* Apologies for the time it has taken to produce this review, I have been fully occupied with auditions for my own production but can now breathe once more. *

I don’t know where he’s hiding. 
But I know that I’ll find him, 
and then we’ll be just like a family.

Paddington the Musical had a lot to prove as I had read Alexander Larman’s review in The Critic before previews began. Based on listening to one song, Larman lambasted the musical, calling it “An abomination,” and “2025’s least welcome show,” before going on to declare that Paddington creator, Michael Bond would be “Rolling in his grave.” Well, I’m going to admit it, I only went to this new production because my wife loves the Peruvian bear and it was a theatre weekend away in the West End. However, I did not realise I was about to see one of the best musical theatre experiences of my life.

With the backdrop of some of the most complex sets that I have ever seen with smart use of impressive projected scenery, the show opens in Mr Gruber’s Curiosity shop where we see a young man (James Hameed) buy a battered teddy bear. Hameed provides offstage operation of Paddington’s facial expressions, but it is his amazing voice which enthrals the audience. Then, when we finally get to meet the bear, you believe he is real, and this is helped by the great movement of Arti Shah inside the costume.

Each scene moves seamlessly to another and the calamity in the house during Don’t Touch That was extremely funny where anything that could happen, did. With a book courtesy of Jessica Swale and music from Tom Fletcher, this wonderful tale is going to be one of the biggest musicals for many years to come. The songs themselves were of the highest quality, too. I enjoyed The Explorer and the Bear, One of Us and especially, Pretty Little Dead Things, which was delivered by villainess Millicent Clyde played by the outstanding Victoria Hamilton-Barritt. But performances were top drawer all round. Adrian Der Gregorian and Amy Ellen Richardson captured the characters of Mr and Mrs Brown well while Delilah Bennet-Cardy (the moody Judy) and Jasper Rowse (a highly intelligent Jonathan) did likewise as the junior Browns. Supporting well we had Teddy Kempner (Mr Gruber), Tom Edden (Mr Curry), Tim Akinyosade (Tony), and Brenda Edwards (Tanya). But a real treat for me was having Bonnie Langford (who I have liked since she could “Scream and scream and scream,” in the 1970s show, Just William) as Mrs Bird.  I met her at the stage door afterwards and yes; she is as lovely in real life as she appears. She may be the same age as me, but I could not do the splits at 16, let alone 60 plus. Great self-send-up as well in the bows from Bonnie as she high-kicked and pretended to smack herself in the face. I must also credit Ben Redfern as well in his role as Hank the Pigeon, plus Amy Booth-Steel and Tarrin Callender in their supporting roles. Another highlight of the show is Marmalade at the opening of Act Two with giant oranges and amazing dance.

Great hospitality as well in the Ambassador Lounge where we were treated to marmalade sandwiches (which are as revolting as they sound), iced donuts and a pot of tea among other treats. The guy overseeing the lounge said that from his experience, he predicts Paddington will be at The Savoy for a long time. Now, my showing was still in the preview phase before the official opening but having witnessed such a magnificent show, I think he may be right. It has been a long time since I had that feelgood wow on leaving a show, but this was so great I just wanted to make a rare stop at the stage door where I chatted to Victoria Hamilton-Barritt and James Hameed in addition to the already mentioned Bonnie Langford. All gave their time and were genuinely appreciative of the feedback.

Paddington the Musical is going to be around a while, now on into 2027 and already sold out beyond the summer of 2026. And I am sorry for Alexander Larman of The Critic who now must find a cloth to wipe that egg off his face. My wife and I loved this musical so much we have booked again for March and cannot wait.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

*Some photos taken from the public domain and may not be representative of the performance reviewed.