As previews begin this evening for Paddington The Musical, producers Sonia Friedman Productions, STUDIOCANAL and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK have released the first images of Paddington and revealed the team bringing him to life on stage.
Paddington is played by James Hameed (Paddington Off-stage Performer and Remote Puppeteer) and Arti Shah (Paddington On-stage Performer).
The creative team behind the bear includes Tahra Zafar (Paddington Bear Designer), Audrey Brisson (Bear Physicality Associate Director), Phill Woodfine (Remote Puppetry Coach), and Annabelle Davis (Paddington Bear Casting Director). Alternate Paddington On-stage Performers are Abbie Purvis and Ali Sarebani.
Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley said:
“After many years of exploration and development, we are thrilled, alongside STUDIOCANAL, to finally bring Paddington to life on stage. It takes an extraordinary team to share this very special bear with the world — our amazing performers James and Arti, our brilliant alternates Abbie and Ali, and the incredible group of artists led by designer Tahra, alongside Audrey, Phill, and Annabelle. Their collective creativity and vision are at the heart of our production, and it has been a true collaboration, helmed by Luke Sheppard, our Creative, Associate, Stage Management, Production and Development teams involved in supporting us in bringing Paddington to life in a truly beautiful and unique way.
“What we as producers always hoped to achieve was, quite simply, Paddington on stage — and thanks to the immensely talented artists, both on and off stage, we believe we’ve realised that.”
The production has now extended its run and is booking until 25 October 2026.
Paddington The Musical features music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and a book by Jessica Swale. It is directed by Luke Sheppard and based on A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond and the film Paddington, by special arrangement with STUDIOCANAL.
The cast includes Timi Akinyosade, Amy Booth-Steel, Tarinn Callender, Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Adrian Der Gregorian, Tom Edden, Brenda Edwards, Amy Ellen Richardson, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, Teddy Kempner, Bonnie Langford, and Joseph Bramley, among others.
James Hameed also plays the role of Young Man. His previous theatre credits include Gaddafi: A Living Myth, Spamilton, Fiddler on the Roof, Be More Chill, and Eugenius!.
Arti Shah’s screen credits include Star Wars: Andor, The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, Paddington in Peru, and multiple Star Wars films.
Abbie Purvis has appeared in Waldo’s Circus of Magic and Terror, Dog Squad, and River City.
Packed with show-stopping songs, dazzling choreography, and marmalade sandwiches, Paddington The Musical is a heartwarming adventure for audiences of all ages.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
