Paddington The Musical Set for World Premiere at London's Savoy Theatre in 2025
Paddington Takes the Stage: A West End Event for 2025
Fans of the world’s friendliest bear have reason to get excited: Paddington The Musical will make its global debut at London’s Savoy Theatre in November 2025. This brand-new stage show is drawing from the treasured stories by Michael Bond and the popular STUDIOCANAL movies, setting out to reimagine Paddington’s journey for a live audience.
There’s some serious talent behind this project. Tom Fletcher—who you might know from McFly and for writing best-selling children’s books—has taken on the challenge of creating the show’s songs and lyrics. He’s calling this his dream project, hinting at melodies that will stick in your head from the first listen. And he isn’t working alone; Jessica Swale, who previously snagged an Olivier Award for Nell Gwynn, is writing the musical’s script. Expect plenty of warmth and wit in her take on Paddington’s world, with themes of kindness and acceptance front and center.
At the helm is Luke Sheppard, who directed both & Juliet and In The Heights—two shows known for their inventive staging and energy. If those productions are anything to go by, Paddington’s West End outing promises to be colorful, clever, and full of surprises. The project’s production muscle comes from a powerhouse team: Sonia Friedman Productions, STUDIOCANAL, Eliza Lumley Productions, and Universal Music UK.
Honoring a Beloved Bear’s Legacy—for the Next Generation
Paddington isn’t new to audiences, but each adaptation finds a way to make him feel fresh. He first arrived on the scene in Michael Bond’s books in the 1950s, and his appeal is timeless. Over the decades, he’s starred in the BBC’s gentle stop-motion series in 1976, as well as a string of hugely successful films. The most recent, Paddington in Peru, hit screens in 2024, with Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, and Hugh Bonneville among the familiar faces bringing those stories to life.
For the musical, the creative team is clearly drawing on Paddington’s reputation for spreading joy, acceptance, and a little chaos wherever he goes—qualities that have made him something of a British icon. Swale captured it perfectly, saying that Paddington stands for hope and kindness. Expect those ingredients at the heart of the stage show, alongside plenty of marmalade mishaps and heartfelt tunes.
We don’t know everything yet. Casting details and more about the creative crew are still under wraps, and you’ll have to wait to see who’ll don the famous duffle coat. Tickets are likely to be hot property once they go on sale, with families and long-time fans eager to see how Paddington will be brought to life on stage.
With Fletcher’s catchy songs, Swale’s sharp writing, and Sheppard’s theatrical flair, Paddington The Musical is shaping up to be a must-see for anyone who’s grown up with the bear from darkest Peru—or just wants a sweet dose of West End magic in 2025.