First Listen: Tom Fletcher’s Paddington The Musical

First Listen: Tom Fletcher’s Paddington The Musical

24-09-25

The world’s most famous marmalade-loving bear is taking a big step toward the West End this week, as Paddington The Musical releases its very first song, Explorer & the Bear. Written and performed by the show’s composer Tom Fletcher, the track arrives via Decca Records on Friday 26 September, offering fans a first listen to Fletcher’s score of 18 original numbers.

In the musical, Paddington sings Explorer & the Bear while searching for the explorer who once promised Aunt Lucy and Uncle Pastuzo that London would always be a safe home if they needed one.

Fletcher said:

“This is such an exciting day for us all on Paddington The Musical – to finally share our first song with you all! It’s been an amazing process making this musical with a team of incredible creatives, and it’s both nerve wracking and thrilling in equal measure to begin to put it out into the world.”

Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley added:

“It’s truly wonderful to have Tom perform the vocals for this track, which in the show is sung by Paddington himself. This release marks the beginning of a series of songs we’ll be sharing in the months ahead as we build towards the official opening at the Savoy Theatre.”

A West End adventure begins

Paddington The Musical opens at London’s Savoy Theatre on 30 November 2025, with previews from 1 November. Directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, In the Heights), with book by Jessica Swale and music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, the production promises a dazzling mix of showstopping songs, mischievous mayhem, and marmalade sandwiches galore.

The cast includes Timi Akinyosade, Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Amy Booth-Steel, Tarinn Callender, Adrian Der Gregorian, Tom Edden, Brenda Edwards, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, Teddy Kempner, Bonnie Langford, and Amy Ellen Richardson, alongside a host of talented young performers.

Based on Michael Bond’s much-loved books and the hit STUDIOCANAL films, Paddington The Musical is set to be one of the hottest tickets of the year — a heartwarming family adventure bursting with spectacle and charm.

Get tickets from the official site HERE