It’s World Book Day today (Thursday 5 March 2026), and West End shows are celebrating in style!
A number of book-to-stage adaptations have put out special news today to celebrate the day, and remind everyone about the power of turning stories we’ve loved on the page into unforgettable live experiences.
The news includes a special song released from hit musical Paddington The Musical, and a new young cast joining hit London show Matilda The Musical.
Paddington The Musical – World Book Day 2026. Photo by Johan Persson
Paddington releases ‘Marmalade’ song
Smash-hit West End show Paddington The Musical has put out a brand-new track.
The London cast recording of ‘Marmalade’ is now available to download – a song filled with stories, imagination and a little bit of mischief! Listen to the song in the YouTube video below.
The full album will be released in May, including signed copies by the show’s songwriter, McFly’s Tom Fletcher.
The official Marmalade sheet music is also available for free (today and for three months) from music publisher Hal Leonard, which you can download here.
Paddington The Musical is based on Michael Bond’s much-loved books. The author’s centenary was late last year – read more about Michael Bond.
In other Paddington news, last week The Queen enjoyed a royal date at Windsor Castle with Paddington, to celebrate the Grand Final of the BBC’s 500 Words children’s writing competition. The six winning stories will be announced on BBC’s The One Show tomorrow, 6 March at 7pm.
Paddington boasts music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale, and is directed by Luke Sheppard.
Paddington is currently booking at the Savoy Theatre in London until 14 February 2027.
Matilda The Musical – West End. The new young cast (March 2026). Photo by Matt Crossick
Matilda announces new cast
Much-loved West End show Matilda The Musical is also celebrating today, by announcing a new young cast for the Cambridge Theatre in London.
Matilda is based on Roald Dahl’s best-selling children’s book.
The RSC has announced that a cast of new young performers will join Matilda in London. From 17 March 2026, Sithuni Gamage, Bonnie Harper and Carla Lopez-Corpas will join Emilia Shefford in the title role of Matilda.
The other young performers announced today, sharing the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Nigel and the rest of the pupils at Crunchem Hall are: Zoe Akinyosade, Oliver Alexandru, Felix Anderson, Mary Bassey Bassey, Amelie Bibani, Nathan Cooper, Alejandro García-Pérez, Ryan Hayter, Sebastian Tay Hilas, Eira Kay, Esmaé Kevany, Ivy-Rose Mann, Karin Narumi, Lucas Moy, Alexzander Neophytou, Jessica Rihanna Mocanu, Eden Rowe, Lucy Sheppard, Samuel Sturge and Henry Treharne.
The existing young cast includes Sid Boyle, Kanaho Kurihara, Albie Lambert, Savannah McDowell and Mason Mingle.
Matilda is now in its 15th year in London, and is the 10th longest-running musical in West End history.
The show is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus.
Matilda The Musical is booking at the Cambridge Theatre in London until 17 January 2027.
World Book Day Theatre Collection
To mark World Book Day, we’ve pulled together a collection of West End shows based on books, perfect for families, book clubs, school groups, and anyone who likes their stories served with a curtain call.
Take a look at our World Book Day West End collection.
World Book Day is a registered charity – learn more here.
Savoy Theatre, London
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