Paddington The Musical Hits London's West End with Warm Reviews

A fresh Paddington stage show opens in London's West End, featuring songs by Tom Fletcher and clever puppetry, earning rave notices for warmth and craft, with a few caveats.

Paddington The Musical has opened in London's West End to strong early reviews. The family-friendly show features new songs by Tom Fletcher of McFly and brings Paddington to life on stage, with no CGI involved.

Creative team and adaptation

The production is written by Jessica Swale and directed by Luke Sheppard, adapted from the 2014 film and Michael Bond's beloved books. It plays at the Savoy Theatre in central London.

How Paddington comes to life on stage

Several critics highlighted the inventive puppetry that makes Paddington feel real. A small performer performs Paddington in a bear suit, while a second actor provides a live voice and a backstage technician subtly adjusts facial expressions, creating the illusion of a warm, tangible bear on stage.

Getty Images Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter, Tom Fletcher and Harry Judd attend the press night performance of "Paddington The Musical" at The Savoy Theatre on November 30, 2025 in London, England.

Running through October 2026, the show stars a mix of veteran West End performers and TV personalities, with Bonnie Langford and Brenda Edwards among the cast.

Critical reception

Reviewers praised its warmth and stagecraft, with The Guardian calling it imaginative and utterly winning, and The Telegraph noting its light, family-friendly charm and strong score. The Times added that it could become a new crowd-pleaser for children, potentially rivaling established favourites. Some critics, however, warned the book could be tightened and noted a few pacing issues, especially toward the end.

The Independent praised the heartfelt effort and the large-scale effects, while The Stage cautioned that the story may feel thin at times despite Paddington's charm. Radio Times highlighted a memorable marmalade-inspired number that transforms the stage into a sea of orange.

Overall, the production is described as a welcome, heart-driven addition to British musical theatre, offering a wholesome alternate to film-based franchise shows.

Expert comment

Expert commentary: The show demonstrates impressive stagecraft that makes Paddington feel truly present without CGI. While most critics applaud the heart and craft, a few call for tightening the script to sharpen the pace.

Short summary

Paddington The Musical opens in the West End to strong word-of-mouth and critical praise for warmth, performances, and clever design. It features new songs by Tom Fletcher, strong acting, and inventive puppetry, appealing to families and theatre fans alike. A handful of reviewers note pacing and script issues, but the show remains a hopeful, crowd-pleasing addition to London’s musical theatre scene.