Paddington to hit the stage in 2025 

Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear will make his stage debut in a new musical in 2025. 

The production, based on Bond’s well-loved books and the recent award-winning STUDIOCANAL films, is still in development, but is confirmed to feature songs by McFly’s Tom Fletcher, who has previously adapted two of his bestselling children’s books, The Christmasaurus and There’s a Monster in Your Book (both Puffin), into live shows. 

In a post on Instagram, Fletcher said: “I still can’t believe that I get to write the songs for what is going to be an incredibly special show… We will look after this bear.” 

Also attached to the project are playwright Jessica Swale and director Luke Sheppard. 

Bond’s bear has inspired many adaptations since A Bear Called Paddington was published in October 1958, including a 1970s TV show, a Netflix series, two films in which he is voiced by Ben Whishaw, and a new interactive experience opening in London next year. He was also the star of a sketch alongside Queen Elizabeth the Second to celebrate her 2022 Diamond Jubilee. The third Paddington film, “Paddington in Peru”, will be released in November 2024. 

The Paddington books are published by HarperCollins Children’s Books and celebrated their 65th anniversary this year. 

Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley, whose companies are co-producing the musical, said: “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.”