Paddington The Musical Review: London needs this musical now more than ever

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A star rating of 5 out of 5.

It’s become incredibly obvious throughout Paddington Bear’s rise to fame that he leaves a trail of sticky, orange, and sweetly scented marmalade wherever he goes – and it’s become something of a golden touch for him.

Paddington Bear’s had an incredible run – from blockbuster movies to the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and appearing on London souvenirs. It almost seems unfair that he’s now a West End stage star, especially while Winnie the Pooh has recently been reimagined in a scary horror film!

I went to see Paddington the Musical this weekend, and I was half expecting to find some flaw in the production – wondering if the challenge of adapting such a beloved British character would prove too difficult.

How glad I am to be wrong, because this show is simply wonderful.

From the moment Paddington appeared on stage – introduced with a catchy, upbeat song reminiscent of “Hamilton” – I was fighting back tears. He’s just incredibly adorable.

The character is brought to life by a unique collaboration: Arti Shah performs on stage, while James Hameed provides the voice and expertly controls Paddington’s facial expressions using puppetry. Their combined talents – Shah’s energetic performance and Hameed’s gentle voice – create a truly magical experience for audiences of all ages. I haven’t witnessed such a strong emotional response from a theatre crowd since seeing Les Misérables.

Okay, so “Paddington” basically retreads the same ground as the 2014 film. We follow a young bear who leaves the jungles of Peru hoping to find a place to call home in London. Luckily, he stumbles into the lives of the incredibly kind Brown family, who take him in. Of course, being a bear in a London household isn’t without its chaos! But the real threat comes from a rather unsettling taxidermist who’s got her sights set on adding Paddington to her collection – and let’s just say, it’s not for a friendly portrait.

Tom Fletcher wrote the music and lyrics, and the songs have McFly’s signature style – a mix of catchy pop, rich orchestral arrangements, and some powerful, energetic moments.

While the music itself could fit into many musicals, the direction by Luke Sheppard and the set design by Tom Pye truly make the show special. A great example is the song ‘Don’t Touch That,’ which depicts Paddington’s first arrival at the Browns’ house. Overwhelmed by everything new, Paddington excitedly runs around, playfully demolishing the set with sparks, bubbles, and even pieces of the ceiling falling down. It’s a very funny scene, and Adrian Der Gregorian’s portrayal of Mr. Brown’s exasperation makes it even better.

Honestly, one of the highlights for me was this incredible scene in the second act – they had to include a tribute to marmalade, and they did it so well! The whole stage turned this gorgeous, dreamy orange, and it was just bursting with energy. There were dancers, everyone was wearing these amazing feathered hats, and they even got the audience involved! It was a total spectacle.

Okay, let me tell you, this movie is a love letter to classic musicals. It really leans into that old-school style – think Cole Porter – with big, energetic dance numbers and genuinely moving songs. You can definitely feel the influence of Tom Fletcher’s background in musical theatre. Honestly, I think it’s brilliant. If you’re looking for a way to introduce a younger audience to the joy and spectacle of musicals, this is absolutely the perfect place to start. It’s pure, unadulterated musical fun!

The actors are what truly make this work. They effortlessly move between happy, sad, and funny moments – with some jokes geared towards adults – and each one gets a chance to really stand out.

It’s tough to choose a highlight, but Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Millicent Clyde really stood out. She was wonderfully over-the-top yet somehow still sympathetic, fully embracing the role with a powerful voice and delivering the show’s best musical number.

Amy Booth-Steel as Lady Sloane was a surprisingly funny standout, and Brenda Edwards’ Tanya added a lot of heart to the performance. Plus, Bonnie Langford was incredible, truly living up to her West End legend status with impressive flexibility, high kicks, and a stunning solo number.

Most shows would have annoyed me with such a slow second act, but I enjoyed this one so much – I was smiling the whole time – that I didn’t mind at all.

This show truly delivers on its promise and then some. It’s a deeply moving musical about kindness, love, and acceptance – a message we really need right now. If you don’t enjoy it, maybe it’s time for some self-reflection.

When and where can I see Paddington the Musical?

Paddington is now performing at the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End. The show is expected to continue running until October 2026.

This popular venue is located directly on the beach. The easiest way to get there is by taking the tube to either Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) or Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines).

How to get Paddington the Musical West End tickets

You can now buy tickets to see Paddington at LOVEtheatre, with prices starting at £29. However, most performances in December are already sold out, so book quickly!

Don’t forget to explore the top West End musicals and discover 40 fascinating behind-the-scenes facts about Les Misérables. Plus, find out how to get discounted tickets to Cadbury World!

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2025-12-01 03:35