Paddington: The Musical


Paddington: The Musical is a musical with music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and a book by Jessica Swale. It is based on the 1958 children's book A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond and the 2014 film Paddington distributed by StudioCanal. It is the second stage adaptation of the book series, following the 1983 musical Paddington Bear's Magical Musical by Shirlie Roden.
The musical premiered in previews at the Savoy Theatre in London's West End on 1 November 2025.

Background

The musical is based around the character Paddington Bear, first created by Michael Bond in the 1958 novel A Bear Called Paddington. Adapted from the novel and the 2014 film Paddington, it has a book by Jessica Swale.
The musical was directed by Luke Sheppard and developed by Sonia Friedman Productions, StudioCanal and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK.

Productions

West End (2025)

In April 2025, it was announced that Paddington: The Musical would receive its world premiere in the West End at the Savoy Theatre from 1 November 2025. On 21 August 2025, the initial casting and creative team were announced, with the exception of Paddington, which was to be revealed during the first preview. During the first preview, it was announced that Arti Shah and James Hameed play the role of Paddington with Shah as the on-stage performer with Hameed performing as the voice and controlling Paddington's facial expressions, whilst also playing the role of Young Man.

Plot summary

Act I
Mr Gruber opens his shop of curiosities, and a young man enters, fascinated by a stuffed bear. Mr Gruber recounts the story behind the bear, and its perilous journey from Peru. Paddington arrives in London and looks for a home as the Browns arrive home from a camping trip. Mrs Brown sees Paddington and offers to house him for the night while they look for someone to look after him. However, Mr Curry forbids them from taking the bear home, citing the Taxi Driver's Code as his source. Jonathan corrects him, and Mr Curry allows them to take Paddington home. Upon arriving home, Paddington meets Mrs Bird and begins enthusiastically exploring the house, destroying nearly everything he touches. The Browns try to stop him. Paddington reveals an explorer promised him a home, but he doesn't know his name. Mrs Brown takes Paddington up to the attic for bed and shows him her comic book drawings, expressing her desire for the family to go on more adventures together.
At the Natural History Museum, Millicent Clyde adds a chinchilla to her taxidermy collection, while lamenting over the almost-complete collection. She is only missing a Peruvian Bear. Her assistant Grant reveals a Peruvian Bear has moved into Windsor Gardens.
While preparing to visit Mr Gruber's shop to identify the red hat's origins, Mrs Bird gives Paddington Mr Brown's old coat. Judy's boyfriend Tony and his mum Tanya introduce Paddington to the wonders of London life.
Mr Gruber identifies the hat as originating at the Geographer's Guild, and reassures Paddington that his new life will take some time to adjust to. The Browns and Paddington arrive at the Geographers Guild and are greeted by Lady Sloane, who is extremely rude. Paddington gives her a hard stare and she changes her mind, allowing him to visit the archives. Millicent and Grant also visit the Guild in search of the Peruvian archive.
After discovering the explorer's full name is Montgomery Clyde, Paddington imagines his new life living with the explorer.
The Browns and Paddington visit the Savoy for Mr Brown's work do, where he hopes to be promoted. He sings a rock song, which delights Mary, but Paddington is baited with Marmalade by Millicent, and trips over the machinery, ruining the event. Millicent tells Paddington she is the explorer's daughter and will welcome him over whenever he wants.
Mr Brown loudly proclaims Paddington is the worst thing that ever happened to the family. Mrs Brown insists Paddington has helped the family, not harmed it. Paddington leaves a note and runs away to Millicent's address, where she is waiting to stuff him

Musical numbers

Act I
  • “Overture” – The Paddington Band
  • "Mr Gruber's Curiosities" – Mr Gruber
  • "I've Arrived" – Paddington & Ensemble
  • "The Taxi Driver's Code" – Mr Curry & Jonathan Brown
  • "Don't Touch That" – The Brown Family & Paddington
  • "One Page At a Time" – Mrs Brown
  • "Pretty Little Dead Things" – Millicent Clyde & Ensemble
  • "The Rhythm of London" – Tony, Tanya & Ensemble
  • "Hard Stare" – Paddington, Millicent Clyde & Ensemble
  • "The Explorer and the Bear" – Paddington
  • "Risky Business" – Mr Brown & Ensemble
  • "One Of Us" – Mrs. Brown & Ensemble
  • "The Explorer and the Bear " – Paddington
Act II
  • “Entr’acte” – The Paddington Band
  • "Marmalade" – Paddington, Mr Curry & Ensemble
  • "Worth the Work" – Mr Brown & Mrs Bird
  • "Where's Paddington" – Ensemble
  • "Everything You Never Were" – Millicent Clyde
  • "It's Never Too Late" – Mrs Bird & Grant
  • "Aunt Lucy's Prayer" – Paddington
  • "The Geographers Guild" – Lady Sloane & Ensemble
  • "Unstoppable" – The Brown Family & Millicent Clyde
  • "Missing Beat" – Company
  • "Dear Aunt Lucy" – Paddington, Aunt Lucy & Ensemble

Recordings

Prior to the musical commencing previews the song "The Explorer and the Bear", performed by Tom Fletcher, and "Pretty Little Dead Things", performed by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt were released by Decca Records.

Critical reception

The West End production received nearly universal positive acclaim from the critics.