When Tom Fletcher, composer and frontman of the pop‑rock band McFly, released the debut track "Explorer & The Bear" on Friday, September 26, 2025, the West End buzz hit a new pitch. The song arrives via Decca Records and serves as the first public taste of Paddington Musical, the upcoming stage adaptation of Michael Bond’s beloved bear saga. Premiering at London’s iconic Savoy Theatre on November 30, 2025, the production hopes the song will draw both longtime fans and theatre‑goers alike.
Background and Creative Team
The musical boasts an 18‑song score, every note and lyric penned by Fletcher himself. While his pop credentials are well‑known, Fletcher also authored the children’s series The Creakers, proving his knack for storytelling across media. Jessica Swale, a Olivier Award‑winning playwright, crafted the book, translating Michael Bond’s classic stories into a stage‑ready narrative. Directing duties fall to Luke Sheppard, fresh from the successes of & Juliet and the revival of Starlight Express. Together they aim to capture the warmth and mischief that made Paddington a national treasure.
Song Release and Music Video
The official music video dropped on YouTube the same day as the single, featuring animated snippets of Paddington’s London adventures intercut with studio footage of Fletcher recording his own vocals. "This is such an exciting day for us all on Paddington Musical – to finally share our first song with you all!" Fletcher said in a statement, describing the process as "both nerve‑wracking and thrilling in equal measure." The decision to let the composer sing the first track gives listeners a direct line to the musical’s tonal core, a move producers hope will set the bar for the subsequent releases.
Cast and Production Details
The ensemble assembles a mix of seasoned West End talent and fresh faces. Veteran performer Bonnie Langford appears as Mrs. Bird, while Victoria Hamilton‑Barritt sings the second released song "Pretty Little Dead Things" as Millicent Clyde. The role of Paddington himself will be taken on by Timi Akinyosade, who also leads the ensemble of children portraying Jonathan Brown. Rehearsals are in full swing, with daily run‑throughs at the Savoy's rehearsal hall, and the creative team says the set design captures both the grandiosity of a London railway station and the cozy interiors of the Brown family home.
Anticipation and Ticketing
Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley issued a joint statement highlighting the strategic release of songs as a way to "build anticipation among fans who are already excited about seeing the world’s most famous marmalade‑loving bear make his West End debut." Ticket sales opened on October 1, 2025, with a strong initial uptake: 75 % of the 2,500‑seat Savoy were snapped up within the first week. The run is booked through May 25, 2026, promising a seven‑month stint that could extend if demand remains high.
Looking Ahead
Future releases are already on the calendar. Fletcher confirmed that a third song, tied to the musical’s emotional climax, will land in early November, just days before the preview performances start on November 1. Industry analysts see the staggered rollout as a savvy marketing play, mirroring the way pop albums tease singles ahead of a full release. If the early buzz translates to box‑office numbers, Paddington Musical could join the ranks of recent West End hits like Hamilton and Mrs. Wonders that leveraged music‑first promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Paddington Musical officially open?
The official opening night is set for November 30, 2025, at the Savoy Theatre in London, following preview performances that begin on November 1.
Who wrote the music and lyrics for the show?
All songs are composed and lyricised by Tom Fletcher, best known as a member of McFly and the author of the children’s series The Creakers.
Which production companies are behind the musical?
The show is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions in partnership with Eliza Lumley’s production company, with backing from STUDIOCANAL, the studio that produced the recent Paddington films.
How can I get tickets and what are the prices?
Tickets are on sale through the official Savoy Theatre website and major ticketing platforms. Prices range from £45 for upper‑circle seats to £150 for premium front‑row stalls, with a limited number of discount codes released via the musical’s social channels.
What’s the significance of releasing songs before the show opens?
Early song releases let audiences experience the show’s tone and narrative arc ahead of time, building hype and encouraging word‑of‑mouth promotion—an approach that’s proven effective for recent musical launches in the West End.
