Gary Barlow and James Graham work to make Finding Neverland a West End hit

Gary Barlow is to join Scott Frankel and Michael Korie as a co-composer of the West End production of new musical Finding Neverland.

The Take That star has been contracted by producer Harvey Weinstein to write new songs for the show, which is adapted from the Oscar-winning film and premiered at Leicester Curve last year.

Playwright James Graham – who recently scored a hit at the National Theatre with This House – has also joined the Finding Neverland creative team to rewrite the book.

And Diane Paulus, whose credits include Hair on Broadway, will be taking over the directing reins.

Harvey Weinstein, co-founder of The Weinstein Company, said: “Gary is someone I’ve long admired, and in my opinion, he is one of the finest song writers 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.”

Gary Barlow added, “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.”

Finding Neverland tells the story of the life of author J.M. Barrie and the inspiration behind his classic play, The Adventures of Peter Pan. The 2004 film starred Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet.

According to the Daily Mail, the show “hopes to hit the West End next spring”.