Studiocanal launches "Studiocanal on Stage" to expand IP across Live Entertainment

Studiocanal has announced the creation of "Studiocanal on Stage", a new label dedicated to stage adaptations of its film catalogue. The initiative highlights the company’s strategic focus on multi-format exploitation of its IP portfolio, which comprises more than 9,400 titles from 60 countries spanning a century of film history. The label will be spearheaded by Ron Halpern, executive vice president global productions.

Anna Marsh, CEO of Studiocanal and Chief Content Officer at Canal+, commented: “'Studiocanal on Stage' strengthens our strategy to develop and extend our IP across multiple formats. Alongside 'Studiocanal Stories' and 'Sixth Dimension', this new label gives us a clear framework to grow our catalogue and bring our stories to new audiences. 'Paddington the Musical', premiering in London on November 30, illustrates this ambition. We also look forward to developing projects at the Olympia in Paris, operated by Canal+. My thanks to Ron Halpern, executive vice president global productions, who initiated 'Studiocanal on Stage' and will lead its development.”

The launch follows the successful West End opening of "The Producers" at The Garrick Theatre, which transferred from a record-breaking run at the Menier Chocolate Factory. The production, a revival of Mel Brooks’ musical originally adapted from a Studiocanal library film, has received five-star reviews and extended its run through September 2026. Studiocanal has been involved with the project from inception and is a co-financer alongside producers Nica Burns and The Menier Chocolate Factory.

The label’s flagship new production, "Paddington the Musical", is currently in previews at London’s Savoy Theatre. Co-produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Studiocanal and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK, the musical is adapted from the beloved books by Michael Bond and the critically acclaimed Studiocanal film franchise. Featuring music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale and direction by Luke Sheppard, the show opens officially on November 30 and is currently booked through May 25, 2026.

Studiocanal has also successfully adapted "Paddington" for television with the Emmy and Annie Award-winning "The Adventures of Paddington". Beyond stage and screen, the franchise has expanded into experiential offerings like "The Paddington Experience" and retail through "The Paddington Shop" located in London’s Paddington Station. With over $700 million in global box office revenue across three films, "Paddington" is the highest-grossing independent family franchise to date. On November 19, part of the musical was featured at the Royal Variety Performance, where Paddington appeared alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales. The broadcast will air on ITV on December 21.

Additional live productions under the "Studiocanal on Stage" banner include a Scottish tour of "Restless Natives", with plans to expand across the UK, and "Summer Holiday", now running at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. On December 15, "A Boy Called Christmas", adapted from Studiocanal’s feature film of the same name, will premiere at The Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, with plans for it to become a seasonal theatrical staple.

Previous Studiocanal film adaptations for the stage include "The Graduate", "Evil Dead", "The Ladykillers", "Billy Elliot", and "The Third Man", the latter co-licensed with the Estate of Graham Greene and premiered at the Menier Chocolate Factory in 2023 under the direction of Sir Trevor Nunn.

Projects in development include "Kind Hearts and Coronets" with Sonia Friedman Productions, also serving as the inspiration for the upcoming Studiocanal film "How to Make a Killing" starring Glen Powell and Margaret Qualley, set for worldwide theatrical release in 2026 through A24 in the US. Additional developments include "The Belles of St Trinians", produced by Eliza Lumley and Chris Harper, and "The Proud Valley", being developed by Adam Wachter and Gareth Owen.

Studiocanal is also adapting stage works for the screen. Currently in production is the Danny Boyle-directed film adaptation of James Graham’s "Ink", while "Pressure", based on David Haig’s critically acclaimed play and directed by Anthony Maras, is in post-production.

In parallel, Studiocanal has announced its sponsorship of The National Youth Theatre’s StoryFest, a month-long event hosted at the organisation’s RIBA award-winning headquarters in North London. The festival supports new work from emerging talents, many of whom are National Youth Theatre alumni.

Beyond the UK, the Canal+ group, parent of Studiocanal, continues to support live performance through venues like L’Olympia in Paris. With more than 290 shows and over 550,000 spectators in 2024, the venue plays a vital role in the group’s content strategy by attracting international talent and showcasing a broad range of genres, including music, comedy and stand-up.