As the curtain fell on the hotly anticipated Paddington The Musical, one burning question lingered: can a show truly deserve six stars? For this critic, the answer was a resounding yes. This long-awaited production, in development for nearly a decade under the stewardship of super-producer Sonia Friedman, is not just polished—it's a masterpiece brimming with wit, heart, and profound humanity.
A Magical Bear Brought to Life
The show's greatest magic trick is its titular hero. Paddington is realised through a seamless collaboration between Arti Shah, who performs in the costume on stage, and James Hameed, who provides the voice and controls the facial expressions from off-stage. The result is astonishing; the bear feels as real and emotionally present as any human character. Credit must also go to designer Tahra Zafar for creating a bear that is both wonderfully expressive and perfectly recognisable.
Broadly following the plot of the first film, the musical retains all the expected fun and emotional beats while enriching the story. It delves deeper into Mrs Brown's frustrations as a burnt-out mother and introduces the glorious new character of Lady Sloane, the pompous head of the Geographers' Guild.
A Stellar Cast and Creative Triumph
The supporting cast is a comic delight. Amy Booth-Steel is hysterical as Lady Sloane, her extraordinary vowel pronunciations destined to become legendary. Tom Edden is perfectly snivelling as the meddling neighbour, Mr Curry. Meanwhile, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt is fabulously camp as the villainous taxidermist, Millicent Clyde.
In the more straight-playing roles, the Brown family are heart-tuggingly superb. Amy Ellen Richardson stands out as Mrs Brown, radiating kindness and authentic anxiety, serving as the show's emotional anchor alongside Paddington.
The creative team deserves immense praise. Director Luke Sheppard marshals gripping action and brilliant set pieces. Playwright Jessica Swale expertly balances sentimentality with humour. The songs by Tom Fletcher of McFly are consistently excellent, from the calypso-infused 'The Rhythm of London' to a sultry Adele-like pastiche for Millicent.
Spectacle and a Sweet Surprise
The production values are exceptional. Tom Pye's set design features stunning, atmospheric renditions of Paddington Station and Windsor Gardens. A highlight arrives in the second act with a gloriously over-the-top tribute to marmalade, complete with a choreographed number, bouncy oranges, and a marmalade fountain—a delightfully surreal interlude.
Paddington The Musical is playing at the Savoy Theatre in London's West End, with tickets on sale until October 25, 2026. The runtime is approximately two hours and 45 minutes, including an interval. Ticket prices range from around £25 to nearly £300, depending on the seat and performance.
This is more than a children's show; it's a profound exploration of family, kindness, and finding home. It made this critic—and many around them—shed genuine tears. Just as Paddington found a safe haven in London, this exceptional production has surely found a long-term home in the West End.
