Britain’s most beloved bear makes an enormous, marmalade-filled splash in this utterly enchanting, magical, musical.
Penned by the brilliant combination of Tom Fletcher (Music and Lyrics) and Jessica Swale (Book), Paddington the Musical throws Peru’s most famous expat into the chaotic hustle and bustle of London, sent by his Aunt Lucy to make a life for himself in the capital and, perhaps, be reunited with a mythical explorer who had once come to his Peruvian home long ago. Upon arrival in the bustling train station, Paddington (James Hameed and Arti Shah) is eventually rescued by the kind Brown family, apart from a disagreeable Mr Brown, and taken home, though trouble is not too far away as the talking bear is suddenly targeted for stuffing by the villainous collector Millicent Clyde (a terrific Victoria Hamilton-Barritt).
As Paddington, Hameed and Shah share the role, with Hameed providing the voice and Shah providing the movements. It is a perfect combination which lands successfully, and it is impossible not to be moved by the vulnerable bear standing, cradling his suitcase and marmalade sandwich, static and lost among the London crowds. The pair draw out Paddington’s gentle, kind-hearted nature, but also his playful side too. His arrival at the Brown’s house brings much chaos, aided by a fantastic set designed by Tom Pye, which allows for things to ping off walls, fall from ceilings and spring from the floor with terrific success that amusingly depicts Paddington’s clumsy assimilation into the Brown’s lives.
As the Brown family, the parents and children are a good, albeit typical, mix that offers just enough seriousness for a heartfelt plot but nothing too emotionally heavy either. Adrian Der Gregorian’s grumpy Mr Brown, longing for rock and roll stardom but settling for risk management, is a good weight pulling the rest of the family back down to earth. This is a neat contrast to the dreaming Mrs Brown (Amy Ellen Richardson), whose kind-hearted nature sees her initially rescue Paddington, before opening up about her own vulnerability as a mother struggling to connect with her children and longing for artistic success as a comic book writer. Indeed, the comic book creations are a brilliant addition to the piece, with Ash J Woodward’s projections covering the stage walls in gorgeously designed drawings, injecting even more colour and vibrancy into this already dazzling show. Rounding off the family are Delilah Bennett-Cardy’s suitably stroppy teenage daughter Judy, and delightfully brainy Jonathan (Joseph Bramley). As a four, it is a strong unit, but one that really thrives in the second half as they pull together to rescue the kidnapped bear.
Alongside the Brown family is the wonderful Bonnie Langford as Mrs Bird. Langford oozes charm in this role, and there are neat nods in the script to her own musical theatre history as Mrs Bird tells numerous anecdotes, some true, some not-so-true, to much amusement. In addition, Brenda Edwards’ portrayal of Tanya, mother to the sweet Tony (Timi Akinyosade), works well, with the pair effectively conveying the joy of London life and evoking the relentless, contagious positivity that emanates from the production. Fletcher’s score shines throughout, but one particular number, ‘The Rhythm of London’, is a brilliant love note to all things London, and a wonderful celebration of life and living in the city, a burst of colour, energy and positivity much needed at a time where it feels much of this has been zapped.
In addition, Tom Edden’s goofy neighbourhood warden Mr Curry is suitably silly, while Hamilton-Barritt’s dastardly Millicent provides just enough evil to take the musical to some unexpectedly dark places, given the young target audience. There is a good amount of jeopardy for Paddington to fall into, but the piece never loses sight of who this is truly aimed at. That said, particularly through this pair, the more adult humour, the jokes that will go over the kids’ heads, come alive here, with aplomb.
Paddington the Musical is, comfortably, one of if not the best thing in London right now. It boasts an exceptional collection of songs, which are memorable and catchy yet also full of heart and vigour. It is, thanks to the terrific direction, wonderful music and exceptional performances, impossible not to get swept up by the magic of it all, and the unequivocal joy the piece brings. In such a time where the world feels full of doom and gloom, and life lacks colour, Paddington the Musical is the perfect antidote to this.
It is sickly sweet, just like a marmalade sandwich, and all the better for it.
