02 November 2025
Newsdesk
As previews for PADDINGTON The Musical begin this evening, producers Sonia Friedman Productions, STUDIOCANAL, and Eliza Lumley Productions have unveiled the first images of the beloved bear and the stellar team bringing him to life on the West End stage. The eagerly anticipated production, featuring music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and a book by Jessica Swale, has also announced a booking extension, now running until 25 October 2026.
The most crucial reveal is the human team behind the marmalade-loving bear. Paddington is brought to life by two performers: Arti Shah as the Paddington On-stage Performer and James Hameed as the Off-stage Performer and Remote Puppeteer. They are joined by alternate on-stage performers Abbie Purvis and Ali Sarebani.
A group of renowned artists developed the physical character, including Tahra Zafar as the Paddington Bear Designer, Audrey Brisson as the Bear Physicality Associate Director, and Phill Woodfine as the Remote Puppetry Coach. Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley praised the collective, stating, "What we as producers always hoped to achieve was, quite simply, Paddington on stage—and thanks to the immensely talented artists, both on and off stage, we believe we’ve realised that."
Directed by Luke Sheppard, the musical is based on Michael Bond’s original books and inspired by the 2014 film. The large and celebrated cast includes West End veterans such as Brenda Edwards (Tanya), Amy Ellen Richardson (Mrs. Brown), Adrian Der Gregorian (Mr. Brown), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Millicent Clyde), and Bonnie Langford (Mrs. Bird).
The production promises a "rather wonderful adventure," complete with show-stopping songs, mischief, mayhem, and a thrilling rescue mission after a mysterious villain targets Paddington. This new stage adaptation is poised to charm audiences young and old as the special bear from Peru makes his West End debut.
