Paddington: Stage musical adapted from books and films set for 2025

A new Paddington musical is being developed for the stage, with McFly’s Tom Fletcher set to write the music and lyrics.

The show will be adapted from the original books written by Michael Bond and the popular film series.

Workshops are currently taking place to develop the project, which is set to open in the UK in 2025.

Producers said it was a “privilege to be creating a new musical about this gorgeous and beloved little bear”.

The two film adaptations of Paddington, featuring the voice of Ben Whishaw, have been huge box office successes. A third film, Paddington in Peru, will be released next year.

Whishaw also voiced the character for a sketch which saw the bear appear opposite Queen Elizabeth II for her Platinum Jubilee last year.

Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley, whose companies will produce the new stage show, said they hoped the stage production would “inspire audiences of all ages with fun, beauty, joy, and all that Paddington stands for”.

They said in a joint statement: “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.”

Anna Marsh, the CEO of Studio Canal, which made the films, said: “We 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.”

The book for the stage musical will be written by Jessica Swale, with direction by Luke Sheppard.

Music and lyrics will be written by Tom Fletcher.

As well as being a member of the hugely successful band McFly, whose most recent album reached number two in the UK earlier this year, Fletcher also writes books for children.

He has written and composed live shows The Christmasaurus and There’s a Monster in Your Show.

Bond’s first book in the series, A Bear Called Paddington, was published in October 1958.

Since then, the books have sold more than 35 million copies around the world, and been translated into 40 languages.

Further details about the show including casting and run dates will be announced at a later stage, organisers said.