Review: PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL, Savoy Theatre
Photo credit: Johan Persson
Paddington: The Musical brings London’s favourite bear to the stage with a warm heart and an impressive sense of spectacle. The story follows Paddington as he arrives at Paddington Station, joins the Brown family, and tries to make sense of the quirks and chaos of human life. The show, directly expertly by Luke Sheppard, stays true to the charm of Michael Bond’s world while echoing the plot and spirit of the hit film, all wrapped up in a bright, contemporary musical style designed to welcome audiences of all ages.
From the moment Paddington steps on stage, the audience is transfixed. Gasps of delight, murmurs of endearment and a palpable “aww” greet him, and it’s clear that the bear is the heart and star of the show. Every small action — from putting on a coat to tugging at a hat — becomes a moment of pure charm, drawing the audience further into his world. Abbie Purvis’ physical performance paired with James Hameed’s voice brings the bear vividly to life, combining humour, warmth and a remarkable depth that keeps everyone captivated from start to finish.
Every performer on stage is superb, delivering a flawless, five-star performance that lifts the entire production. The energy of the full ensemble is perfectly showcased in ‘Rhythm of London’, a feel-good number that has the audience fully immersed in the joy of the show. Bonnie Langford shines as Mrs Bird with ‘It’s Never Too Late’, lighting up the theatre with her charisma. Tom Edden’s Mr Curry is a particular joy — his comic timing, expressive physicality, and ability to bounce off the audience make him a scene-stealer, especially in the Marmalade-filled number, which bursts with playful chaos and energy. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt brings a perfectly pitched villainy, a little panto but never overdone, adding tension and fun to the story. The Brown family, including Leo Collon and Delilah Bennett-Cardy as Jonathan and Judy, offer grounded, relatable performances that anchor the story and let the bear’s charm shine.
Tom Fletcher’s score ties the entire production together with warmth and momentum. His writing blends classic musical-theatre charm with a fresh, contemporary energy that makes the show feel both familiar and new. ‘Rhythm of London’ is a particular standout — a full-cast, feel-good moment that captures the spirit of the city while weaving in a subtle Caribbean flavour, echoing the musical tone of the hit film. It’s a vibrant, uplifting number that showcases just how strong and unified the ensemble is, and one that lingers long after the curtain comes down.
Jessica Swale’s balances humour, whimsy and sincerity, giving Paddington’s innocence room to shine while allowing the human characters to contribute meaningfully. Gentle comedy sits alongside bigger emotional beats, creating a narrative that feels both familiar and freshly energised.
Tom Pye’s deceptively simple set design builds a vivid, lovingly crafted world. Dynamic projections (Ash J Woodward), inventive set pieces and Ellen Kane’s choreography transform the stage into something magical and immersive. The lighting design by Neil Austin is spectacular, interacting cleverly with the set to shift spaces, guide the audience’s eye and bring hidden details to life. It also highlights the performers in subtle, intelligent ways — drawing focus, enhancing emotion and adding depth without ever overwhelming the scene. The attic sequences are delightful, where simple lighting turns the stage into an enchanting world. The staging is equally playful throughout, with surprises in numbers such as ‘Marmalade’ that delight the audience while keeping the experience magical.
There are so many other elements that make this production shine. Gareth Owen’s sound design is immaculate — every lyric, effect and musical detail lands with clarity, perfectly balanced for a show of this scale. It feels like a production built for this theatre, and this theatre feels absolutely made for this story: intimate enough to preserve the show’s warmth, yet large enough to deliver its moments of spectacle. The costumes (Gabriella Slade) are another quiet triumph. They never tip into excess unless the story calls for it, instead grounding the characters in a world that feels charmingly heightened without ever losing its authenticity. Every design choice supports the show’s heart, emphasising character over caricature and magic over noise.
Paddington: The Musical delivers a vibrant, heartfelt night out, filled with kindness, curiosity, and a generous helping of theatrical imagination. It captures everything audiences love about Paddington — and does it with true West End charm.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Rob Driscoll
