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Paddington The Musical Opens in the West End to Warm Reviews, Extended Run

Reviewers highlight Tom Fletcher’s songs, Luke Sheppard’s direction, inventive puppetry.

Overview

  • Now open at the Savoy Theatre, the production is booking through October 2026 following strong demand.
  • Paddington is realised by two performers, with Arti Shah onstage in the suit and James Hameed providing the voice and remote facial puppetry.
  • Critics praise the show’s charm, large-scale staging and family appeal, noting standout turns from Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Millicent Clyde and Bonnie Langford as Mrs Bird.
  • Design and craft draw consistent acclaim, with Luke Sheppard’s kinetic staging, Tom Pye’s sets and Tahra Zafar’s bear design frequently singled out.
  • A broadly positive critical consensus includes some dissent over the bear’s facial animatronics, and producers have announced a cast recording due in March 2026 from Decca Records.