By Mark Shenton
15 May 2009

Helen Fielding's 1996 novel "Bridget Jones's Diary," subsequently filmed in 2001 with Renée Zellweger as the eponymous heroine, Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver, and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy, is being adapted as a stage musical.

According to a report in London's Daily Mail, Fielding has been working on the book for the musical for several months, though no director, composer or cast are yet attached. But at a private reading of the work-in-progress of the book, held recently in London, it is reported that Jack Davenport played the Grant role of Daniel Cleaver, and Victoria Wood and Hary Enfield were also featured in a variety of roles.

The hope is to premiere the show in the West End early in 2011.

Working Title, the London-based film and theatre production company behind the original 2001 film version of "Bridget Jones's Diary" and its 2004 sequel, "Bridget Jones; The Edge of Reason," as well as the film and stage versions of Billy Elliot, are bringing it to the stage. The company's co-chairman, Eric Fellner, confirmed that a musical was being put together, and that contracts had been signed with Fielding. He is quoted saying, "We're very excited with what we've seen so far, but it's such early days. We're working very closely with Helen."