The most famous bear from Peru has finally arrived in London's theatreland. Paddington Bear made his long-awaited West End debut on Sunday, 30 November 2025, receiving a rapturous standing ovation at the historic Savoy Theatre.
A Star-Studded Premiere Night
The premiere of 'Paddington: The Musical' was a highly-anticipated event, drawing fans of the beloved literary character to the heart of London's theatre district. Following the performance, the life-sized version of the marmalade-loving bear took a heartfelt bow on stage, a moment described by attendees as particularly sweet and moving.
The Creative Team Behind the Bear
Bringing the iconic character to life is a unique dual performance. The voice of Paddington is provided off-stage by remote puppeteer James Hameed, while the physical portrayal on stage is handled by actress Arti Shah. The production boasts an impressive creative pedigree, with the book written by acclaimed playwright Jessica Swale. The music and lyrics come from Tom Fletcher, best known as a member of the pop-rock band McFly.
A New Chapter for a British Icon
The successful debut marks a significant new chapter for Paddington, a character who has been a staple of British children's literature for decades. Transitioning from page and screen to the live stage is a major milestone, and the warm reception suggests the production has captured the heart and charm of Michael Bond's original creation. The show's opening sets the stage for what many hope will be a long and successful run in the West End, introducing Paddington's polite and well-meaning adventures to a new generation of theatregoers.
