the kind-hearted maid Evangeline.
FAQs
Who plays Nanny McPhee?
Emma Thompson portrays Nanny McPhee, the magical and disciplinarian nanny, in the 2005 film.
Who plays Cedric Brown in Nanny McPhee?
Colin Firth plays Cedric Brown, the widowed father of the seven unruly children.
Is Nanny McPhee based on a book?
Yes, the film is based on the ‘Nurse Matilda’ series of children’s books by Christianna Brand.
Who are the main child actors in Nanny McPhee?
Thomas Brodie-Sangster plays Simon, Holly Gibbs plays Tora, Raphael Coleman plays Eric, and Jennifer Rae Daykin plays Lily.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026