There’s no denying that Paddington Bear is a British institution. Not only did he enjoy tea with the late Queen, but he’s also appeared in several books by the late Michael Bond, a stop-motion television series, an animated television series, and three theatrical films.
Paddington in Peru (2024) didn’t live up to the expectations set by its brilliant predecessor, Paddington 2 (2017), but it still helped keep Britain’s friendliest bear on the map. Now, the marmalade sandwich-eating, London-dwelling Andean bear (also known as a “spectacled bear”) is about to embark on one of his most exciting adventures yet.
Amid rumors of a Paddington themed land at the newly announced Universal Studios Great Britain, set to open in Bedfordshire sometime in 2031, Paddington: The Musical has been unveiled. Announced by the show’s producers on Thursday, the production is set to open its doors at London’s Savoy Theater for its world premiere on November 1.
Directed by Luke Sheppard with music and lyrics by boyband McFly’s Tom Fletcher (who’s also a bestselling children’s author), and a book by filmmaker, screenwriter and playwright Jessica Swale (Summerland, Horrible Histories Movie), Paddington: The Musical will mark the character’s first-ever appearance on the stage.
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Deadline has also confirmed that choreographer Ellen Kane has come up with “stunning, show-stopping choreography”.
Per Deadline, “Paddington The Musical is produced by Sonia Friedman for Sonia Friedman Productions; Anna Marsh, CEO of Studio Canal, Deputy CEO Studio Canal+ and chief content officer of Studio Canal+ for StudioCanal; and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK. Other creatives and cast will be revealed at a later date.”
Here’s the official description for the upcoming show:
“A rather wonderful adventure is about to begin. The world premiere of PADDINGTON The Musical lands in London’s West End this autumn. Bringing one of Britain’s best-loved characters to life on stage, this unmissable major new production at the Savoy Theatre is jam-packed with irresistible songs, dazzling choreography – and of course, marmalade sandwiches.”
As for the rumored themed land at Universal Studios Great Britain, there’s currently no other information. However, the resort is expected to include themed lands based on James Bond, Lord of the Rings, Back to the Future, Minions, and Jurassic World.
For more information about Paddington The Musical, visit the official website.
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