Video

Video: Meet the performers bringing Paddington to life

Check out our exclusive chat with the pair now!

Alex Wood

Alex Wood

| London |

1 November 2025

paddington meet
James Hameed and Arti Shah, © Jay Brooks

As previews for Paddington The Musical begin, producers have released a first look at the Bear and revealed the performers who bring him to the stage – and we’ve had a chance to meet the wonderful duo primed to enchant audiences!

James Hameed (Paddington off-stage performer and remote puppeteer) and Arti Shah (Paddington on-stage performer) share the role of the famous bear.

Abbie Purvis and Ali Sarebani are the alternate Paddington on-stage performers. The team responsible for the bear includes Tahra Zafar (Paddington bear designer), Audrey Brisson (Bear physicality associate director), Phill Woodfine (remote puppetry coach), and Annabelle Davis (Paddington bear casting director).

Watch the video now to meet Hameed and Shah:

See more of the latest Bear news

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