Take That's Gary Barlow to co-pen Peter Pan musical

Gary Barlow, X Factor judge and Take That member, is co-writing a new musical based on Finding Neverland (Getty Images)

Take That star Gary Barlow is heading to the West End to co-write a new musical based on the Johnny Depp film Finding Neverland.

The singer will team up with American duo Scott Frankel and Michael Korie to bring the film, which tells the story of playwright JM Barrie and his classic work The Adventures Of Peter Pan to the stage.

The show, which is backed by Harvey Weinstein's Live Entertainment company, will be directed by Diane Paulus, who made her name with revivals of Hair and Porgy And Bess, and also involve playwright James Graham, whose political drama This House was a success at the National Theatre.

Weinstein said: "Gary is someone I've long admired, and in my opinion, he is one of the finest songwriters in the world. I am hugely excited to be working with a visionary director like Diane Paulus and James Graham, who is one of Britain's most exciting young playwrights."

Barlow said: "This is something I've always wanted to do, so it's a real privilege to be involved. I'm really enjoying working with the team and I love the story. It's also great to be working with a legendary creative like Harvey Weinstein."

PA