Paddington The Musical - Review

Savoy Theatre, London

****

Music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher

Book by Jessica Swale

Directed by Luke Sheppard

Based on A Bear Called Paddington written by Michael Bond and the film ‘PADDINGTON’, by special arrangement with STUDIOCANAL

James Hameed and Arti Shah

Newly arrived from deepest, darkest Peru, Paddington The Musical has opened at London’s Savoy Theatre and visually, it’s a treat!

On the night of this review Abbie Purvis, the alternate Paddington, played the onstage bear as James Hameed voiced Paddington, the two of them combining to create one of the finest characters to be found on a London stage. The fusion of technical wizardry, Tahra Zafar's fabulous bear designs and the pair’s acting talent (with Purvis making her West End debut too!) truly brought Michael Bond’s kind and inquisitive bear to life. The magic of the show is lifted by Tom Pyle’s scenic design work and Ash J Woodward’s videos that give a glorious excitement to the Savoy’s stage and surrounds.

There are some absolute gems in the show’s supporting cast, with Bonnie Langford as the wise old Mrs Bird stealing her scenes with her stunning stage presence. Matching Langford is Tom Edden, arguably the nation's master of physical comedy who nimbly steps back and forward across the fourth wall as Mr Curry, the bad guy who finds redemption. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt is deliciously boo-able as the baddy Millicent Clyde, as the quartet playing the likeable Brown family all put in a decent shift.

Jessica Swale has written the show’s book and Tom Fletcher, the music and lyrics. Paddington at heart is a simple fable and while the creative pair retain the essence of Bond’s stories, too much of their take on London plays out too politically, their rose-tinted view of the capital at odds with many of the city's more ugly realities. Musically, many of the show's early melodies are bland and often with lyrics that are disappointingly inaudible. It really takes until the second act for Fletcher’s compositions to break free of the constraints of his pop-music background and display true wit.

Luke Sheppard, truly the wunderkind of modern musical theatre direction knows how to direct a family show that looks wonderful, is acted brilliantly and makes for fine, fun family entertainment.

Booking until 25th October 2026

Photo credit: Johan Persson

The Christmasaurus Live On Stage – Review

Eventim Apollo, London

*****

Music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher

Directed by Derek Bond

Tom  Fletcher and Dan McLellan 

“This is not a musical. This is not a concert. This is not a panto, or a play, or anything I can compare it to,” so proclaims Tom Fletcher in the show notes. And he is quite right. While The Christmasaurus Live On Stage has components of all of these, it is – much like the titular only dinosaur in the world – truly unique.

The Christmasaurus tells the story of William Trundle, who wants nothing more than for his dad to be happy. Friendless and lonely, he asks only for a dinosaur for Christmas. Meanwhile, in the North Pole - the home of an equally lonely Christmasaurus - Santa and his elves are working hard to get ready for the big day, and to fulfil William’s wish. However, The Hunter - a man who by his own admission is ‘fangirly for taxidermy’ - stands in the way of a seamless Christmas Eve, as he plans to shoot down one of Santa’s flying reindeer, before determining that the Christmasaurus should be his prize.

From the outset, it is abundantly clear that this show is full of heart and joy; the Christmas spirit brought to life. Tom Fletcher (who plays William's father Bob, as well as narrating the plot) commands the stage in a role he was born to play. Matt Willis (The Hunter) and Harry Judd (Dancer Bob) are hilarious, Carrie Hope Fletcher (Brenda Payne) outstanding as a vocalist and Giovanna Fletcher (Miss Payne) is warm, funny and magnetic. 

Elsewhere, the terrific ensemble adapts to a variety of scenarios with seeming ease. While there are no weak links, special mention goes to Katie Bradley, Miracle Chance and Raquel Jones for delivering some sterling performances.

William Trundle will be played by three young actors across the show’s run. In this review performance, Dan McLellan did a beautiful job in capturing the character’s alternating innocence and keen awareness. He proves he is more than capable of delivering elements of this challenging role, including some soaring vocals and snappy one-liners - a stunning debut from this young performer.

What also shines through in this short run at Hammersmith, is Fletcher’s commitment to making his show’s representative of, and accessible to, all children. Beyond casting actors who are genuine wheelchair users for Trundle, there is also an interpreter those who are hard of hearing on stage throughout. What’s more, unlike most theatres, the Eventim Apollo is far better equipped to facilitate wheelchair access. Fletcher is truly making this Christmas magical for thousands of children and adults.

Musically, the score is a work of genius, combining Fletcher’s expertise in writing great pop songs and a natural gravitas towards musical theatre, previously articulated in McFly’s Wonderland album (2005). Each song is a standalone entity crafted to perfection; there are no filler tracks here. 

A highlight is Afraid of Heights, an exceptionally rousing number that cements the show’s film potential – something that’s currently in the works, with The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey signed on to the project.

As ever, Howard Hudson's lighting enahnces the tale magnificently, but despite Santa and The Elves’ presence throughout, it is the Christmasaurus himself who brings the real magic to the stage. Puppeteers Mikey Brett and Luisa Guerreiro breathe life into Max Humphries’ design in a way that presents no doubt about the authenticity of this wondrous creature. There isn’t a soul that believes otherwise and so manifests, the message purveyed throughout the production – that “believing is seeing.” 

Fun, energetic, heartfelt and magical, The Christmasaurus Live On Stage is a gift worth its weight in gold, that's sure to become a Christmas classic. Merry Christmasaurus!

Runs until 28th December

Reviewed by Bhakti Gajjar