'It's A Wonderful Life' is one of most timeless films ever made, and holds a particularly special place for many in the 'Christmas movie' stakes.
So the news that it was being adapted for the stage raised a few eyebrows.
However, it's now been revealed than none other than Paul McCartney is involved, and will be writing the music for the stage version of the 1946 film about a suicidal man, played by James Stewart, who is saved by his guardian angel.
The 77-year-old former Beatle is teaming up with 'Billy Elliot' writer Lee Hall and producer Bill Kenwright on the show, which will debut next year.
"Like many of these things, this all started with an email," he told The Sun. "Bill had asked if it was something I might be up for.
"Writing a musical is not some that had ever really appealed to me but Bill and I met up with Lee Hall and 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.”
Producer Kenwright added: "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!”
To call McCartney's career 'successful' is perhaps the biggest understatement ever made - but thus far, he hasn't worked on a musical. It looks like that box will be ticked before long.
