Paul McCartney to write his first musical

Paul McCartney has issued a statement on his official website stating he's currently working on his FIRST musical.

The musical is going to be an adaptation of It's A Wonderful Life, Frank Capra's iconic 1946 film of the same title. 

The musical will have music and lyrics by McCartney himself and book and lyrics by Lee Hall. Lee Hall is behind huge shows such as Billy Elliot and Shakespeare in Love. 

It has been announced Bill Kenwright will be producing the show. However, a release date or venue is yet to be confirmed.

Speaking about this news Paul said:

“Like many of these things this all started with an email. Bill had asked if it was something I might be up for. Writing a musical is not something that had ever really appealed to me but Bill and I met up with Lee Hall and had a chat and I found myself thinking this could be interesting and fun.‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ is a universal story we can all relate to.”

Bill Kenwright said: 

“Working with Paul on “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a dream realised. To be honest I was hooked on first hearing him say “one/two/three/four” on the demo of the opening number! But since then it’s been an extraordinary journey - on every song I experience Paul’s unique gift of melody and composition. It’s musical theatre – but it’s always McCartney. Paul, Lee, and I use the word “cherish” when we refer to our source material and that’s what we intend to do. Cherish Frank Capra’s creation.”

Lee Hall said:

“It’s A Wonderful Life is my favourite film. It has absolutely everything comedy, pathos and a rare humanity which has touched generation after generation. Yet it just couldn’t be more relevant. To give it a life on the stage is an immense privilege in itself but to do with Paul McCartney is off the scale. Paul’s wit, emotional honesty and melodic brilliance brings a whole new depth and breadth to the classic tale. I feel as if an angel must be looking after me.”