Conclave
£10.99Entertainment reporter Steven McIntosh shared that McFly star Tom Fletcher expressed “overwhelming excitement” at the opportunity to work on the upcoming Paddington stage musical, set to open in November. Fletcher, known for his work with McFly and as a children’s author, revealed that he hoped his music and lyrics for the show would honor the beloved character while also being some of his favorite songs to date. The musical, based on Michael Bond’s original novels and following the successful film series, has been in development for five years and will debut at the Savoy Theatre in London.
Reflecting on his involvement in the project, Fletcher emphasized feeling “honored and lucky” to contribute to a production that captures the essence of the Paddington books and films. He shared his enthusiasm for bringing the iconic character to life on stage, noting the magic of seeing Paddington in the fur rather than flesh. The singer-songwriter’s collaboration with scriptwriter Jessica Swale, director Luke Sheppard, and producers began during the early days of the Covid lockdown in 2020, culminating in the formal announcement of the musical in 2023.
Swale disclosed that the team behind the Paddington musical aimed to explore the “magic of theatre” in telling the bear’s story, promising “lots of juicy new material” while staying true to the beloved characters from the books and films. The production will introduce familiar faces like the Browns, Mr. Gruber, and Mr. Curry, alongside new characters inspired by the Paddington universe. As the show’s November opening approaches, Fletcher shared his excitement for audiences to experience the musical’s unique interpretation of Paddington’s story, emphasizing the special nature of this project compared to his previous work.
The upcoming Paddington musical is expected to offer a fresh perspective on the beloved character’s journey from Peru to London, celebrating the spirit and politics embodied by Paddington, who is recognized as a refugee seeking a new home. Swale praised producers Eliza Lumley and Sonia Friedman for their innovative approach to portraying Paddington on stage while honoring the character’s migration experience and significance. As Fletcher and the creative team fine-tune the production in anticipation of its premiere, audiences can look forward to a theatrical rendition that captures the heart and essence of Paddington’s iconic adventures, complete with the familiar presence of marmalade in a spectacular onstage display
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
