The show will be based on the storybooks and trio of successful films from STUDIOCANAL – with music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher of boy band McFly.
Playwright Jessica Swale (Nell Gwynn, Summerland) will pen the script, while director Luke Sheppard takes the helm of the production, which opens at the Savoy Theatre on November 1.
Public booking opens on May 15 and the full cast and creative team will be announced shortly.
Tom Fletcher said: “It’s an honour to be entrusted to bring the story of Paddington to life on stage with the very best of creative collaborators in Jessica, Luke, and our producers Sonia and Eliza.
“This unique and special bear is at the very heart of our nation, and I’m aware of the awesome responsibility we all have in taking on his story. It’s beyond exciting, and an absolute dream come true.”
Jessica Swale added: “It’s such a privilege to be telling the story of this beloved cultural icon. Paddington is so much more than a fictional character; this special bear has come to represent hope, kindness and acceptance, so it’s never felt like a more apt time to bring this story to the stage.
“Tom’s songs are extraordinary, earworms on a first listen, Luke is the most masterful director, and our producers are so incredibly passionate and dedicated, it really is a great honour to be on this adventure with them all. I can’t wait to share this beautiful, funny and heart warming story.”
Director Luke Sheppard said the stage show, which features “an incredible new score and a heart wrenching script” follows the arrival of Paddington in London from Peru and moves in with The Brown family at Windsor Gardens.
“It’s been thrilling to see this show grow into something very special, packing an incredible new score and a heart wrenching script into a marmalade filled suitcase.
“This is Paddington as you’ve never seen him before, bought to life by a team celebrating all of the magic and wonder of live theatre. We’ve been dreaming up big things for Paddington and can’t wait to welcome him to this venue later this year.”
Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley called it a “deliciously funny new musical.”
Bond who lived for decades in Little Venice, first published A Bear Called Paddington in 1958, and went on to write 29 books which have been adapted for TV and sold more than 35 million copies worldwide.
He died in 2017 and is buried in Paddington Old Cemetery in Kilburn – his gravestone which is often adorned with pots of marmalade and cuddly toys reads ‘Please look after this bear. Thank-You.’
Sign up for priority booking for PADDINGTON The Musical at www.paddingtonthemusical.com.
