Paddington Musical Opens Nov. 30, Extended to 2026

Previews for Paddington: The Musical have begun at London's Savoy Theatre, with an official opening scheduled for Nov. 30 and bookings extended through Oct. 25, 2026. The stage bear is realized through a two-person technique: James Hameed operates offstage as the remote puppeteer and provides the voice and facial expressions while Arti Shah performs onstage; Abbie Purvis and Ali Sarebani are alternates. Designer Tahra Zafar and a creative team including physicality associate Audrey Brisson, remote puppetry coach Phill Woodfine and casting director Annabelle Davis used non-traditional, closely guarded methods to achieve Paddington's expressive presence. The production is directed by Luke Sheppard with music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and a book by Jessica Swale. Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley are joined by Studiocanal and Universal Music UK, and the show is adapted from Michael Bond’s books and the popular films that featured Ben Whishaw’s voice.