Savoy Theatre – until 25 October 2026
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
5*****
Paddington has arrived in London in style. The beloved bear is in good hands, as the care and love for this project shines through in every facet of this beautiful production.
Based on Michael Bond’s “A Bear Called Paddington” and the 2014 film, the musical tells the story of the young bear arriving in London and meeting the Brown family in Paddington station. His quest to find the friendly explorer who encountered Aunt Lucy in Darkest Peru, leaving an open invitation to visit his home city, leads to chaotic adventures around London as Paddington looks for somewhere he belongs. The plot is simple enough for the youngest audience members and crammed with jokes and references for the older ones: Jessica Swale’s book and Tom Fletcher’s music and lyrics unashamedly celebrate the innocence of Paddington, British eccentricity, and the energy of London with irresistible charm.
Visually, the show is stunning. Tom Pye’s set is full of quirky detail and is lit beautifully by Neil Austin, taking the audience on a whirlwind journey through London from Paddington Station to Windsor Gardens and the National History Museum – the latter being gloriously dark and ominous as jeopardy rises. For the doubters who question how live theatre could match the spectacle of the film, the opening number should dispel any doubts, but if the magical scene where Paddington is transported to Peru watching the explorer’s recording doesn’t bring a lump to your throat, then you deserve a hard stare: Ash J Woodward’s video design is absolutely spectacular, transforming the auditorium throughout the show. Tom Fletcher’s music and lyrics are glorious, referencing many musical theatre styles with an unstoppable pop energy, with some real earworms and bangers. “The Rhythm of London” is an exuberant love song to the city and its people, and “Pretty Little Dead Things” is the ultimate villain’s song. There’s even a singalong in the sublimely silly act 2 opening number – a loving tribute to marmalade with deliciously daft choreography by Ellen Kane. Swales draws humour and pathos from every scenario while keeping the plot moving, and Luke Sheppard’s exquisite direction ensures that no chance to wow the audience is missed. They have developed some frankly insane characters with distinctly panto vibes that made the audience roar with laughter.
The Brown family (Amy Ellen Richardson, Adrian Der Gregorian, Delilah Bennett-Cardy, with Leo Collon playing Jonathan at the performance I attended) are superbly dysfunctional until Paddington brings them together, with Richardson and Der Gregorian artfully portraying Mr and Mrs Brown’s inability to connect with impressive nuance amongst such broadly drawn characters. Tom Edden and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt chew the scenery as Mr Curry and Millicent Clyde. Edden channels Basil Fawlty and Mr Rigsby as the jobsworth neighbourhood watch leader, hilariously breaking the fourth wall at every opportunity, while Hamilton-Barritt prowls around the stage in tweed and fox fur full of malicious glee. Bonnie Langford is a hoot as wise but wacky Mrs Bird; Teddy Kempner is the calm centre of the chaos and Amy Booth-Steel is brilliantly bonkers as the snooty head of the Geographers’ Guild. As amazing as the human cast is, it is Paddington that, quite rightly, steals the show. His first appearance brings gasps and giggles as Tahra Zafar’s brilliant design is brought to life by the onstage performer (Abbie Purvis at this performance). Voiced with delicate charm and innocence by James Hameed, the facial expressions and body language of Paddington is emotive and enchanting – those eyebrows! The emotional heft of this character is immense – you will be invested in his fate from the get-go. A superb realisation of everyone’s favourite bear – and who knew he had such an amazing singing voice!
Heartfelt, heartwarming and irresistibly sweet, Paddington the Musical has already made its mark in London. This beautiful bearhug of a show is unmissable.