‘Paddington the Musical' is coming to London's West End this autumn
Announced at the tail-end of 2023, the musical has been in development since and this autumn it'll hopefully be ready for its debut at the Savoy Theatre. Beyond a date and venue we don't actually know a huge amount about more about the show than we did before: it's still going to be written by playwright Jessica Swale with songs by McFly mainstay and kids' author Tom Fletcher; the director is still Luke Sheppard, who has admittedly become an even bigger in the world of family friend musicals since the initial announcement thanks to his work on the smash revival of Starlight Express.
Story-wise, it sounds like we're getting the origin again, as the young bear turns up at Paddington Station, is taken in by the bougie Brown family, and gets to grip with British society. However, we presumably shouldn't expect a straight up retelling of the first film – we're promised this is 'Paddington as you've never seen him before'.
There is no word on casting, though rumour has it the bear himself with be a puppet rather than a bloke in a bear suit.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Brooklyn Beckham distressed over claims wife Nicola Peltz 'hasn't backed down for months'
The star is said to be 'excruciated by everything' Brooklyn Beckham has spoken out to quash rumours that his wife Nicola Peltz is controlling him, as close pals reveal his distress over the negative portrayal of his spouse. The eldest child of David and Victoria Beckham is upset by claims that Nicola is unfairly targeted following reports that his family was not invited to their wedding vow renewal ceremony. An insider commented: "It's so rooted in misogyny that all of the heat for his parents not being invited is on Nicola. Everyone seems to forget that Brooklyn is an adult man and fully capable of speaking out. Nicola would have respected all that he chose. It breaks Brooklyn's heart to see his wife being painted as this vixen and viper." The 'Lola' star has faced allegations of cutting her husband off from both his relatives and mates. Observers have noted that at the August 2 event, which Nicola's father Nelson officiated, there appeared to be an absence of Brooklyn's extended family and British friends. While Brooklyn has not officially responded to the controversy, he recently made his feelings clear through social media actions. He liked an Instagram comment from a user who stood up for Nicola. The commenter had stated: "Why is it assumed that she made the decision to exclude them? ... If he really wanted his parents there, they would be." The Mirror has recently reported on the severe rift between David and Victoria Beckham and their daughter-in-law, which resulted in the couple only learning about the vow renewal through online news and photographs, reports the Mirror. Friends of Nicola and Brooklyn have revealed that his siblings Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20, were also excluded from the event following what they describe as a string of online jibes. A source commented: "Brooklyn's brothers have been fanning the flames. They've openly made fun of and trolled Brooklyn in comments on social media." However, there are those who question the necessity of ostracising the entire family. Excluded from the August 2 festivities in the US were all the Beckhams - including little sister Harper, as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. An insider confided to the Mirror: "Why punish the whole family for what is essentially a fallout with just the mum and dad?" It was reportedly difficult to not invite Harper, 14, given her closeness to Brooklyn and the grandparents. A friend remarked: "They are trying to make the best decisions for them in what are very unfortunate circumstances. Navigating family stuff is hard and it's ugly." Despite the current estrangement, the couple maintains hope for mending ties. The same friend added: "The door is open. No one wants to see this kind of pain exist. There is always hope. At the end of the day, blood is thicker than water."
South Wales Guardian
an hour ago
- South Wales Guardian
Our Farm Next Door starring Yorkshire Shepherdess to get third and fourth series
The programme follows the life of Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen and her family as they renovate a centuries-old derelict farmhouse known as Anty John's into a modern home. The new series will show them getting to work on their huge interiors project, including the installation of plumbing and running water. Owen, 50, who is a mother of nine, said: 'I am beyond delighted that we have been given the opportunity to showcase this unique and beautiful part of our British countryside, and for people to join us on our exciting journey through the restoration of our farm next door. 'We're grateful for Channel 4's support and the effort and utter dedication of the film crew who have had to work in challenging weather conditions, coupled with the unimaginable chaos of both children and animals. This is a programme that I am seriously proud of.' Jayne Stanger, commissioning editor for Channel 4, said: 'Following the Owen family's incredible work to renovate Anty John's has been such a joy and I'm over the moon we're able to continue the journey with two more series for More4. 'I can't wait to see how the amazing transformation of the farmhouse continues as well as enjoying the magnificent Yorkshire scenery we're treated to in every episode.' Series producer James Knight added: 'Watching the 11-strong Owen family pulling together to transform this wonderful old barn has been an incredible ride so far. 'We're so thrilled we'll be there to cover the next chapter. 'As work begins inside to turn its four walls into a home, Amanda will be digging deeper into Anty John's eye-opening back story, and we're looking forward to spending more glorious days at both Ravenseat and Anty John's.' Owen, who is known as the Yorkshire Shepherdess, rose to fame for starring in the Channel 5 documentary series, Our Yorkshire Farm, which followed her and her family's life on Ravenseat Farm in Swaledale, North Yorkshire. The third and fourth series will be comprised of five hour-long episodes each with broadcast details yet to be announced.
South Wales Guardian
an hour ago
- South Wales Guardian
Sandi Toksvig to hunt for undiscovered treasures in new archaeological series
The former Great British Bake Off presenter and comedienne will meet Britain's professional and amateur history hunters to capture the stories of treasures as they are unearthed for the first time in hundreds of years. Toksvig, 67, will be joined by archaeologist Raksha Dave and a team of experts excavating the sites and meeting local experts to help share the history of the most remarkable finds. The show, titled Sandi Toksvig's Hidden Wonders, will be aired in four parts, Channel 4 said. Toksvig said: 'This is the dream job for a history and archaeology enthusiast like me. 'It is a total privilege to be given access to professional archaeological dig sites and to join Raksha and the teams as they dig to reveal the history of our country from right beneath our feet.' Dave, an author and TV presenter, said: 'It's so wonderful to share this experience with Sandi. 'Together, we travel across the UK to join archaeological teams as they uncover astonishing stories from our collective past. 'We're both thrilled to bring archaeology back to the heart of Channel 4 – engaging audiences in a fun, approachable and compelling format that offers real insight into how people lived and the communities helping to rediscover their stories.' Production company Salamanda Media has been commissioned to make the series. In a second announcement on Friday, Channel 4 said the Rev Richard Coles will voyage around the British isles to four of the 31 areas mapped out by the shipping forecast, in a new series for More4. The broadcaster and writer will discover the beauty of estuaries, oceans, channels and coastlines and meet residents of the Faeroes, Lundy, Thames and Wight to learn about life at sea and by the waterside, during the series titled Sailing The Shipping Forecast. The 64-year-old said: 'For years I've listened to the shipping forecast with only half an idea of where these exotic-sounding places are. 'I'm very excited to be a part of this journey around the country and feel privileged to meet just some of the maritime communities of our coasts.' The four-part series has been commissioned by Channel 4 from Glasgow-based Strawberry Blond TV.
