The producers of the eagerly-anticipated Paddington The Musical have announced the newest additions to the cast ahead of the show’s world premiere at London’s Savoy Theatre this autumn.
While the identity of those charged with bringing the marmalade sandwich-loving bear to life (Paddington, the Bear Designer and Bear Creative team) will not be revealed until the first preview performance on 1 November, the full company has now been confirmed.
Developed by Sonia Friedman Productions, StudioCanal and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK, the musical will feature the previously announced 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 new cast members are Esme Bacalla-Hayes, Tiago Dhondt Bamberger, David Birch, Aimée Fisher, Jacqueline Hughes, Kellianna Jay, Sam Lathwood, Natasha Leaver, Katie Lee, Sunny Lee, Vicki Lee Taylor, Jáiden Lodge, Andilé Mabhena, Rose Mary O’Reilly, Ben Redfern, Hugo Rolland and Simon Shorten.
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.”
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.
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 series have sold more than 35 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over 40 different languages, including Latin.
Angela Thomas
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