Michael Bond’s Paddington will be staged as a new musical, to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the much-loved book. A UK premiere has been scheduled for 2025.
McFly’s Tom Fletcher will provide the music and lyrics for the show, which will feature direction by Luke Sheppard have a book by Olivier-award-winning writer and director Jessica Swale.
Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley commented on the new Paddington musical stating: “It is a privilege to be creating a new musical about this gorgeous and beloved little bear with such a wonderful team. The magic of Paddington is that, through his wide-eyed innocence, he sees the very best in humanity, reminding us that love and kindness can triumph if we open our hearts and minds to one another. We cannot wait to bring Paddington, his antics, adventures, and mishaps with the Brown family, and Michael Bond’s other treasured characters to the stage. We hope to inspire audiences of all ages with fun, beauty, joy, and all that Paddington stands for.”
Paddington was previously adapted for big the screen in 2014, with an all-star cast including Hugh Bonneville, Ben Whishaw, Peter Capaldi, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Nicole Kidman, and Jim Broadbent. A second movie – Paddington 2 – came out in 2017, with Hugh Grant joining the stellar cast. A third film called Paddington in Peru is due for release on 8th November.
Full casting, creative team, venue, and dates for Paddington the musical will be announced at a later date.