Previews for the West End show got underway on Saturday (November 1) at The Savoy Theatre, with first look images released of the team who are playing Paddington on stage.
The supporting cast for the show was announced weeks ago with musical theatre veteran Bonnie Langford starring as housekeeper Mrs Bird.
Now it’s been revealed that Michael Bond’s creation – made famous in 29 books and a trio of popular movies – is played by off-stage remote puppeteer James Hameed, and onstage performer Arti Shah.
Arti’s previous screen work includes Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Fantastic Beasts, several Star Wars movies including The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens, Paddington in Peru, and The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power.
The loveable bear has been designed by Tahra Zafar, with Phill Woodfine associate director for “bear physicality”.
The show combines Bond’s 1958 book A Bear Called Paddington with the first Paddington movie to tell the story of a small lost bear from Peru who is taken in by The Brown family from Windsor Gardens.
But London isn’t all afternoon teas and friendly faces – and even the happiest families have their cracks beneath the surface. So when a mysterious and vengeful villain sets her sights on Paddington, the Browns embark on a thrilling rescue mission, realising they need this special bear as much as he needs them.
Packed with show-stopping songs, dazzling choreography, and loveable mischief, it’s produced by Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley, who said: “After many years of development, we are thrilled, alongside STUDIOCANAL, to finally bring Paddington to life on stage.
“It takes an extraordinary team to share this very special bear with the world — our amazing performers James and Arti, our brilliant alternates Abbie and Ali, and the incredible group of artists led by designer Tahra, alongside Audrey, Phill, and Annabelle.
“Their collective creativity and vision are at the heart of our production, and it has been a true collaboration in bringing Paddington to life in a truly beautiful and unique way.
“What we always hoped to achieve was quite simply, Paddington on stage — and thanks to the immensely talented artists we believe we’ve realised that.”
Michael Bond lived for many years in Little Venice, West London, and is buried in Paddington Old Cemetery where his grave is often visited by fans who leave jars of marmalade and stuffed toys in tribute to his famous creation.
Paddington the Musical is now running at The Savoy Theatre and has extended booking until October 25, 2026. www.paddingtonthemusical.com
