Theater critics say the West End musical Paddington is practically the tentacles of musicals

Paddington is brought to life through the latest animation techniques: James Hamid is his voice and remote puppeteer, while Aarti Shah appears under his furry skin on stage (puppet design by Tahira Zafar). The Brown family is recognizable through the film’s star-studded cast: the risk-averse father (Adrienne Der Gregorian), the arty mother (Amy Ellen Richardson), teenage Judy (Delila Bennett-Cardy) and young encyclopedia-reading Jonathan (Jasper Rouse in Night Out), along with houseguest Mrs. Bird (Bonnie Langford, in National Treasure mode)… This is the new Mary Poppins: a well-known story imaginatively told, done right and won. Totally.

Arifa Akbar, The Guardian

The plot and mood here are loosely based on the first Paddington film, with director Luke Sheppard and set designer Tom Pye creating a warm, multicultural and picturesque evocation of bohemian London. The famous bear lands in an inhospitable town, then finds a home with the kindly Brown family. On the gorgeous ballad “Don’t Touch That,” his buttery curiosity nearly destroys the fabric of their home: shelves tilt, white goods explode, soap bubbles explode and jets of water shoot through the ceiling.

Alice Saville, The Independent

The moment the newcomer from darkest Peru tried on his raincoat for the first time sparked a chorus of “ahhs” around the hall. Adults should not feature prominently in this effervescent, if somewhat long, production directed by Luke Sheppard. Jessica Swale’s script is based on the original Paddington books and the first spin-off film. Here, it’s the busy neighbor Mr. Curry who gets some of the best lines, Tom Eden has no end of fun as the killjoy with Compover who eventually sees the error of his ways.

Clive Davis, The Times

Ah, Paddington Bear. Are the poppy songs in this new McFly Tom Fletcher musical particularly memorable? They are not. Is Jessica Swale’s plot full of holes and needless diversions? that it. But will your eyes be moist the moment Darkest Peru’s little furball sets his paws down at Paddington Station – and will your eyes fill to overflowing when he climbs into a black cab with the Brown family and sets off on his journey towards home, family and belonging? Unless there’s something seriously wrong with you – and perhaps almost despite you – yes, they will.

Sam Marlowe, theatre

Not only does he blink sheepishly, his bewildered little muzzle wrinkles with intense pity – and a cuteness beyond the Richter scale. When he turns around to shake his little bum, he gets the kind of reception usually reserved for a 40-point samba on Strictly. So the bear essentials – designed by Tahira Zafar – are genius. But Paddington is a team effort. His voice is delivered from the wings by James Hamid, while the outfit itself is inhabited by Aarti Shah. It has a great wiggle for a little villa.

Patrick Marmion, Daily Mail

There are glorious hallucinogenic knees-ups in praise of marmalade (including Tom Eden’s delightfully sticky neighbor Mr Curry), a brilliant Geographers’ Guild tote bag and a show-stopper in which Bonnie Langford’s wise old Mrs Bird turns into a theatrical troupe, does splits and brings the house down; So silly, but so life affirming. Is this a new classic on par with Mary Poppins or Matilda? No, it’s a touch threadbare and full of songs, but it’s still a very welcome addition to the British musical family.

Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph

It’s not just the bear design that’s adorable. Scenic designer Tom Pye makes striking use of the high ceiling and proscenium arch by flooding them with a mosaic of images that evoke Paddington’s homeland and Ms. Brown’s superhero caricatures. Every detail of this show is fantastic – and I predict this will be one of our proud British exports that will go on to take the world by storm.

Fiona Mountford, First Paper

This show is about welcoming foreigners, and emphasizing the values ​​of kindness and tolerance that have been hallmarks of Britain. Swale’s text and Fletcher’s words make this point again and again. It’s a joy to find such a powerful message in such popular entertainment. However, the comedy in the show never stops.

Sarah Crompton, WhatsOnStage