★★★★★ (5 of 5)
Principals performing on 28/1/26
Teddy Kempner (Mr. Gruber)
James Hameed & Abbie Purvis (Paddington)
Tarinn Callender (Grant)
Adrian Der Gregorian (Mr. Brown)
Amy Ellen Richardson (Mrs. Brown)
Stevie Hare (Joanthan Brown)
Deliah Bennett-Cardy (Judy Brown)
Tom Edden (Mr. Curry)
Brenda Edwards (Tanya)
Bonnie Langford (Mrs. Bird)
Jacqueline Hughes (Millicent Clyde) [Cover]
Amy Booth-Steel (Lady Sloane)
Paddington Bear has somehow become the symbol of a welcoming London, the little immigrant Peruvian bear stole our hearts firstly in the books by his creator Michael Bond in the late 1950s, then became a 1970s television treat before latterly commanding the big screen in (to date) three highly successful movies. He has made the stage before of course, but never so outstandingly triumphant as this new show at the Savoy Theatre. Getting a ticket has become a challenge, and so we counted ourselves lucky in taking our seats with a sold out audience.
The musical takes its premise from the 2014 movie, with Paddington's arrival in London and the subsequent quest by the explorer's daughter Millicent Clyde to acquire the bear for her collection of stuffed animals. With a book by Jessica Swale and new songs by McFly's Tom Fletcher, this foray into the world of Paddington promises great things.
The first thing that hits you is that the show is lavish. Both the settings and the accompanying video animation transport us into both the real lives and the minds of the characters. Director Luke Shepperd and his team have hit it spot on in recreating the lovely feel of the movies whilst retaining a distinctly theatrical identity. Neil Austin's atmospheric lighting throughout adding yet another rich layer to what is by any standards, a visual feast. The realisation of Paddington himself is a marvel, with animatronic face movements added to a distinctly organic body which has us falling in love with him from the off. It is a stunning recreation of the little bear, and a talking point all its own. James Hameed (voice) and Abbie Purvis (body) work as one to bring him to life, seemlessly blending to give us the Paddington of our dreams.
Paddington would be lost without the Brown family and they turn out in force. Adrian Der Gregorian is stuffy Mr. Brown, risk analyst (whose hidden desire to rock is soon unleashed). Amy Ellen Richardson is the kindly Mrs. Brown who takes Paddington into her home and sings like an angel, "One Page At A Time" being a fine solo. Delilah Bennett Cardy and Stevie Hare, are sulky Judy Brown and all knowing Jonathan Brown respectively. Both hit their characters spot on. 32 Windsor Gardens is completed by lodger Mrs. Bird, in the shape of West End legend Bonnie Langford. Bonnie has long been a one-woman show enhancement facility, and here too her sunny stage presence takes flight. Who would have thought that Mrs. Bird was secretly a West End star! We did worry there wouldn't be a moment for her to do the splits (surely part of Bonnie's show contracts now), we didn't leave disappointed.
Sometimes you get to the theatre, view the cast board and a moment of disappointment hits you. So it was when we saw that Victoria Hamilton-Barritt had taken a night off. However, that doesn't lessen the wonderful performance given by Jacqueline Hughes as Millicent Clyde, her solo "Pretty Little Dead Things" remains a highlight of the evening. Tom Edden's Mr. Curry (in a much expanded role to that of the movies) gives a comedic masterclass, leading the audience singing to "Marmalade" and generally providing stalwart support to the show. Big voiced Brenda Edwards is given her moment in "Rhythm Of London", a celebration of all that is good in the capital city. Tarinn Callender as Grant, lacky to Millicent, proves that his wonderful turn in The Drifters Girl was no fluke. A talent to keep an eye on. Amy Booth-Steel is another show stealer, leading the Geographers Guild with a stiff upper lip and a knowing swagger. Another wonderful presence in a show so rich in talent.
Tom Fletcher's songs mostly hit the spot, "The Explorer and the Bear" being one particularly memorable motif throughout the night. We look forward to familiarising ourselves with the score with the forthcoming cast album, it will doubtless be on repeat for anyone who sees the show. This could well be the start of a promising career as a theatre composer for McTom.
Paddington The Musical has hit the spot at just the right moment. With the world in an ugly place right now, we have never needed Paddington's message of kindness and tolerence more. It is theatrical prozac. The beaming faces of everyone in the audience prove that Paddington is in for a long stay at the Savoy Theatre. Get the marmalade sandwiches ready.
Rob & Ian
Details and booking links can be found at the official Paddington The Musical website
Further listening:
Get ready for the original cast recording, to be released in March
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