Sonia Friedman Productions, STUDIOCANAL, and Eliza Lumley Productions (on behalf of Universal Music UK) have announced that the seven-time Olivier Award-winning smash hit PADDINGTON The Musical will make its highly anticipated Broadway debut.
Performances will begin on Tuesday, March 30, 2027, ahead of an official opening night on Sunday, April 18, 2027, at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street). Tickets start at $69 and are now on sale at the official website.
A Record-Breaking West End Phenomenon
Based on the beloved book “A Bear Called Paddington” by Michael Bond and the award-winning films by STUDIOCANAL, the production is the most awarded new musical in London’s West End history.
During the 2026 awards season, the show achieved historic milestones:
- 7 Olivier Awards: Tied the record for the most wins for any musical in Olivier history, including Best New Musical, Best Director (Luke Sheppard), Best Set Design (Tom Pye & Ash J Woodward), and Best Costume Design (Gabriella Slade & Tahra Zafar).
- 9 WhatsOnStage Awards: Secured the most wins for any new musical in the ceremony’s history.
- Critics’ Circle Award: Named Best New Musical.
The creative powerhouse behind the show includes music and lyrics by Olivier Award winner Tom Fletcher, a book by Olivier Award winner Jessica Swale, and direction by Olivier Award winner Luke Sheppard.
The Creative Team on Moving to Broadway
“The response from West End audiences of all ages has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s a great privilege to welcome New York audiences into Paddington’s world of curiosity and I am absolutely thrilled at the opportunity for this very rare and special bear to be on Broadway.”
— Tom Fletcher, Composer
“As a city that breathes theatre, storytelling and imagination, Broadway is the perfect place to celebrate this exuberant and heart-filled story. Let’s just hope Paddington loves Big Apples as much as he loves oranges.”
— Jessica Swale, Book Writer
“Over the past 12 years we have put such genuine care into honoring Michael Bond’s legacy with our films, series and as proud owners of the IP. We cannot wait for a new audience to delight in the heart, humor, wonder and magic of Paddington’s Broadway debut.”
— Anna Marsh, CEO of STUDIOCANAL & Chief Content Officer of CANAL+
A Global Chart-Topping Franchise
The announcement follows the unprecedented commercial success of ‘PADDINGTON The Musical – Original Cast Recording’ (Decca Records). Produced by Matt Brind, the album has become the fastest-selling physical West End Original Cast Recording of the 21st Century in the UK, recently topping the Official UK Compilation Chart.
The brand’s cultural footprint expands further across global media:
Publishing: Michael Bond’s original books have sold over 35 million copies worldwide.
Box Office: The Paddington movies represent the highest-grossing independent family franchise of all time, capturing over $800 million globally (including Paddington in Peru).
Future Pipeline: A fourth live-action feature film is currently in development with writer Armando Iannucci, alongside a brand-new animated feature film designed for a younger generation.
