A new stage adaptation of Paddington has received rave reviews from critics following its West End premiere. Paddington the Musical, which features new songs by McFly’s Tom Fletcher, follows the beloved bear as he arrives in London and is taken in by the Brown family.
The Guardian’s five-star review said the show is “imaginatively staged, immaculately performed and utterly winning”, while the Telegraph described it as a “funny, feel-good, family-friendly musical that looks set to run and run”. Awarding four stars, the Times added: “Break open the marmalade: the West End has a new hit musical that will surely give Matilda a run for its money as a children’s favourite.” The stage musical, which is written by Jessica Swale and directed by Luke Sheppard, is adapted from the 2014 film and Michael Bond’s original books.