Paddington the Musical is a heart-warming, marmalade-filled West End treat
The hugely anticipated Paddington the Musical has finally opened at London’s Savoy Theatre, and the buzz is enormous.
With original music by Tom Fletcher (of McFly fame) and a life-sized Paddington brought to the stage by three performers every night, expectations for this new British musical are sky-high and the reviews have been nothing short of sensational.
The Story
Based on the beloved Paddington film, the musical follows a small Peruvian Bear sent to London by his aunt who has gone to live in an old-bears-home. Equipped with only his hat (and an emergency marmalade sandwich), he’s taken in by the warm-hearted Brown family, who name him Paddington. They say a baby or a puppy won’t fix a marriage… but maybe a bear from Peru just might.
Trouble comes in the form of Millicent Clyde, a villainous taxidermist who sees Paddington not as a friend but as the greatest prize she could ever stuff.
After Paddington is lured to her lair under false pretences, the race is on to rescue him before he finds himself on display in a museum.
The Performances
Paddington himself is the undeniable star. Physically portrayed by Abbie Purvis, voiced beautifully by James Hameed, and with facial expressions remote-controlled offstage, the bear feels astonishingly real and full of charm.
Hameed’s vocals are gorgeous, so it felt like a missed opportunity not to feature him more visibly on stage.
Adrian Der Gregorian makes a likeable, slightly exasperated Mr Brown. His midlife-crisis rock-star flashback at a corporate event leans a little cheesy, but he grounds the family well.
Amy Ellen Richardson is phenomenal as Mrs Brown – easily one of the show’s strongest performances. Her vocals are powerhouse-level, elevating every scene she’s in.
Delilah Bennett-Cardy (Judy Brown) and Leo Collon (Jonathan Brown) bring youthful energy to the family.
Brenda Edwards and Timi Akinyosade are fabulous as Tanya and Tony, the Browns’ neighbours and Judy’s sweet first crush, complete with an earnest love song.
Bonnie Langford (Mrs Bird) is a total delight. Langford brings her trademark charm, comic timing, and legendary triple-threat talent.
Her big number, complete with cartwheels and a signature high kick – is a highlight and includes a cheeky nod to Cats that brought the house down.
Tom Edden (Mr Curry) is brilliantly funny as the local busybody. He starts off as smug and unlikable but slowly wins over the audience with a hilarious and surprisingly touching performance.
The beginning of Act 2 slips into pantomime territory and breaks the fourth wall more than necessary, which may not work for everyone.
Amy Booth-Steel (Lady Sloane + others) is hilarious in every role she plays, particularly when she wanders on dressed as a marmalade sandwich after the number “Marmalade” has finished because she missed her cue. Pure comedy gold.
Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Millicent Clyde) plays the deliciously camp villain with razor-sharp comedic timing and a killer voice. She leans into the role with wicked glee.
Find out more about Paddington the Musical here
Music
The music in Paddington is upbeat, theatrical and fun, with a sound somewhere between Matilda and Cruella. Standout numbers include:
“Don’t Touch That”, “Pretty Little Dead Things” (Millicent’s big villain moment), “Hard Stare” (featuring a very cute Paddington) and the Act 2 opener, “Marmalade”.
Unsung heroes
The hardworking ensemble and swings add energy and brilliance throughout and deserve to be mentioned:
Simon Shorten, Sunny Lee, Vicki Lee Taylor, Jáiden Lodge, Tiago Dhondt Bamberger, Aimée Fisher, Jacqueline Hughes, Kellianna Jay, Natasha Leaver, Ben Redfern (as Hank the Pigeon).
Andilé Mabhena, Rose Mary O’Reilly, Esme Bacalla-Hayes (Children’s Captain), Katie Lee (Dance Captain), Sam Lathwood (Assistant DC), David Birch, Hugo Rolland.
In conclusion
Paddington the Musical is warm, funny, gorgeously designed, and bursting with heart. The moment Paddington walks on stage is magical and I defy anyone not to ahhhhhh at the magic of how real it all feels.
While a few moments feel slightly panto or overly silly, the overall production is charming, inventive, and full of family-friendly magic. Fans of the beloved bear, young and old will leave with smiles, humming the songs, and craving a marmalade sandwich and a return trip to see the show.
★★★★
West End Wilma
Photos by Johan Persson
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