First Look at Paddington Bear for New West End Musical
The musical features a life-like puppet operated by two performers and is scheduled to run until October 25, 2026, showcasing Paddington’s story and values on stage.
- At the Savoy Theatre in London, Paddington the Musical has begun previews and opens on Nov. 30.
 - The stage adaptation draws on Michael Bond's books and the hit films featuring Ben Whishaw, with producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley saying years of development aimed to bring Paddington to life on stage.
 - A life-like puppet brings Paddington to life, with James Hameed, off-stage remote puppeteer, and Arti Shah, on-stage performer, supported by designer Tahra Zafar and specialists under director Luke Sheppard.
 - As previews begin, the show is now booking through Oct. 25, 2026, with tickets starting at �29 via LOVETheatre, producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley announced.
 - The dispute arrives as Paddington's cultural reach spans decades, with the bear first published October 13 1958 and films released in 2014, 2017 and 2024.
 
15 Articles
15 Articles
First glimpse of Paddington as Peru’s most famous bear stars in new West End musical
Fans have had a first look at the latest incarnation of Paddington Bear, as the much-loved character stars in a new West End musical. Written by Jessica Swale, with music and lyrics by McFly star Tom Fletcher, Paddington The Musical began previews on Saturday (1 Nov) at London’s Savoy Theatre. A new preview clip shows Paddington’s arrival at London Paddington railway station, after making the long trip from ‘darkest Peru’. Remote puppeteer James…
‘Paddington: The Musical’ Shares First Images Of Bear Brought To Life On West End Stage
From Peru to the West End, beloved children’s literary icon Paddington Bear makes his stage musical debut Saturday night at the Savoy Theatre. As previews of Paddington: The Musical kick off, the producers released the first images of the titular bear brought to life on stage, spotlighting the creative team responsible for the puppetry involved […]
Paddington musical first look finally revealed – and it's just as magical as we'd hoped
Paddington the Musical has finally released a first look at its eponymous bear.The production has kept details on Paddington's appearance tight under wraps, only revealing in time with the show's first preview tonight (Saturday 1st November).The role will be a combination of an on-stage performer and off-stage voice and puppetry. On stage, Paddington will be physically played by Star Wars actress Arti Shah, while off stage puppeteering and voice…
‘Paddington the Musical’ Reveals First Look at How Iconic Bear Will Come to Life on Stage
Meet Paddington the Bear, the West End’s newest star. As previews begin in London, “Paddington the Musical” has revealed a short teaser and first-look images showing a glimpse at how the iconic bear will come to life on stage. The life-like puppet is played by two people: James Hameed, who is an off-stage remote puppeteer, […]
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