Attention all bear enthusiasts and theater-goers, we have some paw-some news for you! The lovable Paddington bear is making his way to the stage in a brand new musical adaptation titled âPaddington: The Musicalâ (working title).
This exciting production is a joint effort from Sonia Friedman Productions, Studiocanal, and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music U.K. The musical will bring to life the iconic character from Michael Bondâs beloved books, as well as the award-winning film series produced by Studiocanal and Heyday Films.
But wait, it gets even better! The musical will feature music and lyrics by none other than Tom Fletcher from the band McFly. And donât forget about the brilliant Olivier Award-winning playwright Jessica Swale, who will be crafting the script. Plus, the talented Luke Sheppard is set to direct the show. Itâs like a dream team of creative geniuses coming together to bring Paddington to the stage.
As if that wasnât exciting enough, the plan is to premiere the show in the U.K. in 2025. So mark your calendars and get ready to embark on a delightful adventure with Paddington and the Brown family.
In a statement, Friedman and Lumley expressed their excitement about the project, saying, âIt 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 Bondâs other treasured characters to the stage. We hope to inspire audiences of all ages with fun, beauty, joy, and all that Paddington stands for.â
And the excitement doesnât stop there! Ann Marsh, CEO of Studiocanal, shared her delight about the upcoming musical, saying, âWe could not be more delighted to see our beloved Paddington take to the stage shepherded by a talented and visionary team in Sonia and Eliza. They have opened their hearts to show a deep understanding and passion for Paddington that will no doubt transpire on stage and ensure that his adventures, created by Michael Bond over 60 years ago, continue to charm audiences in such a new and innovative way.â
We canât bear the excitement! From the stage to the big screen and now the musical world, Paddington is truly making his mark in the entertainment industry. So get ready to experience all the fun, beauty, and joy that Paddington represents when âPaddington: The Musicalâ hits the stage in 2025. Itâs going to be un-bear-ably delightful!