'Paddington's like a rock star, people just scream'

IROM humble beginnings in deepest Peru to having tea with the Queen at her Platinum Jubilee, a certain bear holds a special place in our nation’s hearts.

- BY STEFAN KYRIAZIS

He may hide marmalade sandwiches under his hat but he’s also been keeping a blockbuster show up his sleeve...

Based on the beloved books by Michael Bond and the 2014 film, with music and lyrics by McFly popstar Tom Fletcher, Paddington the Musical is set to bring the bear’s origin story to the stage in spectacular fashion when it opens at London’s Savoy Theatre tonight.

The show follows the lovable chap’s bewildered arrival and his antics with the Brown family, adorable antiques dealer Mr Gruber and grumpy neighbour Mr Curry, plus the villainous taxidermist Millicent Clyde. But scriptwriter Jessica Swale also promises “lots of juicy new material and people”.