Robbie Williams’ smash hit biopic Better Man is being transformed into a West End show. The film is up for a BAFTA this weekend and the movie’s co-writer and director Michael Gracey says plans are already afoot for the movie – including the chimpanzee main character – to head on to the stage as a musical. He cites the popular family film Paddington, which is coming to London’s theatreland later this year, as an inspiration. Michael said: “One of the most amazing things that you’re going to see next year is a production of Paddington that is going to be on stage in the West End.
“And it truly turns adults into children because there is this little bear on stage who is emoting and singing. Adults literally burst into tears when they see it. It is the most magical thing I’ve ever seen in person. In a world where we are fed imagery every single day that is unreal and we just dismiss all of it, to have something that magical in front of you physically is incredible. “So, using that same technology, imagine a monkey. And yes, this is very much going to be a stage production. Probably in the West End first before Broadway.”.
Former Take That star Robbie, who turned 51 this week, was in talks for a possible musical in 2011 but it never made it to the stage. This time, with a hit film already released, a move to the stage seems more likely. Asked about a possible stage version, Robbie said: “What are my non-negotiables if this becomes a stage play? I don’t have that power. I’m sure I do, but I’m not going to get in the way of myself. Whoever my management choose to partner with – if we’re lucky enough to do that – we will partner with them because they know how to do it and we don’t, so we’ll just leave them to it.
“Musicals have been a huge inspiration in my life and still remain as all of my references.” He also spoke of his enjoyment promoting the film in recent months in the US and the UK. He added: “The amount of warmth, empathy and genuine goodwill that this whole project has fostered has been warming for the soul – and I love that I’m now in a place to receive it without pushing it away and belittling it.”.
The stage show would likely be another money spinner for Robbie, not that he necessarily needs the money. Earlier this week we told how his latest accounts showed he raked in £75.2million from his monster world tour. And he paid himself £22m from his riches – with around £250,000 going on charitable donations. He has a huge European tour this year, starting in Edinburgh on May 31. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads.
