McFly’s Tom Fletcher says new Paddington musical ‘is going to make people cry’

Virgin Radio

13 Aug 2024, 07:12

Tom Fletcher has spoken about how he is writing the music and lyrics for a new Paddington musical.

The show, which is in development, will be adapted from the original books written by Michael Bond and the popular film series.

McFly star Tom joined The Chris Evans Breakfast Show ahead of starring in his own new stage production, There’s A Monster In Your Show, when talk turn to everyone's favourite marmalade sandwich-loving bear. “I'm writing the music for Paddington: The Musical as well,” he told Angela Scanlon - who is hosting while Chris is on his summer holiday.

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The singer and bestselling author said: “That's a real pinch me project for me. I can't believe they asked me to do that, and they're trusting me with Paddington Bear, who we all love!”

He continued: “When you say Paddington: The Musical, everyone already thinks, ‘Why hasn't that been done? That would be an amazing musical.’ So, yeah, there's lots of different opinions that we have to kind of manage.” 

The musician added: “It is so magic, I can't say too much about it. It's really hard because I can talk about my projects, but with this one I’m a very small cog in this massive machine. But it is going to make people cry. It is so emotional and amazing, and I can't wait for everyone to see it.”

While we wait to see the Paddington musical, we can enjoy Tom's new production, There’s A Monster In Your Show, which has been adapted from his picturebook series, Who’s in Your Book?.

The show will open at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, London this Wednesday 14th August and will then tour around the country. Its plot follows a group of performers who are preparing to start their show, but discover they are not alone. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him. 

Speaking about kids in the audience not needing to be quiet, as they would in most theatre productions, Tom said: “They can be loud in this show.”

He explained: “I feel like, mums and dads, you can get a cup of coffee and a packet of crisps, sit back and let the kids be entertained. 

“If you're looking for something to do in the summer holidays with the kids, it's the one. It's on in Hammersmith until September and then I think, goes back out on the road.”

Tom will also be featured as a coach on the upcoming 13th series of The Voice UK alongside his McFly pal Danny Jones, in a duo chair. “We have a double chair, the first double chair in the UK,” he enthused.

When Angela asked if their chair is like a couch, he replied: “It is like a couch, yes. It's a double seat, but one button. Two seats, one button. So me and Danny have to be in tune with each other.

He continued: “You don't want to talk over their audition. You want to hear what they're doing. And you're trying to second guess what Danny's thinking and judge your own opinion. And then I'm sitting on one side, I've got my brother, Danny, who I've been playing with for 21 years. And on the other side, I've got Sir Tom Jones, LeAnn Rimes and will.i.am, and trying to guess what they're thinking, and then also suddenly sitting in the chair realising, ‘This is someone's life and their potential future career in music in our hands. Is this the person you want to give that opportunity to?’ 

“It’s a huge responsibility. And that didn't hit me until I was literally sitting in the chair with. Danny thinking, ‘Wow, this could change someone's life,’ but it's been so much fun, and the level of talent that is on the show this year is unbelievable.” 

Tom and Angela also discussed their Strictly experiences and Amy Dowden’s return. Read all about it here.

There’s A Monster In Your Show tickets available now from monsterinyourshow.com.

For more great interviews listen to The Chris Evans Breakfast Show weekdays from 6:30am on Virgin Radio, or catch up on-demand here.