REVIEW: PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL @ SAVOY THEATRE

🎭 Paddington The Musical

📍 Savoy Theatre, Savoy Court, The Strand, London, WC2R 0ET

🗓 Wednesday 25th February 2026

⭐️ 5 Stars

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK

It's time to confess: I was nervous. After The Creakers left me a bit cold, I wasn't sure if Tom Fletcher's score would hit the mark. But sweet Marmalade, was I wrong! Fletcher's music and lyrics for PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL at the Savoy Theatre are nothing short of divine - catchy, heartfelt, and perfectly pitched. Each and every one is an undeniable hit.

I cannot mention the score without the early standout, The Rhythm of London. This jaunty, Caribbean-inflected number celebrates the city's vibrant diversity, with Branda Edwards delivering powerhouse vocals that quite literally shake the rafters. It reminds me exactly why I love living in London and perfectly sets the tone for a show that is, at its heart, a massive multicultural love letter to the capital.

And just wait until you see the Act Two opener Marmalade. It's a full-throttle, explosive sea of orange that transforms the Savoy Theatre into a giddy fairground. Ellen Kane's choreography is vigorous and joy-filled, featuring old-Hollywood style kick lines and twirling oranges that had the entire audience beaming. It's a masterclass in how to open a second act with a bang.

As someone who was utterly obsessed with that polite little bear as a kid, I actually got goosebumps the moment he stepped onto the stage. Arti Shah (in the suit) and James Hameed (providing that pitch-perfect voice) create a seamless, soul-stirring performance that makes you believe a bear has truly moved into Windsor Gardens. The performance was so realistic that I genuinely heard someone behind me ask their friend "Do you know if this show based on a true story?" - I wish I was joking!

The creative team here has pulled off a miracle. Jessica Swale's script is witty and tight, while Luke Sheppard's direction is masterly.

The technical wizardry on display is next level. Tom Pye's set is a marvel of clever engineering, constantly bathed in Howard Hudson's superb lighting design, and works in stunning harmony with Ash J Woodward's video projections to create a London that feels like a living pop-up book.

From "lost bear" leaflets falling from the ceiling to surprise water jets (watch out for the bathtub scene!), the production is constantly spilling out into the auditorium to make you feel part of the chaos.

This is, hands down, the best-cast show in the West End right now. While the bear is the undisputed star of the show, the family unit is exceptional. Anchored by a truly luminous Amy Ellen Richardson as Mrs Brown who brings such a grounded, maternal warmth to the stage that you find yourself wishing she could tuck you in at night. She is the absolute heart of the Brown household.

Adrian Der Gregorian is flawless as the risk-averse Mr Brown. His character arc is one of the most rewarding parts of the night, culminating in the heavy-rock anthem Risky Business where he finally reclaims his inner rock star. It's a thunderous, surprising highlight that adds real grit to the family dynamic. The family are completed by Delilah Bennett-Cardy and Stevie Hare, who give impeccable performances as the Brown siblings.

Tarinn Callender, delivering his trademark soulful vocals, and Timi Akinyosade are both spectacular, adding so much depth to this vibrant world.

And the comedy? I was in stitches. Amy Booth-Steel is a total scene stealer, delivering a side-splitting performance that proves she is one of our greatest comedic assets - her timing is like a Swiss watch, and I'll never be able to say the word "member" in the same way again! She is matched beat-for-beat by Tom Edden, who is a masterclass in physical comedy. Every look and gesture had the audience in absolute fits.

Then there is Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, who officially solidifies herself as the West End's reigning queen of baddies as Millicent Clyde. She is deliciously wicked, prowling the stage with a sinister charisma that you just can't look away from. She's the villain we didn't know we needed.

But the roof nearly came off for the legendary Bonnie Langford. As Mrs Bird, her solo stopped the show, receiving the loudest, most well-deserved applause of the night. It was pure theatre magic.

For all the fun, the production finds its soul in the quiet moments between Paddington and Teddy Kempner's Mr Gruber. Kempner brings a poignant, gruff humanity to the role, and the subtle refrences to Gruber's own Kindertransport journey provide a moving parallel to Paddington's search for a home. It turns the show from a mere comedy into a deeply relevant story about refuge and kindness.

There is not one weak link in the cast, as the entire ensemble operates with the precision and high-octane energy of a world-class troupe. Tiago Dhondt Bamberger stands out in particular, with charisma and energy that shine through in every moment, anchoring complex choreography and adding immense, magnetic life.

I simply cannot finish this review without talking about the music, because the Savoy Theatre has never sounded richer. The band is absolutely sensational, delivering a lush, full-bodied sound that wraps around you like a warm hug. It is all led with such contagious enthusiasm by Musical Director Laura Bangay. Watching her in the pit is a joy in itself. She drives the score with a shimmering energy that keeps the whole production soaring, ensuring Fletcher's melodies land with maximum emotional impact. The sound radiating from the pit was vibrant and perfectly balanced - bravo, Laura!

Somehow five stars just don't seem enough for PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL. It's warm, it's hilarious, and it's a total triumph.

This show champions and celebrates diversity and acceptance. Perhaps Nigel Farage should go and see this show - he might learn something!

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

CAST LIST:

Arti Shah as Paddington (Onstage Performer); James Hameed as Young Man / Paddington (Voice & Remote Puppetry); Amy Ellen Richardson as Mrs Brown; Adrian Der Gregorian as Mr Brown; Delilah Bennett-Cardy as Judy Brown; Stevie Hare as Jonathan Brown; Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Millicent Clyde; Tom Edden as Mr Curry; Bonnie Langford as Mrs Bird; Tarinn Callender as Grant; Teddy Kempner as Mr Gruber; Amy Booth-Steel as Lady Sloane / Mrs Hachoo / Train Announcer; Brenda Edwards as Tanya / Voice of Aunt Lucy; Timi Akinyosade as Tony; Ben Redfern as Hank the Pigeon

Ensemble: Tiago Dhondt Bamberger; Aimée Fisher; Jacqueline Hughes; Kellianna Jay; Natasha Leaver; Sunny Lee; Jáiden Lodge; Ben Redfern; Vicki Lee Taylor; Simon Shorten

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 45 minutes, including interval

AGE GUIDELINES:

A marmalade packed adventure recommended for ages 6+

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