Arti Shah, who has played numerous roles in Disney’s Star Wars era films, has been revealed as Paddington Bear in London’s newest West End Musical, Paddington: The Musical, performing in a heavily padded bear suit to bring the iconic character to life, with James Hameed who provides the voice from off-stage.
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. James Hameed (Paddington off-stage performer and remote puppeteer) and Arti Shah (Paddington on-stage performer) share the role of the famous bear.
The creative team includes Matt Brind (musical supervisor, orchestrations and arrangements), Ellen Kane (choreographer), Tom Pye (scenic designer), Gabriella Slade (costume designer), Tahra Zafar (Paddington bear designer), Neil Austin (lighting designer), Gareth Owen (sound designer), Ash J Woodward (video designer and animation), Campbell Young Associates (hair, wig and make-up designer), Majid Adin (illustration and additional animation), Laura Bangay (musical director), Natalie Gallacher for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting (casting director), Nick Hockaday (young persons’ casting director), Davis (Paddington casting director), Javier Marzan (physical comedy consultant), Tobago Crusoe and Felix Ruiz (additional music consultants).
The musical tells the story of the lost bear from Peru who arrives in London and finds a new home with the Brown family at Windsor Gardens. The plot involves a chance encounter, the challenges London presents, and the Browns’ mission to rescue Paddington when he is targeted by a villain, leading them to realise their need for the bear. The production is based on Michael Bond’s characters with a story inspired by the 2014 film.
Music and lyrics are by McFly’s Tom Fletcher, who is also a huge Star Wars fan. Paddington: The Musical is booking through October 25th, 2026, at the Savoy Theatre in London, get your tickets here.
Image: Jay Brooks
