Since the publication of his first book by Michael Bond, Paddington has touched the hearts of people all over the globe. And since then, there have been more best-selling books, beloved TV shows and a film trilogy that most critics and audiences call perfect. It’s one of the few franchises that seems to be universally loved by everyone.
And now Paddington has finally made his stage debut in “Paddington: The Musical”, directed by “Starlight Express” director Luke Sheppard, written by Jessica Swale in her first musical and composed by Tom Fletcher of the pop band McFly. The show made its world premiere in London last November with colossal expectations, due to the franchise’s track record and hopes that it might be the best British musical since “Matilda the Musical.”
Does it live up to the hype? By all accounts, absolutely.
Reviews for the show have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising the heartwarming story, catchy songs and stunning special effects. Arifa Akbar of The Guardian said, “it simply comes together so well. Splendiferously well, in fact. This is the new Mary Poppins: a well-known story imaginatively staged, immaculately performed and utterly winning.” Clive Davis, chief theatre critic of The Times, said, “this singing bear will capture your heart.”
When it comes to the bear himself, critics and audiences have been amazed by the unique way Paddington is portrayed on stage. Arti Shah, a little person, plays the bear in a costume puppet designed by Tahra Zafar, while actor James Hammed provides the voice and remotely controls the bear’s facial expressions from backstage. Sarah Hemming, a theatre critic for the Financial Times, called him “a triumph. Furry but not too fluffy, endearing but not too cute, he has the slightly lived-in look of every favourite soft toy and is a beautifully pitched amalgam of real bear and ted.”
One of the main reasons why Paddington has captivated so many different kinds of audiences across the world, young and old, is because of what he stands for. No matter what form—books, films or musicals—Paddington has always supported the message of “if we’re kind and polite, the world will be right.” It’s simple but true. The more compassion and love in the world, the better place it will be, which is why this bear and this show have captivated us once again.
The musical is now available for booking at London’s Savoy Theatre until Feb. 14, 2027. Three preview tracks from the show have been released; the villain song “Pretty Little Dead Things,” performed by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, and two songs, “The Explorer & The Bear” and “One Of Us,” sung by the show’s composer, Tom Fletcher. A full cast recording will be released on streaming and on CD in March, followed by a vinyl release in May.
