The performer and team who will bring loveable bear Paddington to life on stage remains under wraps as rehearsals get underway for a new West End musical.
PADDINGTON The Musical is set to open at The Savoy Theatre in November featuring music and lyrics by McFly star Tom Fletcher.
The book by Jessica Swale is adapted from Michael Bond's A Bear Called Paddington and the hugely successful trio of STUDIOCANAL movies starring Ben Whishaw as Paddington.
Packed with show-stopping songs, dazzling choreography, and of course, marmalade sandwiches, the musical will follow the arrival of a small, bewildered bear from Peru at a London railway station and his adoption by the Brown family.
But amidst the wonderful world of Windsor Gardens, a vengeful villain sets her sights on Paddington, and the Browns embark on a thrilling rescue mission, realising they need this bear as much as he needs them.
Veteran stage and screen actor Bonnie Langford is signed on to play the Brown's housekeeper Mrs Bird, while Delilah Bennett-Cardy, who has just shot The Magic Faraway Tree with Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy will play Judy Brown.
West End star Victoria Hamilton-Barritt is also among the cast as evil taxidermist Millicent Clyde.
But the identity of the Bear designer, creative team and potential actor will not be revealed until the first preview on November 1.
He lived for many years in Maida Vale, West London and fans often leave gifts of toy bears and pots of marmalade at his grave in Paddington Old Cemetery, Kilburn.
The inscription on the stone echoes the sign hung around Paddington's neck when he first encounters the Browns on the railway platform.
"Please look after this bear. Thank you."
Paddington The Musical previews at The Savoy Theatre from November 1 and is now booking at www.paddingtonthemusical.com
