Picture: Jay Brooks
The principal cast has been assembled for the eagerly-anticipated Paddington The Musical ahead of the show’s world premiere at London’s Savoy Theatre this autumn.
While the marmalade sandwich-loving bear has yet to be revealed, the confirmed cast members have begun rehearsals in preparation for the production will begin preview performances on 1 November 2025.
Developed by Sonia Friedman Productions, StudioCanal and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK, the musical will feature Timi Akinyosade (professional stage debut) as Tony, Amy Booth-Steel (The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Chichester Festival Theatre, Heathers, Theatre Royal Haymarket) as Lady Sloane, Tarinn Callender (Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Chichester Festival Theatre) as Grant, Delilah Bennett-Cardy (Bugsy Malone, UK tour, School of Rock, Gillian Lynne Theatre) as Judy Brown, Adrian Der Gregorian (Made in Dagenham, Adelphi Theatre, Roman Holiday, Theatre Royal Bath) as Mr Brown, Tom Edden (Waiting for Godot, Theatre Royal Haymarket, Matilda, Cambridge Theatre) as Mr Curry, Brenda Edwards (Chicago, UK tour, We Will Rock You, London Coliseum/Dominion Theatre) as Tanya), Amy Ellen Richardson (Extraordinary Women, Jermyn Street Theatre, Sweet Charity, Donmar Warehouse) as Mrs Brown, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Hadestown, Lyric Theatre, Hex, National Theatre) as Millicent Clyde, Teddy Kempner (Girl From the North Country, The Old Vic/UK tour, Cabaret, Playhouse Theatre) as Mr Gruber and Bonnie Langford (Sondheim’s Old Friends, West End/Los Angeles/Broadway, Les Misérables, Sondheim Theatre) as Mrs Bird. The role of Jonathan Brown will be shared by Joseph Bramley, Leo Collon, Stevie Hare and Jasper Rowse.
The full cast, including Paddington Casting, Bear Designer and Bear Creative team will be announced soon.
Adapted from Michael Bond’s much-loved tales of the little bear from ‘deepest darkest Peru’, along with the award-winning films by StudioCanal and Heyday Films, the musical which features music and lyrics by McFly’s Tom Fletcher and a book by Jessica Swale will be directed by Luke Sheppard.
Commenting on the production, producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley said: “Having had the immense privilege to work with Tom, Jessica and Luke to create and develop this brand-new musical over several years, it’s incredibly exciting to be starting rehearsals with this extraordinary company. We can’t wait until the first preview, when we will reveal who will be playing Paddington, and the brilliant creative team who are responsible for bringing this very special bear to life on stage.”
Anna Marsh, CEO of StudioCanal, deputy CEO of CANAL+ and chief content officer of CANAL+, added: “We are so proud to announce our brilliantly talented company today as we look forward to Paddington’s highly anticipated stage debut in London’s West End. As with our films and series, we have put such genuine care into Paddington The Musical to ensure that audiences will truly delight in Paddington’s next adventure. It’s a true privilege for everyone at StudioCanal to be part of Paddington’s legacy.”
The creative team also includes: Matt Brind (musical supervisor, orchestrations and arrangements), Ellen Kane (choreographer), Tom Pye (scenic designer), Gabriella Slade (costume designer), Neil Austin (lighting designer), Gareth Owen (sound designer), Ash J Woodward (video designer and animation), Campbell Young Associates (hair, wig and make-up designer), Majid Adin (illustration and additional animation), Laura Bangay (musical director), Natalie Gallacher for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting (casting director), Nick Hockaday (young persons’ casting director), Javier Marzan (physical comedy consultant) and Tobago & D-Lime (additional music consultants).
Following the preview performances, Paddington The Musical will celebrate its opening night on 30 November. The production is currently booking until 25 May 2026.
Announcing the new London residence for the beloved bear earlier this year, Friedman and Lumley said: “It’s a true honour to be giving Paddington a new home at the Savoy Theatre with this glorious and deliciously funny new musical from Tom Fletcher and Jessica Swale. We’re thrilled to be embarking on this special journey with our incredible team, led by Luke Sheppard, to bring the world of this much-loved bear, the Brown family, and many more of Michael Bond’s beloved characters to life. Paddington holds a unique and lasting place in so many hearts. He represents so much that is good in the world, including kindness, warmth and decency – and it’s an immense privilege to look after this bear as we bring him to the West End stage.
“We are delighted that this brilliant team will be bringing Paddington to the West End stage with us. Their collective gift in bringing Paddington The Musical to life with such heart, humour, wonder and vivid imagination has been a privilege to witness and we simply cannot wait for audiences to discover the magic of this production. We are constantly thinking of innovative ways to continue Paddington’s journey while honouring Michael Bond’s legacy and his invitation to ‘please look after this bear’.”
Bond’s first book A Bear Called Paddington was published on 13 October 1958 by William Collins & Sons (now Harper Collins). Since its first publication, the Paddington books have sold more than 35 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 40 different languages, including Latin.
Angela Thomas
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