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In a career first, Paul McCartney is writing a musical to be produced by Bill Kenwright.

The Beatles musician is currently working on a stage adaptation of Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life with the theatre producer and Everton chairman.

After acquiring the rights to the film, which is known as one of the most iconic in history, Bill contacted Paul with the exciting collaboration offer.

The Liverpool Institute High School (now LIPA) graduates Bill and Paul then began to work with Tony Award-winning English screen and play writer Lee Hall, who is also responsible for the book of the musical.

Speaking about the 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.”

Now more than 70 years since the release of the film, Paul is writing the music for the story that sees George Bailey saved by a guardian angel when he is close to suicide.

The story serves as a reminder to cherish family, friends and the life you have.

Recalling the first time he heard Paul’s first musical ideas with him, Bill said: “It was a Friday night and I was in the office. I suppose you could say it hadn’t been the best of weeks.

“No real progress on multitudinous film and theatre projects - and Everton had lost the previous Saturday.

“Out of the blue I got an email from Paul asking my thoughts on his first stab at an opening song.

“He wasn’t sure – but wanted to know what Lee and I thought of it? I played the demo. Lee and I were unanimous. Our hero was a musical theatre writer.”

Having completed the US leg of his current Freshen Up world tour, Paul is still in the final stages of completing songs for his entry into musical theatre.

It’s a Wonderful Life the musical is set to launch in late 2020.

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