11 September 2025
Newsdesk
London's West End is set to welcome a beloved bear from Peru as rehearsals are underway for the world premiere of PADDINGTON The Musical. Producers Sonia Friedman Productions, STUDIOCANAL, and Eliza Lumley Productions have just announced the full (or "full, ish") company bringing this story to the stage.
Joining the previously announced cast members—including Brenda Edwards, Bonnie Langford, and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt—is an extensive list of new talent. The musical's ensemble will feature Esme Bacalla-Hayes, Tiago Dhondt Bamberger, David Birch, and Jacqueline Hughes, among many others. The role of Jonathan Brown will be shared by Joseph Bramley, Leo Collon, Stevie Hare, and Jasper Rowse.
Adapted from Michael Bond's classic books and the award-winning STUDIOCANAL films, the musical features a book by Jessica Swale, with music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher. Luke Sheppard is directing the production, which promises a delightful and adventurous journey for audiences of all ages.
The show officially opens on Sunday, November 30th, with previews beginning on November 1st at the Savoy Theatre. The production is currently booking until May 25, 2026.
Notably, the actor playing Paddington and the creative team behind the Bear Designer will be kept under wraps until the first preview performance.
PADDINGTON The Musical tells the story of a small, lost bear who finds a home with the Brown family in London. But when a mysterious villain targets Paddington, the family embarks on a thrilling rescue mission, realizing just how much this special bear has come to mean to them. With a mix of show-stopping songs, dazzling choreography, and plenty of marmalade sandwiches, this new musical is sure to be a wonderful adventure for the whole family.
Based on A Bear Called Paddington written by Michael Bond and the film ‘PADDINGTON’, by special arrangement with STUDIOCANAL.
