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Paddington to Make Stage Musical Debut in 2025
By Movieguide® Contributor
A PADDINGTON musical is now in the works, set to debut in the U.K. in 2025.
“It is a privilege to be creating a new musical about this gorgeous and beloved little bear with such a wonderful team,” Friedman Productions and Lumley Productions said in a 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. We hope to inspire audiences of all ages with fun, beauty, joy, and all that Paddington stands for,” the statement continued.
“Paddington: The Musical” will be developed by Sonia Friedman Productions, Studiocanal and Eliza Lumley Productions as an adaptation of the beloved books and movies. Olivier Award-winning playwright Jessica Swale will pen the script along with Tom Fletcher, who will develop the music and lyrics. Luke Sheppard is set to direct.
“We could not be more delighted to see our beloved Paddington take to stage shepherded by a talented and visionary team in Sonia and Eliza,” said Studiocanal CEO Ann Marsh. “They have opened their hearts to show a deep understanding and passion for Paddington that will no doubt transpire on stage and ensure that his adventures, created by Michael Bond over 60 years ago, continue to charm audiences in such a new and innovative way.”
The BBC detailed Paddington’s worldwide impact: “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.”
2025 will prove to be a big year for Paddington fans as, along with the musical, the third movie in the series is slated to release that year.
Movieguide® previously reported:
Paddington is returning to theaters in PADDINGTON IN PERU, the franchise’s third movie.
It is slated to release January 17, 2025.
“In the Dougal Wilson-directed picture, Paddington heads to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and to the mountain peaks of Peru. Screenplay is by Mark Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont. Story by Paul King, Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton based on the children’s stories by British author Michael Bond,” Deadline reported.
According to Variety, Wilson stated, “It’s been a joy and an honor to shoot PADDINGTON IN PERU with such a wonderful and talented cast and crew. I feel incredibly lucky to have been blessed with such a lovely group of people, many of whom have returned to the world of this beloved bear. We are also delighted to have welcomed Emily, Olivia, Antonio and Carla to the Paddington family.”
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