‘Paddington the Musical’ Extends West End Run Through 2028 After Olivier Awards Sweep

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.

“Paddington the Musical” is sticking around London a little longer. The hit stage adaptation of Michael Bond’s beloved children’s books has extended its West End run through June 25, 2028, as the production approaches its first anniversary at the Savoy Theatre.

The extension comes following a record-tying seven wins at the 2026 Olivier Awards, including best new musical, best director for Luke Sheppard and best actor in a musical for James Hameed and Arti Shah, who jointly portrayed the titular bear. The production also took home nine WhatsOnStage Awards, tying the record for the most wins in the ceremony’s history, as well as the Critics’ Circle Award for best new musical.

Based on Bond’s 1958 book “A Bear Called Paddington” and StudioCanal’s 2014 film, the musical follows the marmalade-loving Peruvian bear as he arrives in London and finds a home with the Brown family, whose lives are upended when a mysterious villain sets her sights on their new houseguest. The production features music and lyrics by McFly singer Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale and direction by Sheppard, whose credits include “& Juliet.”

The show has drawn particular attention for its elaborate staging of Paddington himself, brought to life through a combination of a full-body bear costume and remote puppetry. Original performers Shah and Hameed spent three years developing the character through workshops, with Shah physically embodying Paddington onstage while Hameed provided his voice and remotely controlled his facial expressions.

The extension also coincides with the arrival of a new West End cast, which began performances Oct. 28. Abbie Purvis and Hassan Taj now alternate as Paddington’s onstage performers, with Sonny Monaghan providing his voice and remote puppetry. The new cast also includes Haydn Oakley and Charlotte Wakefield as Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Cassidy Janson as Millicent Clyde and Linzi Hateley as Mrs. Bird.

The musical’s success has already prompted an international expansion. A Broadway production is set to begin previews March 30, 2027, at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, ahead of an official opening April 18. Another production will open at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in September 2027.

“Paddington the Musical” is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, StudioCanal and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK. Tickets for the extended London run are now on sale, with the best availability beginning in summer 2027.