Paddington The Musical has arrived at London's iconic Savoy Theatre, marking the world premiere of the first major musical adaptation of Britain's most beloved bear. Based on Michael Bond's classic children's books and inspired by the critically acclaimed STUDIOCANAL films, Paddington The Musical opened on 1 November 2025 and has already extended its run until 14 February 2027.

Paddington The Musical at the Savoy Theatre: Show Overview

Paddington The Musical brings the heartwarming story of everyone's favourite marmalade-loving bear to the West End stage for the first time. The production tells the classic tale of a young Peruvian bear who arrives at Paddington Station in London, is discovered by the Brown family, and finds a new home at 32 Windsor Gardens.

The new West End musical features original music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher of McFly, with the book by Olivier Award-winning playwright Jessica Swale (Nell Gwynn, Blue Stockings). The production is directed by Luke Sheppard, the Tony Award-nominated director behind West End hit musicals including & Juliet and The Little Big Things.

Key Details for Paddington The Musical:

• Venue: Savoy Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0ET

• Opening Date: 1 November 2025

• Running Until: 14 February 2027

• Running Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes including interval

• Age Recommendation: Ages 6 and up

• Performance Schedule: Monday and Wednesday to Saturday at 7pm; Matinees at 2pm on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday

Who Plays Paddington Bear in Paddington The Musical?

One of the most anticipated questions about Paddington The Musical was how the beloved bear would be brought to life on stage. The production employs an innovative theatrical technique that combines puppetry, physical performance, and voice acting.

Paddington is performed by two actors working together: Arti Shah serves as the on-stage performer inside the specially designed bear costume, while James Hameed provides Paddington's voice and controls the bear's facial expressions through remote puppetry. This collaboration creates a character that critics have described as "pure theatre magic."

The Paddington Bear design was created by Tahra Zafar, with bear physicality developed by Audrey Brisson and remote puppetry coaching by Phill Woodfine. Alternate on-stage performers include Abbie Purvis and Ali Sarebani.

Paddington The Musical Cast and Creative Team

The Paddington The Musical West End cast features an exceptional ensemble of British theatre talent:

Principal Cast:

• James Hameed: Paddington (voice and remote puppetry)

• Arti Shah: Paddington (on-stage performer)

• Amy Ellen Richardson: Mrs Brown

• Adrian Der Gregorian: Mr Brown

• Delilah Bennett-Cardy: Judy Brown

• Victoria Hamilton-Barritt: Millicent Clyde (the villain)

• Bonnie Langford: Mrs Bird

• Tom Edden: Mr Curry

• Teddy Kempner: Mr Gruber

• Tarinn Callender: Grant

• Brenda Edwards: Tanya

Creative Team:

• Director: Luke Sheppard

• Music and Lyrics: Tom Fletcher

• Book: Jessica Swale

• Choreographer: Ellen Kane

• Musical Supervisor: Matt Brind

• Scenic Designer: Tom Pye

• Costume Designer: Gabriella Slade

• Lighting Designer: Neil Austin

• Sound Designer: Gareth Owen

The production is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, STUDIOCANAL, and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK.

Paddington The Musical Reviews: What the Critics Say

Paddington The Musical opened to near-universal acclaim from theatre critics. Reviews have praised the production's emotional depth, innovative puppetry, and the perfect balance of comedy and heart.

WhatsOnStage awarded the show a glowing review, noting that the production is "emotionally and tonally perfect" and that "the entire audience is enraptured from the moment the bear steps on stage."

Variety described the musical as "furry, funny and fully-formed" with "completely beguiling charm," while London Theatre called it "pure theatre magic" and "a great big bear hug of a musical."

Critics have particularly praised the show's handling of its central themes of kindness, acceptance, and welcoming strangers, calling it "a show about humanity" with "a message that feels more important than ever."

How to Book Paddington The Musical Tickets

Paddington The Musical tickets are now available through tickadoo.

Booking Tips:

• Best availability is from autumn 2026 due to high demand

• Book well in advance to secure preferred dates and seats

• The tickadoo platform offers an interactive seating map to select your exact seats

• A ticket lottery offers stalls seats for £35 for performances each month

Ticket Prices: Paddington The Musical ticket prices start from £28, with premium seating options available. The Savoy Theatre offers excellent sightlines from most locations, including Orchestra (Stalls), Dress Circle, and Balcony seating.
Best Seats at the Savoy Theatre for Paddington The Musical

Orchestra (Stalls) Seats: Provide an intimate, up-close experience perfect for seeing Paddington's expressive movements and the performers' expressions.

Dress Circle Seats: Offer an elevated perspective of the entire stage, ideal for appreciating the full production design and choreography.

Balcony Seats: Budget-friendly option with good sightlines, though far sides may have restricted views.

What Is Paddington The Musical About?

Paddington The Musical follows the story of a young bear from Darkest Peru who journeys to London after his Aunt Lucy decides to enter the Home for Retired Bears in Lima. Arriving at Paddington Station with a battered suitcase, a red hat, and a note around his neck reading "Please look after this bear," he is discovered by the Brown family.

The Browns take Paddington home to their house at 32 Windsor Gardens, where he becomes part of their family. However, London is not always welcoming to strangers, and when the villainous Millicent Clyde (a taxidermist who wants to add Paddington to her collection) threatens his safety, the Browns must decide how far they will go to protect their new family member.

The musical celebrates themes of kindness, belonging, acceptance of differences, and the transformative power of family, all wrapped in a joyful theatrical package featuring show-stopping songs, dazzling choreography, and plenty of marmalade sandwiches.

Paddington The Musical: A Perfect London Family Day Out

Paddington The Musical is the ideal West End show for families visiting London. To make a complete Paddington-themed day, combine your theatre visit with The Paddington Bear Experience, an immersive attraction at County Hall that brings Paddington's world to life with interactive exhibits, animatronics, and meet-and-greet opportunities.

Getting to the Savoy Theatre

The Savoy Theatre is located on the Strand in London's West End, near Covent Garden. The nearest Underground station is Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line), just 2-3 minutes' walk away. Charing Cross Station is also within a 5-10 minute walk.
Book your Paddington The Musical tickets now and experience the theatrical debut of Britain's most beloved bear.