Paddington is coming to Broadway. The musical adaptation of Michael Bond's beloved children's book character will begin previews on March 30, 2027, at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in New York, with an official opening night set for April 18. The announcement was made by producers Sonia Friedman Productions, StudioCanal and Eliza Lumley Productions.
According to Variety, the show arrives after a buzzy run on London's West End, where it won seven Olivier Awards including best new musical and has been playing to sold-out audiences. The London production will continue its run, with tickets currently on sale through February 2028.
The musical features music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale, and direction by Luke Sheppard. Casting for the Broadway production has not yet been announced. In London, the show is led by Arti Shah, who performs inside the bear costume, and James Hameed, who provides the bear's voice and controls its facial expressions.
The plot follows Paddington, a small bear from Peru who arrives in London looking for a home. He is taken in by the Brown family, but soon finds himself entangled with a mysterious villain, prompting the family to launch a rescue mission.
Fletcher described the project as the defining work of his career. "It has been the greatest adventure of my career to be entrusted with bringing Paddington's story to life on stage alongside my brilliant creative collaborators Jessica, Luke and our producers Sonia and Eliza," he said. "The response from West End audiences of all ages has been unlike anything I've ever experienced. It's a great privilege to welcome New York audiences into Paddington's world of curiosity and I am absolutely thrilled at the opportunity for this very rare and special bear to be on Broadway."
Book writer Swale was equally enthusiastic. "I couldn't be more excited to bring Paddington to New York," she said. "As a city that breathes theatre, storytelling and imagination, Broadway is the perfect place to celebrate this exuberant and heart-filled story. I can't wait. Let's just hope Paddington loves Big Apples as much as he loves oranges."
Director Sheppard added, "Paddington approaches life with curiosity, kindness and an unwavering sense of adventure, and what an adventure Broadway will be. It's a dream come true to be bringing this joyful show to New York and I can't wait for audiences to meet this very special bear that we all hold so close to our hearts."
Producers Friedman and Lumley released a joint statement calling it an immense privilege. "Paddington Bear has endured for generations because he reminds us of the best of ourselves: kindness, curiosity, empathy and the belief that everyone deserves to belong," they said. "Wrapped inside a joyful theatrical adventure, with Tom Fletcher's exceptional score at its heart, is a story about finding home, family and community in unexpected places. We have been genuinely blown away by the response to the production so far and are thrilled to be bringing it to Broadway."
StudioCanal, which owns the Paddington intellectual property, co-produced the musical. Anna Marsh, the CEO of StudioCanal and chief content officer of Canal+, praised the creative team. "To witness their collective gift in bringing Paddington to life on stage has been a masterclass in production," Marsh said. "Over the past 12 years we have put such genuine care into honoring Michael Bond's legacy with our films, series and as proud owners of the IP. We cannot wait for a new audience to delight in the heart, humor, wonder and magic of Paddington's Broadway debut."
The production takes over the Al Hirschfeld Theatre after Moulin Rouge wraps its seven-year run, which ends in July. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paddington will enter Tony Awards contention alongside other announced new musicals including Wanted and Galileo. Presale information and casting are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
