Get your marmalade sandwiches ready because Paddington The Musical is hitting the West End stage this autumn, with its world premiere at the Savoy Theatre in London.
Paddington The Musical is playing at the Savoy Theatre in London from 1 November 2025.
The new musical is based on the much loved Paddington Bear books by Michael Bond, and the hugely successful films.
Paddington The Musical has a book by Olivier Award winner Jessica Swale (Nell Gwynn, Summerland), and music and lyrics by McFly’s Tom Fletcher (The Creakers).
The show will be directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, Starlight Express, Just For One Day). It is also understood that choreography will be by Ellen Kane (Groundhog Day The Musical; Ballet Shoes; Dear England), and musical supervision by Matthew Brind (Come Alive!), with further creatives to be announced.
Paddington is produced by Sonia Friedman (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Book of Mormon), Anna Marsh on behalf of STUDIOCANAL, and Eliza Lumley on behalf of Universal Music UK.
Casting for the show is to be announced. This news first appeared in Deadline.
Michael Bond’s first book A Bear Called Paddington was published on 13 October 1958 by William Collins & Sons (now Harper Collins). Since its first publication, the Paddington series of books has sold more than thirty-five million copies worldwide and have been translated into over forty different languages, including Latin.
Paddington has been adapted for television several times, first by the BBC in 1976, voiced by Michael Hordern; and most recently adapted by STUDIOCANAL and Heyday Films into three successful Paddington movies: Paddington, Paddington 2, and Paddington in Peru. Paddington in Peru was recently released on Netflix.
Director Luke Sheppard said in a statement: “Discovering how to bring Paddington’s story to the stage continues to be an enormous privilege – with Jessica Swale and Tom Fletcher, 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. Alongside our producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley, who look after this bear with the greatest care, we’ve been dreaming up big things for Paddington and can’t wait to welcome him to this iconic venue later this year.”
Composer 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 – we look forward to welcoming you to join us at the Savoy this Autumn.”
Writer Jessica Swale said: “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. And with such a dream team! 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 heartwarming story.”
Producers of the show, Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley, said back in December 2023 that:, “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 The Musical is running at the Savoy Theatre in London from 1 November 2025.
Currently playing at the Savoy Theatre in London is Mean Girls The Musical, until 8 June 2025. Coming up at the Savoy Theatre is Burlesque The Musical, from 10 July to 6 September 2025.
Director Luke Sheppard’s latest projects include Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical, which opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London on 15 May 2025. His new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express continues to play at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in London; and his production of hit musical & Juliet is playing its final dates on a UK tour.
Tickets for Paddington go on sale on 15 May. Sign-up below to get a ticket reminder.
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📷 Main photo: Paddington The Musical – Savoy Theatre London
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