Everything You Need to Know About Paddington: The Musical

The Story of Paddington

Paddington Bear first appeared in a series of books by Michael Bond in 1958 about the adventures of an anthropomorphic brown bear living with an ordinary family in London. With his blue duffel coat, red hat, and love for marmalade sandwiches, Paddington has become instantly recognisable, and has since appeared in toy shops, cartoons, a series of films starring Ben Whishaw as the voice of the iconic little bear, and even a comedy skit with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth as part of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

What is Paddington: The Musical about?

In this wildly anticipated stage adaptation, Paddington arrives in London from Peru, and encounters the Brown family at Paddington Station, which earns him his name. The family takes him home to Windsor Gardens, where hijinks ensue when the naive but well-meaning bear tries to get used to his new surroundings and win over the Browns and their neighbours. But the wicked taxidermist Millicent Clyde soon sets her eyes on him, and the Browns must rally together to rescue the eccentric but beloved newest member of their family.

The Music of Paddington: The Musical

Paddington: The Musical features music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a former member of the hit boyband McFly, with a book by Olivier-winning Jessica Swale, who previously adapted other popular books such as The Jungle Book and The Secret Garden for the stage. Luke Sheppard will direct.

Paddington: The Musical features over 18 original songs. If you’re looking for a taste of what the musical has to offer, the production has released two songs from the show: ‘The Explorer and the Bear’, which is sung by Paddington as he searches for the mysterious Explorer who promised his family a home in London, and ‘Pretty Little Dead Things’, sung by villainess Millicent Clyde.

Photo by Isha Shah.

How will Paddington be portrayed?

One of the things audiences are most excited about is the chance to see Paddington Bear live and up close, and see what kind of theatre magic the musical’s creative team will use to bring the bear to life. Other non-human characters, from Totoro in My Neighbour Totoro to the animals of The Lion King, have been brought to the stage through puppetry, animatronics, actors in costume, or video projection.

Tahra Zafar, a creature effects artist who previously worked on Star Wars and now the musical’s delightfully titled Paddington Bear Designer, has conjured up a Paddington that’s part toy, part costume, and part tech. A heavy and wonderfully cozy-looking padded bear suit will be operated by two performers: James Hameed as the Off-Stage Performer and Remote Puppeteer and Arti Shah as the On-Stage Performer.

Why should you watch Paddington: The Musical?

Paddington is a beloved cultural icon and there’s a special delight in seeing him make his West End stage debut. Like all versions of his story, this one will feature humour, heart, adventure and themes of family and belonging that will enchant and delight audiences of all ages. Paddington is the perfect musical for families to enjoy together - children will adore the simple, heartwarming story filled with music, adventure, and humour, while adults will delight in witnessing a story that many of us have grown up with, packed with nostalgia and heart.

Fun Facts about Paddington

Michael Bond based Paddington on a sad-looking teddy bear he spotted in a shop which he bought as a Christmas present for his wife.

He was also inspired by seeing refugee and evacuee children fleeing during World War II, wearing luggage labels that give him the idea for the famous note that reads: ‘Please look after this bear. Thank you.’

There’s a life-sized bronze statue of Paddington sitting on his suitcase at Paddington Station - the station where Paddington is found, and which he is named for.

When the Channel Tunnel was built between Britain and France, British workers chose to bring a Paddington stuffed bear as the first thing from the UK that crossed the channel into France.

Just like the late Queen, Paddington celebrates his birthday twice a year, on 25th June and 25th December.

Paddington The Musical will be playing at the Savoy Theatre in London this autumn. Book now and don’t miss out on the next great adventure with this loveable bear.