Film and TV production and distribution company Studiocanal is expanding its work on stage with a new division, Studiocanal On Stage. The label, to be led by Executive Vice President Ron Halpern, will focus on exploiting the company's vast library of titles for stage adaptations.

The venture unofficially launched with the current West End revival of The Producers. Adapted from a Studiocanal title, the studio has been involved with the staging since its inception and is a co-financer. The group is also behind Paddington The Musical, currently in previews in London's West End and opening November 30 at the Savoy Theatre.

The group's upcoming slate includes Summer Holiday at The Sheffield Crucible and A Boy Called Christmas at The Chichester Festival Youth Theatre. The company is also currently developing Kind Hearts and Coronets (the inspiration behind its upcoming film How to Make a Killing) with Sonia Friedman Productions, The Belles of St. Trinians (being produced by Eliza Lumley and Chris Harper), and The Proud Valley (being developed by Adam Wachter and Gareth Owen). And more titles are to come.

There is a long history of Studiocanal-controlled titles making their way to the stage, including The Graduate, Evil Dead, The Ladykillers, Billy Elliot, and The Third Man. The company also regularly looks to the stage for screen adaptations, with James Graham's Ink and David Haig's Pressure currently in the works.

“Studiocanal On Stage strengthens our strategy to develop and extend our IP across multiple formats," says Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh in a statement. "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."