The international bear of mystery is still to be found

Complete (ish) casting has been announced for the world premiere of Paddington The Musical, which opens at the Savoy Theatre on 30 November, with previews from 1 November.
The production, adapted from Michael Bond’s books and the hit films, features music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale and direction by Luke Sheppard.
As already revealed, the principal cast is made up of Timi Akinyosade (Tony), Amy Booth-Steel (Lady Sloane), Tarinn Callender (Grant), Delilah Bennett-Cardy (Judy Brown), Adrian Der Gregorian (Mr Brown), Tom Edden (Mr Curry), Brenda Edwards (Tanya), Amy Ellen Richardson (Mrs Brown), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Millicent Clyde), Teddy Kempner (Mr Gruber), Bonnie Langford (Mrs Bird), and the role of Jonathan Brown is played by Joseph Bramley, Leo Collon, Stevie Hare and Jasper Rowse.
The new cast members joining them are 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 and Simon Shorten.
If you’re looking for more information about the main bear himself, the show has confirmed that casting for Paddington, together with the “Bear Designer” and “Bear Creative team”, will be revealed on the first preview, alongside the wider team responsible for bringing this very special bear to life on stage. The anticipation!
The creative team working with Sheppard includes Matt Brind as musical supervisor, orchestrator and arranger, Ellen Kane as choreographer, Tom Pye as scenic designer, Gabriella Slade as costume designer, Neil Austin as lighting designer, Gareth Owen as sound designer, Ash J Woodward as video designer and animator, Campbell Young Associates as hair, wig and make-up designers, Majid Adin for illustration and additional animation, Laura Bangay as musical director, and Natalie Gallacher for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting as casting director.
Nick Hockaday serves as young persons’ casting director, Javier Marzan as physical comedy consultant, with Tobago and D-Lime providing additional music consultancy.
The musical follows the story of a small bear from Peru who finds a home with the Brown family in London. When a villain threatens Paddington’s new life, the family set out on a rescue mission.
The production is inspired by the 2014 film Paddington and includes new songs, choreography and the bear’s trademark marmalade sandwiches.
Michael Bond’s first Paddington book was published in 1958. Since then, more than 35 million copies have been sold worldwide, and the character has appeared in several television series and three feature films, most recently Paddington in Peru in 2024.
Paddington The Musical is currently booking at the Savoy Theatre until 25 May 2026.