PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL Confirms Broadway Transfer After West End Triumph
PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL is officially heading to Broadway, with the Olivier Award-winning West End hit set to begin performances in New York in 2027.
The production will start previews at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on 30 March 2027, ahead of an official opening night on 18 April. The announcement follows months of speculation around a Broadway transfer, fuelled most recently by a playful reference during the Tony Awards opening number.
Based on Michael Bond’s beloved Paddington Bear stories and inspired by the StudioCanal film franchise, the musical follows the small bear from Peru as he arrives in London in search of a home. After meeting the Brown family, Paddington finds himself drawn into a story of belonging, adventure and the power of kindness.
The Broadway run will reunite the show’s British creative team, led by director Luke Sheppard. The musical features music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale and choreography by Ellen Kane. Further creative team details and casting for the New York production are yet to be announced.
The transfer comes after a major London success for PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL, which has become one of the most celebrated new musicals in the West End. The show won seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, and also collected major recognition from the WhatsOnStage Awards and Critics’ Circle Awards.
Its arrival on Broadway places the production firmly in the spotlight for the 2027 theatre season. With its family appeal, well-known title character and proven London reception, PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL is expected to be one of the most closely watched new arrivals of the year.
The musical’s Broadway announcement also continues the global expansion of the Paddington brand, which has grown from Michael Bond’s original books into an internationally recognised screen and stage property.
For Broadway audiences, the transfer marks a new chapter for one of Britain’s most enduring fictional characters. After winning over West End audiences, Paddington is now preparing to bring his marmalade sandwiches, blue duffle coat and unmistakable optimism to New York.
Tickets for the Broadway production are now on sale.
