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Paddington: The Musical’s run has been extended to at least 2027. Image: Johan Persson
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Paddington is alive. He’s walking, talking – and singing and dancing – in a musical adaptation of his story. Almost seven decades after he first appeared in Michael Bond’s A Bear Called Paddington in 1958, the ‘real’ Paddington became an instant viral sensation when unveiled in Paddington: The Musical in November.
With songs by McFly’s Tom Fletcher and a book by playwright Jessica Swale, very much in keeping with the spirit of Bond, it has been wowing West End audiences in a production that’s already been extended into 2027. Outside of the theatre, he’s appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and the Royal Variety Performance, meeting the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Bringing him to life are a pair of actors; on-stage performer Arti Shah and James Hameed, who provides Paddington’s voice and remote puppetry. How they work together and what they have created doesn’t have a proper name yet, such is the groundbreaking innovation required to make the bear believable.
“This has never really been done before in a live theatre space,” Hameed says. “There are aspects of puppetry, there are aspects of costume, so many different things that build the physicality of Paddington.”
“Oh and not forgetting acting,” adds Shah.
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They may not have decided on a term for the process that makes Paddington come alive but there is one thing Shah is sure of: “We’re making history.”
Hameed continues: “It’s definitely theatre history, if not entertainment and British history. And being a part of that feels really special.”
Paddington is part of their own personal histories too. Shah’s earliest memories are from “when I was at primary school, about seven or eight years old, coming back from school and watching Paddington on TV with my older brother. We’d sit there with a cup of hot chocolate, just fond memories full of warmth.
Paddington’s been with me in recent years too. When my son was born, he was gifted the books by his aunt and we’ve been reading them to him. I worked on the third film as well, which is another string to my bow.”
James Hameed and Arti Shah. Image: Jay Brooks
Shah worked as a movement reference on the 2024 film Paddington in Peru, her physicality providing a guide for animators. It’s one of many impressive credits on Shah’s CV, which include mega franchises like Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and being the on-set performer for Rocket the raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy.
When puppet designer Tahra Zafar and creature effects artist Neal Scanlan teamed up to create Paddington, both having worked with Shah in the past, they recommended her for the part.
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Hameed was also hired without auditioning, having previously worked with director Luke Sheppard on the Live Aid musical, Just For One Day.
“I remember [Sheppard] gave me a call in the summer of 2022 saying he was working on Paddington: The Musical and every time he heard the songs thinking, ‘Oh it sounds like something James could do.’ I thought it would just be, you know, chilling in the ensemble, then one day my agent called me and asked: ‘How do you feel about being Paddington Bear?’
Paddington: The Musical is showing at the Savoy Theatre in London. Image: Johan Persson
“I never read the books as a child, but as a British person, you’re always aware of Paddington in some way,” Hameed continues. “My dad came over in the 70s, and his understanding of Paddington was something very similar to his story, coming to London, trying to find a home. For my mum, it was about all the things she loved about Britain: being kind and polite; drinking tea.
“For me personally, he represents displacement, finding safety, finding a home – which will be a topic for the ages. And that home is what you want it to be, not what other people tell you it is.”
Shah shares what the character means to her. “For me he represents wanting to be accepted, wanting to be included. The musical resonates with me so much. It’s about kindness and love. They’re both things that are free and everybody has within them.”
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“And differences are actually good,” says Hameed. “Differences are important. Life would be so boring if everyone was the same.
“We’d all look the same,” says Shah. “It would be so bland. You need some flavour.”
The updated Paddington. Image: Jay Brooks
After three years of workshops, Paddington: The Musical premiered on 30 November at the Savoy Theatre, drawing universally stellar reviews. The next day, Shah posted on Instagram about the hugely significant moment:
“Fourteen-year-old me who had stones thrown at her and names called because she was different. She began to dislike who she was and almost had leg-lengthening surgery so she could be taller and be like everyone else.
She didn’t go ahead with it, she realised that if she did not love herself, how could she expect anyone else to love and accept her. She fought her whole life to be accepted and to stand for inclusion.
“She fought to break down stereo-types. She believed in herself. Yesterday was a day she will never forget.”
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A few weeks in, Shah still feels the same. “I am doing my dream role,” she says.
The positivity of the performers resonates and ripples out into the audience.
“Whenever we go to stage door, seeing the affect it’s had on people is phenomenal,” Hameed says.
“The amount who have gone, ‘You know what, we really need this message right now.’ I do genuinely believe that people will come, maybe just expecting to see Paddington on stage and being excited by that but walking away with the message of kindness, acceptance, love, home and hope. Not just tolerating someone, but accepting someone, welcoming someone.
“Someone might look different. They might act different. They might like marmalade way more than we think they should. But everyone deserves kindness and respect.”
“And those feelings are so much more rewarding and make you feel so much better than having the negative thoughts and feelings,” Shah continues. “Sharing something you love with others can open up so many doors. Paddington shares his marmalade sandwiches and how many doors does that open up for him?”
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“Loads,” confirms Hameed. “Sharing things that are important to us with others can break down barriers,” Shah says.
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