'Paddington the Musical' Reveals Second-Year West End Cast as Olivier-Winning Show Continues

'Paddington The Musical' will stay in the West End until 2028 after winning seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, with producers now confirming a new cast for the show's second year at the Savoy Theatre.

The musical, based on Michael Bond's Paddington stories and the successful film adaptations, has become one of the West End's major family productions since opening in November 2025. The production will continue at the Savoy Theatre with a second-year company taking over.

Who Is Joining the Second-Year Cast?

The newly announced cast will take over as the production enters its second year, bringing fresh performers to the world of Paddington, the Brown family and the other residents of Windsor Gardens.

The production is continuing its run at the Savoy Theatre, where the story follows Paddington as he arrives in London from Peru, looking for a new home. He is welcomed by the Brown family, but his new life is threatened when a mysterious villain targets the young bear, forcing the family to embark on a rescue mission.

The current production features Timi Akinyosade as Tony, Amy Booth-Steel as Lady Sloane, Tarinn Callender as Grant, Delilah Bennett-Cardy as Judy Brown, Adrian Der Gregorian as Mr Brown and Tom Edden as Mr Curry.

Brenda Edwards plays Tanya, Amy Ellen Richardson is Mrs Brown, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt plays Millicent Clyde, Teddy Kempner appears as Mr Gruber and Bonnie Langford plays Mrs Bird. The role of Jonathan Brown is shared by Joseph Bramley, Leo Collon, Stevie Hare and Jasper Rowse.

The production also includes an ensemble featuring Esme Bacalla-Hayes, Tiago Dhondt Bamberger, David Birch, Aimée Fisher, Jacqueline Hughes, Kellianna Jay, Sam Lathwood, Natasha Leaver, Katie Lee, Sunny Lee, Vicki Lee Taylor, Jáiden Lodge, Andilé Mabhena, Rose Mary O'Reilly, Ben Redfern, Hugo Rolland, Simon Shorten and Hassan Taj.

Who Plays Paddington?

One of the production's key elements is that Paddington is brought to life through a combination of performance, puppetry and voice work rather than being played by a conventional on-stage actor.

James Hameed currently provides Paddington's voice and remote puppetry, while Arti Shah is an on-stage Paddington performer. Abbie Purvis and Ali Sarebani are alternate on-stage Paddington performers.

The creative team behind the bear has therefore become an important part of how the iconic character translates from the page and screen to a live West End stage.

Tom Fletcher and Jessica Swale Bring Paddington to the Stage

'Paddington The Musical' features music and lyrics by McFly's Tom Fletcher and a book by Jessica Swale, with direction from Luke Sheppard. Ellen Kane serves as choreographer, while Matt Brind provides musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements.

The production's visual world has also been created by an extensive creative team, including scenic designer Tom Pye, costume designer Gabriella Slade, lighting designer Neil Austin and sound designer Gareth Owen.

The musical draws not only from Bond's original books but also from the 'Paddington', 'Paddington 2' and 'Paddington in Peru' films, combining familiar elements with an original stage story.

Paddington Musical Extends Its West End Run

The production's future is already looking secure beyond its second year. 'Paddington The Musical' is scheduled to continue performances at the Savoy Theatre through 13 February 2028, giving audiences opportunities to see the award-winning production.

The show has a running time of approximately two hours and 45 minutes, including an interval, and is recommended for audiences aged six and over. Children under three cannot be admitted.

The arrival of a second-year cast represents another stage in the musical's West End run. With its Olivier Award recognition, audience response and an extended booking period, the production is continuing to establish Paddington as a regular presence on the London stage.

For fans wondering who will bring the famous bear and the Brown family to life next, the changing cast promises a fresh interpretation of a story built around kindness, belonging and finding a home, themes that have helped make Paddington one of Britain's most enduring fictional characters.