London’s theatre scene has a new reason to smile. Paddington The Musical, London, is taking center stage, bursting with color, meter, and warmth. The nation’s favorite marmalade-loving bear has officially stepped into the limelight, and the cult can’t get enough.
At the heart of the product is Tom Fletcher, best known as a member of McFly. But this time, Fletcher’s not holding a guitar; he’s holding the pen that helped bring Paddington’s story to life.
“I wrote five songs in that first phase, and they’re all still part of the show,” he shares.
Those songs, written five years ago, have stood firm through the entire creative process. A rare feat in musical theatre, and a testament to Fletcher’s knack for storytelling through melody.
A bear-y exciting curtain call!
There’s a huge round of a-paws at the world premiere of Paddington The Musical as the new musical opens in London pic.twitter.com/F2flth6SFh
— WhatsOnStage (@WhatsOnStage) November 1, 2025
Although millions know him as a pop star, Tom’s first love was theatre. He grew up performing on stage long before he was selling out arenas.
“I never anticipated I would find myself in a band. This project allows me to return to my roots,” he adds, recalling his experience in Oliver! at the London Palladium.
That connection to the stage has clearly fuelled this project. It’s not just another musical gig for him; it’s a homecoming.
Fletcher first met Paddington two years ago, during the show’s early development. Back then, the creative team was refining the bear’s design and perfecting the technology behind his performance. “You never forget meeting Paddington for the first time,” he reflects.
For Fletcher, it was more than just a professional encounter; it was emotional. “I just burst into tears when we met him. At that moment, we all felt: ‘This is going to work, and it’s going to be something special,’” he recalls.
That moment verified what the platoon formerly suspected: the show had heart. Paddington The Musical, London, has since bloomed into a joyous mix of song, cotillion, and liar.
Fletcher’s five original compositions sit at its core, girdled by dazzling choreography and sincere performances that capture Paddington’s spirit impeccably.
It’s warm. It’s facetious. It’s full of life. Further than a musical, it’s a festivity of fellowship, kindness, and a certain bear’s imperturbable sanguinity, all wrapped up in true West End style.
