Tom Fletcher, the McFly frontman, has unveiled exciting details about the upcoming musical adaptation of the beloved children's character Paddington Bear, set to debut in London's West End this autumn. Titled Paddington The Musical, the show is scheduled to launch on November 1, 2025, at the Savoy Theatre, bringing to life the adventures of the iconic bear created by author Michael Bond.
The musical is based on Bond's cherished books and the successful film adaptations that have captivated audiences worldwide. It follows Paddington, a small bear from Peru, as he arrives in London and encounters the Brown family, who help him find a new home. This heartwarming tale resonates with themes of kindness and acceptance, making it particularly relevant in today's world.
Fletcher expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "It’s an honour to be entrusted to bring the story of Paddington to life on stage with the very best of creative collaborators." He acknowledged the weight of responsibility involved in adapting such a beloved character and emphasized the excitement of sharing this story with audiences. "It’s beyond exciting, and an absolute dream come true – we look forward to welcoming you to join us at the Savoy this autumn," he added.
Jessica Swale, the playwright behind the musical, echoed Fletcher's sentiments, calling it a privilege to tell the story of Paddington. She remarked, "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." Swale described Fletcher's songs as "extraordinary" and expressed her eagerness to share the tale with the audience.
Director Luke Sheppard also shared his excitement, stating, "Discovering how to bring Paddington’s story to the stage continues to be an enormous privilege." He noted that the musical would feature a blend of familiar characters from the original stories, like the Brown family, Mr. Gruber, and Mr. Curry, while also introducing new characters and elements to enrich the narrative. "This is Paddington as you’ve never seen him before, brought to life by a team celebrating all of the magic and wonder of live theatre," Sheppard remarked.
The musical has been in development for five years, and its creators are committed to capturing the essence of Paddington's adventures. Fletcher, who has previously authored children's books, described the process as exhilarating, saying, "Having something that everybody knows but no one’s heard what it sounds like yet is a really exciting thing to be able to work on." He recalled the moment he was approached about the project during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, immediately responding with enthusiasm and beginning to write music for the show that very night.
Paddington Bear, first introduced to readers in Bond's book A Bear Called Paddington published in 1958, has become a cultural icon, with over 35 million copies of his stories sold worldwide. The character has been featured in various adaptations, including a BBC TV series in 1976 and three successful films released in 2014, 2017, and 2024.
As the team prepares for the musical's premiere, they are fine-tuning the production to ensure it meets the high expectations of Paddington's fans. Fletcher stated, "I really hope that I’ve done everyone who loves Paddington justice... This is so different from anything I’ve ever done before. I feel like this show is so ready to be out in the world; it’s the most special thing I’ve ever been a part of in my whole life." He will be balancing his commitments to McFly and Busted with the musical's opening, a challenge he is ready to embrace.
One of the most pressing questions surrounding the musical is whether Paddington's favorite food, marmalade, will be featured prominently. Swale reassured fans, saying, "You can rest easy. Marmalade features not only in the book and the lyrics but physically on stage in a spectacular way." This playful nod to Paddington's love for marmalade is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Priority tickets for Paddington The Musical will be available starting May 13, 2025, with general sales commencing on May 15, 2025. The full cast and additional details about the performance schedule will be announced in the coming months, building anticipation for what promises to be a magical theatrical experience.
As the world eagerly awaits the arrival of Paddington on stage, the musical aims to honor the spirit of the character while introducing new dimensions to his story. With a talented team at the helm, including Fletcher's music and Swale's writing, Paddington The Musical is poised to become a cherished addition to the West End's rich tapestry of theatrical productions.
