Paddington The Musical to Premiere in the West End at the Savoy Theatre This Autumn

A New Musical Based on Michael Bond’s Beloved Bear Set to Open 1 November 2025

Sonia Friedman Productions, STUDIOCANAL and Eliza Lumley Productions, in association with Universal Music UK, have announced the world premiere of Paddington The Musical, opening at London’s Savoy Theatre on 1 November 2025. Based on the classic books by Michael Bond and the hit films by STUDIOCANAL, the production will feature music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, book by Jessica Swale, and direction by Luke Sheppard.

Priority booking opens on 13 May, with public booking available from 15 May. Full casting and performance schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

A Musical Adaptation of a National Treasure

Paddington The Musical tells the heartwarming story of a small bear from Peru who arrives in London in search of a new home and is taken in by the Brown family. But when Paddington’s life is thrown into jeopardy, the Browns must unite to protect the bear who has brought them closer together. Combining humour, adventure, and emotion, the musical promises to capture the spirit of Bond’s original stories while delivering an all-new theatrical experience for family audiences.

Jessica Swale, an Olivier Award-winning playwright, and Tom Fletcher, singer-songwriter and bestselling children’s author, are collaborating for the first time on this production. Their creative partnership is supported by a team that includes one of the most celebrated producers in British theatre and the director of & Juliet and In The Heights.

Creative Team

• Music & Lyrics: Tom Fletcher

• Book: Jessica Swale

• Director: Luke Sheppard

• Producers: Sonia Friedman, Eliza Lumley

• Based on Characters by: Michael Bond

• In Association With: STUDIOCANAL and Universal Music UK

Speaking about the project, Tom Fletcher said:

“It’s beyond exciting, and an absolute dream come true – we look forward to welcoming you to join us at the Savoy this autumn.”

Jessica Swale added:

“Paddington is so much more than a fictional character. He’s a symbol of kindness and acceptance—qualities we need now more than ever.”

Director Luke Sheppard said:

“This is Paddington as you’ve never seen him before—brought to life with a brand-new score and a heart-wrenching script packed into a marmalade-filled suitcase.”

Paddington’s Journey from Page to Stage

Since his literary debut in 1958’s A Bear Called Paddington, the character has appeared in more than 29 books, sold over 35 million copies worldwide, and been adapted for both television and film. The most recent screen adaptation, Paddington in Peru, was released in 2024 and received critical and commercial acclaim.

This new musical marks the first time Paddington’s story will be brought to the stage in a large-scale theatrical production.

Venue and Ticketing Information

• Venue: Savoy Theatre, Savoy Court, Strand, London WC2R 0ET

• Previews from: 1 November 2025

• Recommended Age: 6+

With a creative team of award-winning talent, a story beloved by generations, and one of Britain’s most iconic literary characters at its heart, Paddington The Musical is poised to become a major event in the 2025 West End season. Combining charm, heart and imagination, the production is set to delight audiences of all ages when it opens this autumn.